NPR News Now: August 12, 2025 | 2AM EDT
Released on August 12, 2025
1. National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C.
Host: Doua Elisa Kowtel
Timestamp: [00:19]
President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of approximately 800 National Guard troops to Washington D.C., stating that he is taking over the city's police department due to a purported "dire public safety crisis." This move leverages the unique status of the District of Columbia, which, unlike other cities, falls directly under federal jurisdiction.
Reporter: Greg Meg Anderson
Timestamp: [00:45]
While the D.C. government typically maintains local control over most city operations, federal law permits the president to assume control of the local police for up to 30 days. Greg Anderson highlights that despite President Trump's claims, crime rates in the capital have been declining.
Expert Commentary:
Vanessa Batters Thompson, director of the D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, expressed uncertainty about the takeover's implications for residents.
Quote: "The big concern is more arrests and perhaps more intentional targeting of the black and brown populations in D.C., including juveniles and those currently unhoused."
Timestamp: [01:08]
2. Political Tensions in Texas and California
Host: Doua Elisa Kowtel
Timestamp: [01:31]
In California, a legal trial has commenced regarding the federalization of National Guard members, a move opposed by the state's governor. Concurrently, Texas House Democrats are engaging in a second week-long quorum break to protest a Republican-led redistricting plan perceived as benefiting President Trump.
Reporter: Blaise Gainey
Timestamp: [01:59]
During the quorum break, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued arrest warrants for Democratic members and sought the removal of Minority Leader Gene Wu from office.
Key Exchange:
Gene Wu: "We're hoping that the next special session does not also have to be corrupt."
Timestamp: [02:16]
Democrats argue that the Republican agenda prioritizes redistricting over addressing the aftermath of last month's devastating Hill Country floods.
Timestamp: [02:20]
3. International Diplomacy: Germany and U.S. Relations
Host: Doua Elisa Kowtel
Timestamp: [02:32]
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has requested a teleconference with President Trump and European leaders ahead of Trump's scheduled summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Reporter: Tari Shultz
Timestamp: [02:42]
Leaders from Britain, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, and the European Commission will join Chancellor Merz in efforts to persuade President Trump that Ukraine should determine the future of its territories currently occupied by Russia. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is invited to participate.
Concerns Raised:
Shultz: "Doesn't Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine risk altering international borders?"
Timestamp: [03:07]
4. Tragic Shooting Incident in Austin
Host: Doua Elisa Kowtel
Timestamp: [03:07]
A tragic shooting outside a Target store in Austin resulted in the deaths of two adults and a child. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Timestamp: [03:07]
5. Extension of Tariffs on Chinese Imports
Host: Doua Elisa Kowtel
Timestamp: [03:07]
An extension of tariffs on Chinese imports has been approved for an additional 90 days, pushing the new deadline to November 10th. This decision follows President Trump's executive order announced on his Truth Social platform, which pauses the increase of tariffs beyond the current 30%. Without this extension, tariffs could spike dramatically above 30%.
Economic Impact: The move aims to provide stability for businesses importing goods from China, mitigating financial uncertainties caused by fluctuating tariff rates.
Timestamp: [03:07]
6. Enhanced Protections for the Mojave Desert Tortoise
Host: Doua Elisa Kowtel
Timestamp: [04:52]
California has taken significant steps to protect the Mojave Desert tortoise, a species deemed threatened nationally. Despite its presence beyond California's borders—in Nevada, Arizona, and northwestern Mexico—the population has dwindled by an estimated 90%.
Reporter: Nate Perez
Timestamp: [04:05]
Conservation Advocate:
Patrick Imblage of the Mojave Desert Land Trust emphasizes the dire situation:
Quote: "If tortoises are going extinct, we're doing something wrong and everything else is suffering as well."
Timestamp: [04:25]
California's Fish and Wildlife Department asserts that the updated endangered status could attract more federal funding for conservation efforts. However, conservationists remain skeptical due to recent federal budget cuts and reduced staffing in agencies responsible for protecting endangered species.
Timestamp: [04:33]
This episode of NPR News Now provided succinct updates on critical national and international issues, from political maneuvers in the U.S. and diplomatic efforts in Europe to pressing environmental concerns and tragic local events. For a comprehensive understanding of these topics, tuning into the full episode is recommended.