NPR News Now: August 13, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: NPR

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on significant national and international events in today's episode. Covering topics from law enforcement changes in Washington D.C., the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors, severe weather impacts in Tennessee, legal developments involving Harvey Weinstein, shifts in Latino voter behavior, to the current state of the stock market, this summary encapsulates all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

1. Surge of Federal Officers in Washington D.C.

National Guard Deployment and Federal Takeover

National Guard members were deployed to Washington D.C. amidst a federal takeover of the city's law enforcement agencies. According to a U.S. official, the deployed troops are stationed primarily in high-traffic areas like monuments and are not armed, with weapons secured at the DC Armory. However, they retain the right of self-defense and the authority to detain individuals who pose a threat to them.

• Pamela Smith, Chief of Police:
  "[02:35] The D.C. police chief remains on the force working police operations despite the federal takeover of the city law enforcement agency. Smith told Fox 5 that the federal presence is positive."

Smith highlighted the critical situation, noting that her force has been reduced by nearly 800 officers. She expressed optimism that the collaboration between federal agents and her officers would foster lasting relationships beyond former President Trump's 30-day takeover mandate.

• Legal Expert:
  "[04:19] The surge of law enforcement personnel, I tell you, it will help me to do the things that I need to do."
  "[04:44] This enhanced presence clearly is going to impact us in a positive way."

Despite the federal intervention citing a surge in crime—which local and federal data contradict by showing a decline—there are growing concerns among residents about the implications of increased law enforcement presence.

• Melissa Velasquez, Resident:
  "[01:57] I feel like there's been an increase of like almost like racial profiling and stuff. So it's like, like I guess it's concerning for individuals who I guess are just worried about how they might be perceived while they're going about their day-to-day life."
  (Timestamp: 01:57)

Mayor Muriel Bowser has voiced apprehensions regarding the move, defending Washington D.C.'s record low on violent crime rates.

2. Upcoming Kennedy Center Honors Announced

President Trump announced the recipients of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, departing from tradition by heavily involving himself in the selection process. Traditionally, the honors are chosen through a months-long procedure involving public input, board members, and previous honorees.

• Elizabeth Blair, NPR News:
  "[02:35] The other honorees are the rock band Kiss, Broadway actor Michael Crawford, and country star George Strait."
  "[02:47] President Trump said he was heavily involved in the selection process, a break in tradition. Trump spoke warmly of all the honorees. He called Sylvester Stallone a friend."
  (Timestamp: 02:47)

President Trump highlighted the achievements of the honorees, particularly praising Sylvester Stallone for his iconic roles.

• Legal Expert on Sylvester Stallone:
  "[03:05] It's very few people that could have taken a name and made it so incredible like Rocky, Rambo, Creed."
  (Timestamp: 03:05)

The Kennedy Center Honors Gala is scheduled for December 7th, promising a night celebrating outstanding contributions to the performing arts.

3. Severe Weather Impact in Tennessee

Parts of Tennessee, particularly in Hamilton County near Chattanooga, remain under flood alerts following heavy rainfall that saturated the ground. Emergency responders conducted rescues from submerged homes and vehicles. Tragically, a family of three was killed when a tree fell on their vehicle in East Ridge.

• Lakshmi Singh, NPR News:
  "[03:20] Parts of Tennessee remain under a flood alert a day after emergency personnel rescued people from their homes and car is caught in high waters. Hamilton County authorities say heavy amounts of rain saturated the ground in a suburb of Chattanooga yesterday, and they say a mother, father, and a child were killed in East Ridge when a tree fell on their vehicle."
  (Timestamp: 03:20)

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as communities grapple with the aftermath of the severe weather.

4. Legal Proceedings Against Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein faces potential sentencing next month following a sexual assault conviction that carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison. This development comes after a New York City judge indicated readiness to hand down punishment. However, the case remains contingent on the absence of a retrial for a rape charge related to an incident involving Jessica Mann in 2013, over which a jury previously failed to reach a verdict in June.

• Lakshmi Singh, NPR News:
  "[03:20] Harvey Weinstein may be sentenced next month, but only if there's no retrial on a rape charge. Today, a New York City judge said he was prepared to hand down punishment on a sexual assault conviction that carries up to 25 years in prison. But in June, a jury was unable to reach a verdict on whether Weinstein raped actor and hairstylist Jessica Mann in 2013."
  (Timestamp: 03:20)

The legal community and public await further developments in this high-profile case.

5. Shifts in Latino Voter Behavior

A pivotal voting bloc contributing to President Trump's re-election appears to be distancing itself from both him and the Republican Party. Recent polling indicates that one-third of Latino voters who previously supported Trump do not intend to vote for Republican candidates in the upcoming elections.

• Caitlin Jury, Latino Polling Group Equis Research:
  "[04:19] Caitlin Jury with the Latino polling group Equis Research found that economic issues like persistently high prices on groceries and health care are driving Latinos shift away from Trump. But so far, it hasn't translated into more support for Democrats."
  (Timestamp: 04:19)

Economic challenges are identified as primary factors influencing this shift, with high costs of living and healthcare being significant concerns.

• Legal Analyst:
  "[04:34] To me, it's clear that neither party should assume that they have Latinos in their pocket one way or another. Republicans have failed to deliver on a lot of their campaign promises, particularly around lowering the cost of living."
  (Timestamp: 04:34)

Jury emphasized that for Republicans to maintain support among Latino voters, they must fulfill their economic promises. Conversely, Democrats have an opportunity to attract these voters by presenting a comprehensive economic strategy ahead of the midterm elections.

6. Stock Market Update

The stock market saw a significant uptick today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by over 400 points, reflecting investor confidence and positive economic indicators.

• Lakshmi Singh, NPR News:
  "[05:00] The Dow is up more than 400 points. It's NPR."
  (Timestamp: 05:00)

Market analysts suggest this rise may be attributed to recent economic data and investor optimism surrounding current fiscal policies.

Notable Quotes

• Legal Expert on Miranda Rights:
  "[00:05] Legal Analyst: When I think of Miranda today, I think it's so misshapen now that it's really lost its ability to do much good."
  (Timestamp: 00:05)

• Melissa Velasquez on Racial Profiling Concerns:
  "[01:57] I feel like there's been an increase of like almost like racial profiling and stuff. So it's like, like I guess it's concerning for individuals who I guess are just worried about how they might be perceived while they're going about their day-to-day life."
  (Timestamp: 01:57)

Conclusion

Today's episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with in-depth coverage of pressing issues ranging from law enforcement dynamics in Washington D.C., celebratory announcements in the arts community, severe weather impacts, significant legal proceedings, shifts in political landscapes, to financial market movements. The inclusion of expert opinions and firsthand accounts offered a nuanced understanding of each topic, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments.

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative content presented during the broadcast.