NPR News Now: April 2, 2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman | Produced by NPR

Stock Market Declines Ahead of President Trump's Tariff Announcement

[00:16] Korva Coleman opens the episode by discussing the continued downward trend in the stock market as investors brace for President Donald Trump's imminent tariff announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a significant drop, falling approximately 110 points in early trading sessions.

[00:30] Scott Horsley provides further insight, highlighting that the stock market has been signaling concerns over the administration's trade policies for several weeks. Despite warnings from economists about the adverse effects of widespread tariffs—such as increased prices for businesses and consumers, slowed economic growth, and potential job losses—the White House remains resolute. Horsley reports, "President Trump is set to push ahead with a tariff announcement in the White House Rose Garden this afternoon."

Additionally, gasoline prices are on the rise, with the average pump price for regular gas reaching about $3.24 a gallon, marking a 9-cent increase from the previous week. However, this is still approximately 30 cents lower than last year at the same time.

Senator Cory Booker Breaks Filibuster Record

[01:11] In an unprecedented move, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker delivered the longest speech ever on the Senate floor, surpassing the previous record held by segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond. Booker's filibuster began a 25-hour speech on Monday evening, during which he invoked the legacy of the late civil rights leader John Lewis, emphasizing the importance of "doing good work through creating good trouble."

[01:31] Concluding his marathon speech, Booker stated, "This is a moral moment. It's not left or right. It's right or wrong. Let's get into trouble, my friend. Madam President, I yield the floor." His efforts highlight his commitment to civil rights and set a new benchmark for legislative advocacy.

Florida's Special Congressional Elections Show Shifting Dynamics

[01:41] The episode moves to the outcomes of the special congressional elections in Florida, where two Republican candidates secured decisive victories. These candidates were notably endorsed by President Trump, reflecting the President's influence in the races.

[02:02] Greg Allen reports on the results: In Florida's first congressional district on the panhandle, former Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Petronas defeated Democrat Gay Vallomont by 15 points—a narrower margin compared to Vallomont's previous run against Matt Gaetz. Similarly, in the sixth district on the east coast, Republican Randy Fine overcame Democrat Josh Wheel by approximately 14 points, significantly less than the 33-point victory secured by Democrat Mike Waltz in November.

Florida's Democratic Party chair described these outcomes as a "historic overperformance," suggesting that voters are increasingly opposing President Trump's agenda.

Wisconsin's State Supreme Court Election and Elon Musk's Involvement

[02:43] In Wisconsin, a pivotal nonpartisan election saw liberal candidate Susan Crawford win a seat on the state Supreme Court with a comfortable margin. This victory came despite significant financial interference from billionaire Elon Musk, who invested millions to support her conservative opponent. Crawford's success is notable in the broader context of efforts to influence judicial elections through substantial financial backing.

Musk's involvement also ties into broader electoral themes, including Wisconsin voters' recent decision to enshrine voter ID requirements into the state constitution, a move he continues to support.

Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar and Its Aftermath

[03:05] Tragedy struck Myanmar when a powerful earthquake hit last Friday, resulting in over 2,800 fatalities. The military government reported thousands of injuries, with rescue operations ongoing. A poignant moment was the rescue of a man from the rubble of a hotel in Yangon, Myanmar's capital, though hope remains slim for rescuing additional survivors.

The earthquake's impact extended to neighboring Thailand, where more than 20 lives were lost. The international community continues to monitor the situation, providing aid where possible.

Severe Storm Threatens Central United States

[03:45] The National Weather Service has issued warnings for a significant storm approaching the central United States. Forecasts indicate that Louisville, Kentucky, could experience substantial rainfall accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm's progression to mitigate potential damages and ensure public safety.

Health Secretary Advocates for Restricting Food Aid from Purchasing Soda

[04:00] Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has proposed that states should prohibit the use of federal food aid funds to purchase sugary sodas. NPR's Katia Riddle explores this controversial stance, noting that while there is consensus among food policy experts that excessive sugary soda consumption contributes to chronic health issues in America, some argue that banning soda is not the most effective approach.

[04:17] Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, commented, "I think it's fair to say there are people who are, well meaning who are truly concerned about public health who support this. And it's also true that there are people who are not well meaning that just want to punish poor people."

Berg emphasizes that to genuinely improve public health, there needs to be increased accessibility and affordability of nutritious food, rather than restrictive measures on existing choices.

Passing of Actor Val Kilmer

[04:36] The episode concludes with the sad news of actor Val Kilmer's passing at the age of 65. His daughter confirmed that Kilmer died of pneumonia in Los Angeles. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer and was renowned for his roles in iconic films such as Top Gun and The Doors. His contributions to the film industry are remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.

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