NPR News Now: August 11, 2025 – 3 PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Washington D.C. Protests and Federal Intervention
[00:32] Host Lakshmi Singh reports on the escalating protests in Washington D.C. following President Trump's decision to halt plans to federalize the city's police department and deploy the National Guard.
Sarah Y. Kim of WAMU captures the tension on the streets:
"That's the sound of protesters. As news broke of protest President Trump's federal takeover." [00:49]
Activist Ty Hobson Powell voices strong opposition to the administration's actions:
"They will carry this playbook to every community that dares to push back in the United States of America." [01:02]
The move by President Trump follows recent concerns over crime rates in D.C., which have actually decreased in recent years. The federal intervention was announced after an attempted carjacking of a former Donald Trump Organization staffer.
U.S. Government's Revenue Share from Nvidia's H20 Microchip
[01:22] The U.S. government announces it will take a 15% cut of revenues from chipmaker Nvidia's sales of its H20 microchip in China. President Trump labeled the chip obsolete, asserting that China already possesses similar technology.
Ty Hobson Powell elaborates on the situation:
"The U.S. government, first under Trump during his first term and then under President Biden, imposed restrictions on the export of high-end microchips to China on national security grounds." [01:35]
When Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sought an exception to sell the H20s in China, President Trump negotiated the government’s share:
"And I said if I'm going to do that, I want you to pay us as a country something." [01:52]
Huang agreed to a 15% cut, down from Trump's initial 20%. Nvidia maintains that it complies with all U.S. government regulations governing its operations in global markets. [01:56]
Political Standoff in Texas Over Redistricting
[02:19] Texas faces a deepening political impasse over mid-decade redistricting efforts aimed at benefiting Republican interests. The GOP-controlled state House failed to achieve a quorum as dozens of Democratic members absented themselves to block what they deem unlawful redistricting.
Governor Greg Abbott responds assertively:
"Any Democrat who surfaces in the state of Texas in that intervening time is going to be apprehended by the Texas Department of Public Safety and taken to the Texas Capitol and held there to make sure that we are able to meet quorum." [02:42]
The conflict extends the special session into another week, with the GOP poised to gain five congressional seats under the new map in the forthcoming midterm elections. Market reactions reflected the tension, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 185 points.
Stock Market and Local Emergencies
-
Market Update: The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 185 points to 43,989, and the NASDAQ fell by 17 points. [02:42]
-
Clairton Coke Works Explosion: A devastating explosion at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works near Pittsburgh resulted in at least one death, numerous injuries, and two individuals unaccounted for. The blast was felt two miles away, and rescue operations are ongoing. [03:07]
Administration Considers Reclassifying Marijuana
President Trump confirms ongoing discussions to reclassify marijuana, potentially categorizing it as a less dangerous drug. This initiative was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, with Trump anticipating a decision within a few weeks. [03:07]
New Research Links Violence to Cardiovascular Health in Women
A groundbreaking study from Harvard reveals that women who experience physical threats of violence, particularly stalking, have elevated rates of cardiovascular disease.
Katie Riddle of NPR highlights key findings:
"Researchers already know about certain risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular disease. But this study shows that extreme psychological stress that comes from being stalked can also lead to heart disease or heart attacks." [04:23]
Sarah Y. Kim adds:
"It's been emerging in some of our other work and work by other groups that women's experiences of violence is linked to their cardiovascular health. And stalking is one that is particularly understudied." [04:40]
The study analyzed data from over 66,000 nurses over two decades, underscoring the profound impact of psychological stress on long-term health. [04:53]
Closing Market Update
As the episode concludes, Lakshmi Singh provides a final market snapshot:
"The Dow Jones industrial average down 188 points, or nearly half a percent." [05:01]
For more detailed coverage and updates, visit NPR's website.