NPR News Now: August 14, 2025
In the latest episode of NPR News Now, released on August 14, 2025, host Kelser Johnston and NPR correspondents provide a comprehensive update on significant global and national events. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, offering an engaging overview for those who haven’t tuned in.
U.S.-Russia Summit Preparations
Kelser Johnston opens the episode by highlighting the anticipated virtual summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Organized by the German Chancellor, the meeting aims to set the stage for a more substantial in-person discussion scheduled for Friday in Brussels.
Terry Schultz, reporting from Brussels, delves into the outcomes of a preceding teleconference involving European Council President Antonio Costa and President Trump. He outlines the three main priorities agreed upon:
- Ceasefire Initiatives: Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts.
- Ukraine’s Autonomy in Negotiations: Costa asserted, “Only Ukraine can negotiate matters concerning Ukraine” ([00:40]).
- Strengthening Security Collaboration: The U.S. expressed willingness to collaborate with Europe to enhance security once a “lasting and just peace is achieved for Ukraine” ([00:40]).
Additionally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the unity displayed by Europe, the U.S., and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating, “We are united in pushing to end this terrible war against Ukraine” ([00:40]). This solidarity underscores the collective commitment to achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.
In response to rising concerns over crime in the nation’s capital, Kelser Johnston reports on the mobilization of hundreds of National Guard troops, federal agents, and local law enforcement in Washington, D.C. This defensive measure follows President Trump’s declaration to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime” ([01:28]).
Frank Langfit provides on-the-ground insights from Congress Heights, one of the poorest and most affected areas in D.C. He notes the high prevalence of violent crimes, including shootings, robberies, and burglaries. Residents expressed frustration, with some believing that crimes are underreported due to a perceived lack of consequences. Langfit observes, “Crime is really a big problem there, shootings, robbery, burglaries” ([01:42]).
The deployment aims to address these safety concerns and restore order, reflecting the administration’s proactive stance on public security.
Harvey Weinstein Faces New Rape Charges
Kelser Johnston transitions to legal headlines, focusing on Harvey Weinstein’s recent court appearance in Manhattan. Chloe Weiner reports that New York prosecutors are seeking to retry the disgraced film mogul for a third rape charge.
In June, Weinstein was convicted of criminal sexual assault but acquitted of another charge, leaving sentencing pending until the mistrial of the third rape charge. Weiner outlines the prosecution’s readiness to proceed with a retrial for the rape in the third degree, emphasizing the judicial system’s ongoing pursuit of accountability.
Outside the courthouse, Weinstein’s attorney conveyed his client’s reluctance to engage in a plea deal, stating, “Weinstein doesn’t want to pursue a plea deal, adding Weinstein doesn’t want the word rape associated with him” ([02:25]). A judge has indicated that if a retrial is confirmed, it will occur within the year, potentially marking Weinstein’s third trial related to allegations by former actress Jessica Mann. His previous conviction in 2020 was overturned on procedural grounds, keeping the legal battles alive.
Severe Weather Strikes Chattanooga, Tennessee
The episode shifts focus to severe weather impacts in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kelser Johnston reports on heavy rains that have led to significant flooding across interstates and local streets overnight. The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management confirmed that a large tree fell on a car in a flooded area, resulting in the tragic deaths of two adults. A spokesperson stated, “The family died on the scene” ([03:09]).
These weather conditions have disrupted daily life and transportation, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the damage.
Paleoanthropological Breakthrough: A New Human Cousin
In a remarkable scientific development, Kelser Johnston introduces the discovery of 2.6-million-year-old teeth belonging to a previously unknown human cousin. Nate Roth elaborates on this significant find, explaining that the teeth are attributed to a new species of Australopithecus, an upright-walking ape-like species that coexisted with early human ancestors in East Africa ([03:49]).
Roth contextualizes the discovery within the broader understanding of human evolution, challenging the simplistic "straight-line" progression often depicted in popular media. “Human evolution was not a linear process,” Roth remarks, emphasizing that this new evidence supports the idea of a complex, branching evolutionary tree with numerous species and extinct relatives ([03:49]). Published in the journal Nature, this finding contributes valuable insights into our evolutionary history, affirming that human development involved multiple, diverse lineages.
Ransomware Attack Hits St. Paul, Minnesota
Kelser Johnston reports on the ongoing recovery efforts in St. Paul, Minnesota, following a debilitating ransomware attack two weeks prior. The cyberattack forced thousands of city employees to reset their passwords, disrupting various municipal services. Dwahili Sai Kao Tao provides details, noting that approximately 43 gigabytes of data were illicitly accessed from the Parks and Recreation Department. This data was subsequently posted online after the city refused to meet the hackers' ransom demands ([04:28]).
Mayor Melvin Carter addressed the situation, emphasizing the city's resilience and commitment to restoring normal operations without capitulating to cybercriminals. The incident underscores the growing threats of ransomware attacks on public institutions and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise yet thorough overview of pivotal events shaping the political landscape, public safety, legal proceedings, environmental challenges, scientific discoveries, and cybersecurity threats. By highlighting diverse stories with direct quotes and detailed reporting, NPR continues to inform and engage its audience with timely and relevant news.