NPR News Now: August 12, 2025, 1AM EDT

Hosted by Doua Helisai Kautao

1. President Trump Declares Public Safety Emergency in Washington, D.C.

Timestamp: [00:18]

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has declared a public safety emergency for the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. The president cited the presence of "bloodthirsty criminals" as the primary reason for this action.

Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon Correspondent, provided further details on the deployment: “The president has plans to deploy the National Guard, with 800 D.C. guard troops, and there will be 100 to 200 soldiers supporting law enforcement at any given time.” These support roles are expected to include administrative tasks, logistics, transportation of supplies, and maintaining a physical presence in the area. However, Bowman noted, “So what does that mean in practice? We don't know yet,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the practical implications of this deployment.

2. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations and Tensions with Brazil

Timestamp: [01:00]

The administration is extending negotiations with China over tariff rates for an additional 90 days, following an executive order signed by President Trump. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated between the United States and Brazil regarding trade tariffs. Brazil's Finance Minister has reported the cancellation of scheduled trade talks with the U.S., though the reasons remain unclear.

Kerry Khan, NPR’s correspondent in Rio de Janeiro, elaborated on the situation: “Brazilian officials have complained about not being able to properly negotiate with the US Finance minister, Fernando Herdade. A virtual meeting he had scheduled with the US treasury secretary for Wednesday was canceled.” The high tariffs, notably a 50% levy imposed by President Trump, have been a point of contention. Khan explained, “He has lobbied for sanctions in retaliation for the treatment of his father facing coup charges,” referring to former President Jair Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, a Brazilian congressman with ties to the Trump administration. This move is seen as retaliation connected to legal challenges faced by Bolsonaro.

3. Tragic Shooting in Austin, Texas

Timestamp: [02:24]

A tragic shooting outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, has resulted in the deaths of three individuals.

Katie McAfee of KUT reported: “Two people were pronounced dead on the scene and a third person died after being transported to a hospital.” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided details about the suspect: “The suspect fled the scene, stole a car, wrecked it, and then hijacked another car. He was found in South Austin and taken into custody after being tasered.” The suspect is identified as a 32-year-old white male with a known history of mental illness. As of now, the motive remains unclear, and authorities have not released the identities of the victims.

4. Remembering Jazz Legend Sheila Jordan

Timestamp: [03:12]

NPR mourns the passing of Sheila Jordan, a revered jazz singer, at the age of 96. Though celebrated within the jazz community, Jordan remained relatively unknown to the broader public.

NPR's Netta Ulaby shared a heartfelt remembrance: “Sheila Jordan was born to a family without much money in Pennsylvania coal country. She told NPR in 2014 that she was unhappy as a kid and the only thing she could do about it was sing.” Her encounter with Charlie Parker’s music was a turning point: “I put my nickel in and up came Bird playing 'Now’s the Time.' I said, that's the music. That's the one I'll dedicate my life to.”

Jordan, a white woman in a predominantly black jazz scene, forged meaningful relationships with influential black jazz artists, earning respect for her unique vocal talent. Despite never achieving mainstream fame, her contributions were recognized in 2012 when the National Endowment for the Arts named her a jazz master. Remarkably, Jordan continued to perform well into her 90s, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of jazz.

5. Fatal Attack on Al Jazeera Journalists in Gaza

Timestamp: [04:29]

In a tragic development, five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in Gaza during a targeted Israeli strike aimed at their prominent correspondent, Anas al Sharif. Al Jazeera stated that Al Sharif’s reporting in Gaza City had garnered millions of viewers and was a significant factor in the attack.

However, the Israeli government quickly condemned Al Jazeera, accusing Anas al Sharif of being a Hamas terrorist, and claimed responsibility for the strike. The situation has heightened tensions between media organizations and military forces in conflict zones, raising serious concerns about journalist safety and freedom of the press in volatile regions.

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