NPR News: 04-08-2025 9PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: April 8, 2025, 9 PM EDT

Released on April 9, 2025

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1. President Trump’s Trade Negotiations and Tariff Plans

Host: Jack Speer

In a significant move ahead of imposing potential double-digit tariffs, President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding his administration's strategy on trade negotiations. Speaking at an event focused on reviving the coal industry, Trump emphasized the personalized approach his administration is taking with international trade agreements.

Notable Quote:

“We're doing very well in making, I call them tailored deals, not off the rack. These are tailored, highly tailored deals. Right now, Japan is flying here to make a deal, South Korea is flying here to make a deal, and others are flying here.”
— Donald Trump [00:42]

Trump highlighted that the administration is crafting “bespoke trade agreements” with any country willing to negotiate, signaling a departure from standardized trade policies. This approach aims to strengthen economic ties and protect American industries, particularly coal, amidst rising global competition.

2. IRS and ICE Collaboration on Immigrant Tax Information

Host: Joel Rose

A groundbreaking memorandum of understanding between the IRS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stirred controversy and concern among immigrant advocacy groups. The agreement allows ICE officers to request tax information from the IRS about immigrants facing removal or under criminal investigation.

Notable Quote:

“Instead of uplifting this work in the national interest, this administration has cut federal funding for research and fired science staff.”
— Luce Rivas, California Democrat [02:29]

Joel Rose explains that this collaboration marks a significant shift in data sharing, potentially undermining the trust immigrants have in the IRS. Tax experts warn that fearing scrutiny, undocumented immigrants may increasingly seek under-the-table employment, thereby impacting the economy and tax revenues.

3. House Hearing on U.S. Competitiveness and Artificial Intelligence

Host: Emily Fang

House Democrats convened to discuss the United States' standing in the realm of artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. The hearing served as a platform for lawmakers to critique the Trump administration's recent budget cuts to federal science and health grants, which have resulted in the layoffs of thousands of government scientists.

Notable Quote:

“Instead of uplifting this work in the national interest, this administration has cut federal funding for research and fired science staff.”
— Luce Rivas, California Democrat [02:29]

Democratic representatives, including Luce Rivas, stressed the importance of sustaining research and innovation to remain competitive globally, especially against rapid advancements from Chinese tech companies. There was a bipartisan agreement on the need to increase incentives for innovation and AI development in the United States.

4. Severe Flooding in Kentucky Amidst Storms Across the U.S.

Host: Jack Speer

Recent days of intense rainfall have led to swollen rivers that continue to threaten communities in Kentucky. In Frankfort, floodwaters are gradually receding, with residents anticipating the possibility of returning to their homes by the following day. These floods are part of a broader series of storms that have tragically resulted in at least 23 fatalities across the southern and Midwestern United States.

5. Repatriation of Americans Convicted in the Democratic Republic of Congo Coup Attempt

Host: Manuel Okinwodo

In a notable diplomatic development, three U.S. citizens convicted for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. These individuals are now being returned to the United States amidst ongoing negotiations between the DRC and the U.S. for a minerals deal.

Notable Quote:

“With the U.S., the three Americans convicted of a failed coup attempt last May will serve out their life sentences in the U.S. according to the DRC president's office.”
— Manuel Okinwodo [03:35]

Among the convicted is Marcel Malanga, the son of the DRC opposition figure Christian Malanga, who was killed during the coup attempt. The repatriation is part of broader efforts to improve bilateral relations and secure assistance from the U.S. in combating Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Congo.

6. New Crew Arrives at the International Space Station

Host: Jack Speer

A new trio comprising a NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The crew's eight-month mission focuses on conducting scientific research and technology demonstrations crucial for future deep-space missions.

7. Crude Oil Prices Hit Four-Year Lows Amid U.S.-China Tensions

Host: Jack Speer

Crude oil futures have plunged to four-year lows, dropping by $1.12 per barrel in New York trading. This decline is attributed to mounting inflation fears and the potential for escalating conflict between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies. The drop in oil prices reflects investor anxiety over global economic stability and the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy markets.

