NPR News Now: April 1, 2025, 12 PM EDT

NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international developments. This edition covers President Trump's new tariffs, the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court election, significant layoffs in federal health agencies, breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research, the bankruptcy filing of Hooters, and the current state of the U.S. stock market.

1. President Trump's New Tariffs and Economic Concerns

Lakshmi Singh opens the episode by reporting that President Trump's reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, 2025. The administration argues that these levies aim to "level the playing field for US manufacturers and bring supply chains closer to home," asserting a protective stance for American industries.

However, the move has stirred economic apprehension. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics, voices his concerns about the prolonged trade war's potential to trigger a recession:

“The uncertainty it's creating is doing damage day by day. So we can still turn this around. Therefore, the odds are less than even... if we don't get off pretty soon, then recession will. Odds will continue to rise and we will be in recession later this year.”
— Mark Zandi [00:49]

Zandi highlights observable impacts such as increased consumer caution, overseas boycotts of U.S. goods, and volatility in the stock market. He warns that without policy adjustments, the economic outlook remains bleak.

2. Pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Reflects National Sentiments

Election Day in Wisconsin holds significant weight beyond state politics, with voters poised to influence the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Mayan Silver reports on the stakes involved in this technically nonpartisan race.

Anthony Chergoski, a professor of Wisconsin politics, emphasizes the broader implications of the election outcome:

“How Wisconsin tips on abortion, labor rights and redistricting all hang in the balance. But who wins could also reveal where national political winds are blowing.”
— Anthony Chergoski [01:37]

The race has attracted high-profile endorsements, including from President Trump, who supports conservative-backed candidate Brad Schimmel. Additionally, Elon Musk and his affiliated groups have invested millions in backing Schimmel. Conversely, Susan Crawford, the Democratic candidate, is leveraging public dissatisfaction with Musk’s campaign financing and the recent activities of the Trump administration to garner support.

The election serves as a barometer for national political trends, potentially indicating the direction of future federal policies and party dynamics.

3. Significant Layoffs at the FDA and NIH Amid Budget Cuts

In a move to reduce the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget by 25%, substantial layoffs have been announced at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sidney Lupkin details these developments:

“Emails went out to FDA staffers early Tuesday morning that they no longer had jobs. According to an HHS fact sheet, 3,500 FDA jobs are being eliminated.”
— Sidney Lupkin [02:36]

The layoffs specifically exclude drug, device, and food reviewers and inspectors. However, many FDA employees funded through industry-paid user fees, established by the 1992 user fee law, have also lost their positions. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these cuts, as taxpayer funds remain untouched, potentially leaving industry-funded functions unaffected while public sector roles are reduced.

4. Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Detection with New Blood Test

A promising advancement in Alzheimer's research has emerged with the development of a novel blood test that can identify cognitive impairments associated with the disease. Jon Hamilton reports on this significant study:

“Existing blood tests can reveal the sticky amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's, but they don't indicate problems with thinking and memory. The new test is different.”
— Dr. Randall Bateman [03:35]

Dr. Randall Bateman from Washington University in St. Louis explains that the experimental test measures levels of a protein called tau, which forms tangles inside neurons. Elevated tau levels correlate with the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms, offering a more direct indicator of cognitive decline. This innovation, detailed in Nature Medicine, holds the potential to enhance early diagnosis and personalize treatment strategies for patients.

5. Hooters Files for Bankruptcy Amid Industry Downturn

The iconic restaurant chain Hooters, known for its chicken wings and distinctive waitstaff, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Lakshmi Singh provides the latest update:

“Under its plan, 100 company-owned US restaurants would be sold to a group of Hooters franchisees.”
— Lakshmi Singh [04:19]

Operating under Hoa Restaurant Group, Hooters' bankruptcy filing in Dallas marks the latest in a series of similar filings by U.S. restaurant chains since last year. This trend underscores the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality industry, including shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures.

6. U.S. Stock Market Sees Notable Gains

The U.S. stock market is experiencing upward momentum during this reporting hour. Lakshmi Singh summarizes the current standings:

“The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up more than 100 points at 42,104. The Nasdaq is up 173 points, or roughly 1%. Now the S&P is up 30.”
— Lakshmi Singh [04:19]

These gains reflect a positive sentiment among investors, potentially counterbalancing economic uncertainties related to the ongoing trade tensions and federal budget adjustments.

This edition of NPR News Now encapsulates critical economic policies, electoral outcomes with national repercussions, significant federal agency changes, scientific breakthroughs, corporate financial struggles, and the latest in financial markets. Stay informed with NPR for a more in-depth understanding of these evolving stories.