NPR News Now: July 15, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston

Inflation Rises as Tariffs Impact Consumer Prices

Inflation edged up by 2.7% in June compared to the previous year, marking a sharper increase than May's 0.3% rise. The uptick is primarily driven by escalating rents, alongside higher prices for clothing and appliances. Economists attribute these changes to the early effects of President Trump's trade tariffs. Scott Horsley of NPR reports:

“The cost of living in June was up 2.7% from a year ago.” [00:52]

President Trump has imposed tariffs of at least 10% on nearly all U.S. imports, with particularly high rates on goods from China. He has threatened even steeper tariffs on various countries starting August 1st. While some prices, such as those for new and used cars and airline tickets, decreased last month, essentials like gasoline, groceries, and electricity saw significant hikes due to increased demand from hot summer weather.

Senate Approves $9 Billion in Spending Cuts, Preserves PEPFAR Program

The Republican-led Senate is currently deliberating a $9 billion package of spending cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Notably, the package spares the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a critical global health initiative. Fatma Tanis from NPR explains:

“PEPFAR was launched by President George W. Bush and has been credited with saving 25 million lives by helping control the spread of HIV/AIDS around the world.” [01:48]

Initially, the Trump administration sought to eliminate $400 million from PEPFAR and additional funds for foreign assistance related to global health and humanitarian aid. However, resistance from some Republican senators led Senate Majority Leader John Thune to announce the preservation of PEPFAR funds. The White House remains determined to pass the spending cuts, with President Trump warning:

“I would withdraw support for any Republicans who did not vote for it.” [02:26]

Controversy Surrounds Mike Waltz’s Ambassadorship Appointment

Former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz remains on the White House payroll despite controversy over his inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive group chat discussing Yemen. During a Senate hearing for his potential role as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Democrats questioned Waltz's judgment. NPR’s Michelle Kellerman reports:

“He says he didn't face any consequences for mistakenly adding a journalist.” [02:44]

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker criticized Waltz, stating:

“Waltz should own up to and learn from his mistakes.” [03:08]

Despite the criticism, Republican senators continue to support Waltz's nomination. Michelle Kellerman adds:

“Republicans are supporting Waltz's candidacy to become the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.” [03:13]

Severe Flooding Affects New Jersey and New York City

Heavy rainfall overnight caused significant flooding across New Jersey and parts of New York City. Governor Phil Murphy has urged residents to brace for more rain this week. Scott Horsley provides insight into the weather patterns:

“We're in one of these patterns right now, hot humidity, late afternoon, early evening thunderstorms. ... you never say never.” [03:48]

Floodwaters disrupted transportation, stranding buses and cars, and inundating major roadways. In New York City, a subway station in Manhattan was flooded, leading to delays at nearby airports. The region is currently engaged in cleanup efforts as officials prepare for potential further weather disruptions.

Apple Invests $500 Million in U.S. Rare Earth Magnet Production

In a strategic move to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China, Apple has entered a $500 million agreement with MP Materials. This partnership involves purchasing rare earth magnets produced in Texas and developing a recycling facility in California. John Ruich of NPR details the significance:

“Rare earths are critical to modern electronics. The magnets are used in parts like the tiny motors that make iPhones vibrate.” [04:24]

This initiative aligns with President Trump's pressure on Apple to increase U.S.-based production. Concurrently, China has imposed export controls on rare earth magnets as part of the ongoing trade tensions. Apple's investment is part of a broader plan to spend $500 billion in the United States over the next four years, aiming to secure its supply chain and support local economies.

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