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This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and developments covered in the NPR News Now episode from April 8, 2025. For detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.

Transcript

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[Jack Spear]

In Washington, I'm Jack Spear. Ahead of the imposition of, in some cases, double digit tariffs, President Donald Trump today talked about asking some law firms he made deals with for provide pro bono help with negotiations. Trump's remarks coming as he signed executive actions aimed at reviving the coal industry. At the event, the president saying they're working on bespoke trade agreements with any country that wants to make a deal.

[Donald Trump]

We're doing very well in making, I call them tailored deals, not off the rack. These are tailored, highly tailored deals. Right now, Japan is flying here to make a deal, South Korea is flying here to make a deal, and others are flying here.

[Jack Spear]

Meanwhile, the looming trade tariffs led to more confusion on the part of world leaders, corporate CEOs and investors. The broad market is now barely above a bear market, down 19% from the record set back in February. The IRS has reached agreement with immigration authorities to share tax information about some immigrants without legal status. NPR's Joel Rose reports. This marks a major change in how tax records can be used.

[Joel Rose]

In a court filing, a top IRS official shared a memorandum of understanding between the tax collector and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement that was executed on Monday. Under the terms of the deal, ICE officers can ask the IRS for information about immigrants who have final orders of removal or are under criminal investigation. The court filing came in a lawsuit brought by immigrant advocacy groups that are seeking to block any information sharing between the IRS and ice. Immigrants without legal status pay billions of dollars in taxes. Tax experts warn that the change could undermine immigrants trust in the irs, pushing them to seek jobs where they are paid under the table. Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

[Jack Spear]

The House of Representatives held a hearing today on U.S. competitive and artificial intelligence. NPR's Emily Fang reports. House Democrats took the opportunity to criticize the Trump administration for canceling federal science and health grants and laying off thousands of government scientists.

[Emily Fang]

Democratic lawmakers noted that while the US Says it prioritizes semiconductors and AI, it has also eliminated programs and funding that were set up to support related research. Luce Rivas is a California Democrat and an MIT trained engineer.

[Luce Rivas]

Instead of uplifting this work in the national interest, this administration has cut federal funding for research and fired science staff.

[Emily Fang]

At the hearing, there was bipartisan consensus that the US Needs to do more to incentivize innovation and artificial intelligence, especially in light of advances from Chinese companies. Emily Fang, NPR News, Washington.

[Jack Spear]

After days of heavy rain, swollen rivers are continuing to overflow their banks in parts of Kentucky. Floodwaters are slowly receding in Frankfort, Kentucky, with residents there hoping to return by late tomorrow. High river levels are just the latest threat from a series of storms that have killed at least 23 people in the south and Midwest. Stocks lost ground on Wall street today. The dow fell another 320 points. This is NPR. Three U.S. citizens convicted are participating in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo have had their death sentences commuted to life in prison and they are now being returned to the US Senpier's Manuel Okinwodo reports that it comes amid moves by the DRC to improve ties and negotiate a minerals deal.

[Manuel Okinwodo]

With the U.S. the three Americans convicted of a failed coup attempt last May will serve out their life sentences in the U.S. according to the DRC president's office. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. state Department, said the government was aware of their transfer into US custody. Among the three Americans was 22 year old Marcel Malanga, the son of DRC opposition figure and coup leader Christian Malanga, who was killed in the coup attempt. Their repatriation comes amid negotiations between the DRC and the US On a minerals deal in exchange for help fighting Rwanda backed rebels that have seized territory in the east of the country. Emmanuel Akimotu, NPR News.

[Jack Spear]

A NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts have arrived at the International Space Station. The trio ferried there by a Russian spacecraft sent into orbit by Soyuz rocket yesterday. Johnny Kim and the two Russians docking with the International Space Station earlier today as as part of an eight month mission. NASA says the U.S. astronaut will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare crews for future space missions. Crude oil futures prices continue to slide, reaching four year lows as inflation fears mount over a looming conflict between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China. Oil fell $1.12 a barrel. In New York, I'm Jack Speier, NPR News in Washington.

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