NPR News Now – August 23, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Theme: A five-minute roundup of top national news including federal actions in major cities, a deadly tour bus crash, Federal Reserve policy, a police memorial, the legacy of a Hall of Fame jockey, and a surprising sports disruption.

1. Federal Response to Urban Crime & Presidential Authority

[00:11 – 01:18]

• Context:
  Federal agents and soldiers continue patrols in Washington, D.C., with President Trump signaling possible expansion of this federal presence to other major cities.

• Key Points:

  • President Trump voices intent to possibly deploy federal resources to Chicago, citing disorder and requests from residents.
  • JD Vance, at Trump’s side, claims:

    “People in Chicago, Mr. Vice President, are screaming for us to come. They're wearing red hats just like this one, but they're wearing red hats. African American ladies, beautiful ladies are saying, please, President Trump come to Chicago.”
    (JD Vance, 00:38)

  • Trump also suggests San Francisco and New York as potential targets for such interventions.
  • Legal Context Provided by Danielle Kurtzleben:
    • Under the D.C. Home Rule Act, the President may control D.C.’s police for 30 days in emergencies, with Congressional extension needed after that.
    • The President does not have similar authority over other U.S. cities.

• Memorable Quote:

  “He later added that he hasn't taken concrete steps for this plan.”
  (Danielle Kurtzleben, 00:54)

2. Fatal Tour Bus Crash Near Buffalo, NY

[01:18 – 02:11]

• Details:

  • At least five people were killed and dozens injured when a tour bus returning from Niagara Falls overturned on Interstate 90 near Buffalo, NY.
  • Operator impairment was ruled out, but distraction appears to be a factor; investigation is ongoing.

• Official Statement:

  "It's believed the operator became distracted, lost control, overcorrected, and ended up on the right shoulder there. The investigation is still underway. It's too early to state whether or not charges will take place."
  (Major Andre Ray, NY State Police, as reported by Michael Lass, 01:48)

• Clarification:
  Initial reports of a child among the victims were later corrected.

3. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Economic Policy

[02:11 – 02:49]

• Summary:

  • Jerome Powell signals potential interest rate cuts in the coming months.
  • However, he stresses that President Trump’s unpredictable tariff decisions may slow or complicate economic response—inflation risks persist.

• Notable Statement:

  “It will continue to take time for tariff increases to work their way through supply chains, chains and distribution networks. ... That is a risk to be assessed and managed.”
  (Jerome Powell, 02:26)

• Additional Note:
  This was Powell’s last appearance at the Wyoming economic conference in his role, after which he received a standing ovation.

• Market Reaction:
  Wall Street closed up sharply:

  • Dow +846
  • NASDAQ +396
  • S&P 500 +96

4. Memorial for Officer David Rose

[02:49 – 03:58]

• Event:

  • Officer David Rose, killed in the Atlanta CDC shooting response, was memorialized in DeKalb County.
  • Remembered as “a fearless public servant who loved food, motorcycles, basketball and, most of all, his family.”
    (Shemaine Cruz, 03:31)

• Personal Details:

  • Marine Corps veteran; graduated top of his police academy class.
  • Survived by his wife Mariana, two children, with a third on the way.

• Colleague’s Tribute:

  “He carried himself with a calm presence, a quiet confidence and a clear sense of purpose that made it undeniable he was going to leave.”
  (Sergeant Tre Jones, 03:50)

5. In Brief: Ron Turcotte’s Passing & Minnesota High School Sports Delay

[04:11 – 04:54]

• Hall of Fame Jockey Ron Turcotte Dies:

  • Died at 84, remembered for riding Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown; later became paraplegic after an accident.

• Minnesota High School Sports Disruption:

  • A protected family of ospreys nesting on a light pole forced Apple Valley High School to move football and soccer games to daylight hours.

Takeaways & Tone

• The episode balances major political, local tragedy, economics, community loss, and lighter local news in a concise, measured tone consistent with NPR’s style.
• Memorable Moment:
  JD Vance’s vivid–if controversial–description of Chicago’s residents calling for Trump’s intervention (00:38).
• The summary of legal limits on presidential power over police in U.S. cities provides valuable context amidst headline-grabbing political statements.

For Further Information:
Key national stories are covered quickly but with essential context, making this a concise yet informative briefing ideally suited for listeners on the go.