NPR News Now: August 14, 2025, 8 AM EDT

Host: Kristen Wright
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Protests in Washington, D.C. Against Federal Troop Deployment

Timestamp: [00:14]

Kristen Wright opens the episode by reporting on the protests that occurred last night in Washington, D.C., opposing the deployment of federal troops on local streets. The demonstration reflects rising tensions over federal oversight in the capital.

Key Points:

• Federal Oversight Extension: President Trump has announced his intention to approach Congress to seek a long-term extension of federal oversight in Washington, D.C.

• National Guard Deployment: National Guard troops are primarily stationed around national monuments. Tom Bowman from NPR highlights that while President Trump claims Washington is "basically awash in crime," violent crime rates have significantly decreased over the past two years.

Expert Insight: Tom Bowman interviews two retired National Guard generals who critique the current deployment strategy:

"Having guard troops only at the monuments is really more performative, a public relations move that won't really do much to reduce crime."
— Tom Bowman [00:46]

President Trump and Putin to Discuss Ceasefire in Alaska

Timestamp: [01:17]

Kristen Wright reports on the forthcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aimed at negotiating a possible ceasefire. Despite these talks, conflicts in Ukraine persist.

Battle in Pokrovsk: Greg Myhre from NPR details the ongoing battle near the key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk:

• Russian Advances: A limited number of Russian troops have breached Ukraine's defensive lines near Pokrovsk, marking an escalation in the conflict.

• Ukrainian Response: Ukraine’s military is actively tracking down Russian forces, with many Russian soldiers reported killed or captured.

• Strategic Significance: Pokrovsk has been a focal point for over a year, now encircled by Russian forces on three sides but still resistant.

"A large Russian force making incremental gains and suffering huge losses, while smaller Ukrainian units try to hold the line."
— Greg Myhre [01:32]

Escalation and Opposition Within Israel's War Effort

Timestamp: [02:13]

Israel is set to assume control over the last remaining areas of Gaza. Recent polls indicate that the majority of Israelis desire an end to the war and the release of hostages. Concurrently, a new anti-war sentiment is emerging among Israeli soldiers.

Voices of Opposition: Emily Feng reports on Jonathan Cadman, a 45-year-old professor and reservist medic, who has declined to return to Gaza after serving since the Hamas attack on October 7.

Cadman's Perspective:

"We know that what they want is to reoccupy Gaza and get a settlement there, and I completely disagree with that."
— Jonathan Cadman [02:54]

Cadman criticizes the Israeli government's far-right factions pushing for further military escalation and annexation of Gaza, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire.

Discovery of a New Human Cousin

Timestamp: [03:12]

In scientific news, researchers have uncovered 2.6-million-year-old teeth belonging to a previously unknown human relative. Nate Rott from NPR explores the significance of this discovery.

Anthropological Insights:

• New Species Identified: The teeth are attributed to a new species of Australopithecus, an upright-walking ape-like creature that coexisted with early human ancestors in East Africa.

• Evolutionary Implications: This find supports the understanding that human evolution is a branching process with multiple species and numerous dead ends, rather than a straight line leading directly to modern humans.

"Human evolution was similar to that of other species with many branches and dead ends."
— Nate Rott [03:27]

Wildfire Alert in Colorado and Taylor Swift's New Album Announcement

Timestamp: [04:06]

Crochet Fire in Colorado: The Crochet Fire is rapidly expanding in northern Colorado, leading to mandatory evacuation orders for residents near Crochet Lake. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as efforts to contain the wildfire continue.

Taylor Swift's Latest Release: Pop superstar Taylor Swift has announced the release date for her upcoming album, "The Life of a Showgirl," scheduled for October 3rd. The album features 12 new tracks, including a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on the final song. Swift also unveiled the album cover, depicting her "bedazzled in jewels and partially submerged in water."

Artist's Statement: During an appearance on the podcast "New Heights" with her boyfriend Travis Kelsey and his brother Jason, Swift expressed her enthusiasm for the project:

"This is the record she's been wanting to make for a very long time."
— Kristen Wright [04:06]

Notably, "The Life of a Showgirl" marks Swift's first album following her acquisition of full control over her music rights, signaling a new chapter in her artistic career.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, ranging from political tensions in Washington, D.C., and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and cultural milestones in the music industry.