NPR News Now: April 7, 2025, 5 PM EDT

U.S. and Israel Push for Direct Nuclear Negotiations with Iran

At 00:26, Jack Spear reports from Washington, highlighting President Donald Trump's announcement of direct nuclear talks with Iran scheduled for the following weekend. Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasized a shift towards diplomacy.

"We're dealing with them directly and maybe a deal is going to be made. That would be great. It would be really great for Iran, I can tell you that," Trump stated at 00:58. However, he remained vague about the specifics, noting that the meeting would be held at an "almost the highest level." This marks a significant change from Trump's previous administration stance, which saw the U.S. withdraw from the nuclear deal with Iran. Michelle Kellerman from NPR News adds that Netanyahu shared Trump's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, reinforcing the united front between the two leaders.

Symbolic Trade Discussions Between the U.S. and Israel

Continuing at 01:24, Jack Spear discusses Netanyahu's visit to Washington, the first by a foreign leader since Trump's imposition of tariffs. Netanyahu declared Israel's intent to eliminate the trade deficit with the United States swiftly, "We intend to do it very quickly. We think it's the right thing to do," he announced at 01:36. However, Spear notes that given the relatively small U.S.-Israel trade volume compared to the substantial military aid provided by the U.S., the announcement holds more symbolic weight than immediate economic impact.

Trump's Stance on Tariffs and Trade with China

At 02:03, Trump addressed the ongoing trade tensions with China, asserting that "They can both be true. There can be permanent tariffs and there can also be negotiations because there are things that we need beyond tariffs. We need open borders." This statement underscores Trump's dual approach of maintaining certain tariffs while remaining open to broader trade negotiations to address more complex issues beyond mere tariff rates.

Supreme Court Delays Deportation Order Amidst Retaliatory Tariffs

In response to China's retaliatory tariffs, the Supreme Court has intervened by staying a U.S. district court judge's order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man inadvertently deported to El Salvador. Chief Justice John Roberts announced that the stay is effective until the Supreme Court can review the case, ensuring Garcia remains in U.S. custody during this period. This development signifies the judiciary's role in balancing executive actions and individual rights amidst escalating trade tensions.

Kentucky Faces Deadly Flooding and Hypothermia Threats

Karen Zarr from WKY reports at 02:45 on severe flooding in Kentucky, where the river in Frankfort reached levels just shy of the 1978 record. Governor Andy Beshear warned of additional dangers, specifically hypothermia, as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing during the night (03:02). Emergency management efforts have successfully rescued over 425 people and animals since Friday, demonstrating the state's proactive response to the natural disaster.

Tribute to Mia Love, the First Black Republican Woman in Congress

Jack Spear covers the heartfelt tribute to former Representative Mia Love in Salt Lake City at 03:21. Love, who passed away after battling brain cancer, was celebrated as the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. Her legacy is remembered by hundreds who attended the service, reflecting on her trailblazing career and contributions to politics.

Exercise Proven to Extend Survival for Colon Cancer Survivors

In health news, Maria Godoy reports at 03:57 on new research indicating that regular physical activity can significantly improve survival rates for colon cancer survivors. Dr. Jeff Meyerhart of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute explains that patients who engaged in activities equivalent to a brisk hour-long walk most days saw better overall survival, even comparable to the general population (04:19). This finding offers hope and actionable advice for those battling colon cancer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle during and after treatment.

Landmark NCAA Settlement Hearing Commences

At 04:41, Jack Spear discusses a federal judge's decision to open a hearing on a monumental $2.8 billion settlement involving the NCAA and five major conferences. This settlement addresses claims from athletes who allege they were prevented from monetizing their celebrity status. Judge comments suggest the settlement's implications will be far-reaching for college athletics, although formal approval of the settlement will not be granted at this hearing. This case represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over athletes' rights and compensation in collegiate sports.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant national and international developments, from high-stakes diplomatic negotiations and trade disputes to impactful health research and landmark legal settlements. With direct quotes from key figures and detailed reporting, listeners are given valuable insights into the pressing issues shaping today's world.