NPR News Now – August 16, 2025, 4PM EDT

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This episode provides a concise roundup of current major U.S. and global news headlines. It covers diplomacy efforts between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine; U.S. political maneuvering over policing and redistricting; updates in green infrastructure; and lighter human interest stories.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.-Russia Summit on Ukraine (00:00–01:30)

• President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for nearly three hours in Alaska.
• President Trump described the meeting as “extremely productive,” and highlighted a “fantastic relationship” with Putin (01:03).
• No concrete agreement was reached to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but Trump claims “many points were agreed to.”
  • Notable Quote:
    • Trump: “But we had an extremely productive meeting and many points were agreed to. There are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant.” (01:14)
• Putin referred to the war as “a tragedy” but did not acknowledge his role in starting the conflict.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is expected to come to Washington to meet President Trump soon.

2. Policing in Washington D.C. (01:30–02:28)

• The Trump administration attempted but failed to put the D.C. police under federal command; the local chief remains in charge.
• Trump has justified a federal takeover to respond to “roving mobs of wild youth.”
• Although violent crime spiked in 2023, recent trends show a decrease.
• Community Voice:
  • 16-year-old Ali (Ward 8 resident): “It also made me think a lot about what real safety means and whether it comes from like trust or from force and fear.” (02:10)
  • He wants police to be “true community guardians.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Ali: “The increased police presence feels intimidating… and it also made me think a lot about what real safety means and whether it comes from like trust or from force and fear.” (02:10)

3. Political Standoff and Redistricting in Texas and Beyond (02:28–03:44)

• Texas Democratic lawmakers remain out of state to block a Republican proposal for redistricting.
• The governor called for another special session; House Speaker Dustin Burroughs threatened civil arrest warrants for absent Democrats.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Burroughs: “DPS will remain active and civil arrest warrants will be reissued. If you are located, you will be compelled to this chamber.” (02:50)
• The standoff has inspired retaliatory measures in other states:
  • California’s Governor Newsom to put redistricting on the ballot and Democrats proposing a new map.
  • New York’s Governor Hochul pledging “retaliatory redistricting.”

4. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Restarted (03:44–04:21)

• Trump administration resumes $5 billion federal program for high-speed EV chargers that had been frozen since February.
  • Federal requirements for how states use funds have been loosened.
  • States had sued after the freeze, arguing the money was congressional-mandated.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: “While I don't agree with subsidizing green energy, we will respect Congress's will.”
• Industry Impact:
  • Andrew Bennett (Drives CEO): “No doubt about it, we've lost six months of what obviously should have been, you know, fluid set of funding.” (04:04)
• Many Biden-era rules, including charger location requirements, are being revoked.

5. Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activist Granted Asylum (04:21–04:45)

• Ted Wei, pro-democracy activist and former Hong Kong lawmaker, granted asylum in Australia.
• Wei expressed sadness at leaving his homeland due to political persecution.

6. Human Interest: Record-Setting Senior Runner (04:45–05:04)

• 97-year-old Grace Chambers completed her 250th 5k “park run” in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• Started running at age 88; now Europe’s oldest woman to reach this milestone.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Putin Summit:
  "But we had an extremely productive meeting and many points were agreed to. There are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant." (01:14)

• Ali, DC youth resident:
  “It also made me think a lot about what real safety means and whether it comes from like trust or from force and fear.” (02:10)

• Texas House Speaker Dustin Burroughs:
  "DPS will remain active and civil arrest warrants will be reissued. If you are located, you will be compelled to this chamber." (02:50)

• Andrew Bennett, Drives CEO:
  "No doubt about it, we've lost six months of what obviously should have been, you know, fluid set of funding." (04:04)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• U.S.-Russia-Ukraine Diplomacy: 00:00–01:30
• D.C. Policing and Crime: 01:30–02:28
• Texas Redistricting Political Standoff: 02:28–03:44
• EV Charger Funding Restarted: 03:44–04:21
• Hong Kong Activist Granted Asylum: 04:21–04:45
• Record-Breaking 97-Year-Old Runner: 04:45–05:04

Note: This summary omits promotional segments and focuses solely on news content.