NPR News: 07-23-2025 9AM EDT

Summary

US Reaches Trade Agreements Amid Tariff Threats

In the latest developments, President Trump announced that the United States has secured trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, moving ahead of his impending deadline next week. These agreements are part of Trump's broader strategy to encourage other nations to establish independent trade deals with the U.S. Failure to do so may result in the imposition of significant new tariffs on these countries.

Economists have raised concerns that these tariffs could lead to higher costs for American consumers, as manufacturers may pass on the increased expenses. However, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant provided a counterpoint, stating:

“Who pays the tariffs is a choice. And what we've seen thus far is that the manufacturers are eating a substantial portion of the tariffs and taking it into their profit margins.” (00:43)

Despite these assurances, automakers Stellantis and GM reported sharply lower profits in their latest quarters, attributing the decline to the impact of Trump's tariffs.

Protests Erupt Over Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Law

In Ukraine, significant political tensions arose as the Ukrainian parliament voted in favor of a bill that limits the independence of anti-corruption agencies. This move has sparked widespread protests across the country, with thousands gathering in the capital, Kyiv, and other cities to demand that President Volodymyr Zelensky veto the law.

Protester Polina Timchenko passionately voiced the frustration of many:

“It's a betrayal of everyone who is on the front line, for everyone who is fighting for our liberty, for everyone who is fighting for Ukraine not being Russia.” (01:36)

Despite the significant outcry, President Zelensky signed the law. He subsequently met with leaders of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to initiate a common action plan. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian parliament plans to gather votes for a petition to the constitutional court to repeal the law.

Social Security Administration Faces Operational Strain

In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has undertaken a significant staff shuffle, reallocating hundreds of local frontline workers to manage the agency's national 800 hotline. This initiative aims to reduce wait times for callers. However, this reallocation has increased the strain on local offices, as reported by NPR’s Ashley Lopez.

Jessica Lapointe, president of a union chapter representing SSA workers, highlighted the challenges:

“We were already overburdened, overworked and burning out, and then a bunch of work just got dumped on us.” (02:56)

Lapointe emphasized that ongoing workforce reductions at the SSA are exacerbating the situation, making it difficult to achieve the desired reductions in wait times without additional hiring.

President Trump to Unveil Artificial Intelligence Action Plan

President Trump is set to release his long-anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) action plan today, which includes signing executive actions aimed at regulating and promoting AI technologies. This plan is a continuation of an executive order Trump signed upon taking office, requesting a comprehensive strategy on AI.

Big tech firms have responded by advocating for the ability to expand the sale of AI technology abroad, indicating a push for fewer restrictions to foster international business opportunities.

Success in American Oystercatcher Conservation

Amid concerns over declining shorebird populations in North America, there is a bright spot in the recovery of the American oystercatcher. After nearly two decades of concerted conservation efforts, including habitat improvement, oyster reef restoration, and volunteer-led nest protection, the population has increased by 45% over the past 17 years.

Molly Durig from Central Florida Public Media reported:

“Today there are 45% more American oystercatchers compared to 17 years ago.” (03:36)

These positive trends are attributed to the collaborative efforts of over 40 groups along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, underscoring the importance of long-term, coordinated partnerships in wildlife conservation.

Extreme Heat Warnings Across Central United States

The National Weather Service has issued persistent heat warnings for the central United States, affecting more than 95 million people from Michigan to the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Extreme heat warnings are in effect for several states bordering the Mississippi River, with temperatures potentially soaring to 115 degrees Fahrenheit in certain areas.

Korva Coleman reported:

“It could feel like 115 degrees in some areas today.” (04:29)

Residents are being urged to take necessary precautions to cope with the hazardous heat conditions.

---

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode aired on July 23, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who missed the broadcast.

Transcript

[Odoo Sponsor]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Odoo. Some describe Odoo like a magic beanstalk because it scales with you and is magically affordable. Odoo, exactly what a business needs. Sign [e-mail] that's O D O O.com.

[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. President Trump says the US has reached trade agreements with three countries, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The deals come ahead of Trump's deadline next week. If other nations don't strike independent trade agreements with the U.S. china, Trump will impose significant new tariffs on them. Economists say the tariffs will prompt manufacturers to pass higher costs onto American consumers. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant says that's not fully happening.

[Scott Besant]

Who pays the tariffs is a choice. And what we've seen thus far is that the manufacturers are eating a substantial portion of the tariffs and taking it into their profit margins.

[Korva Coleman]

He spoke to MSNBC this week. Automakers Stellantis and GM reported sharply lower. Prof. In their latest quarters, company officials cited the Trump tariffs. Yesterday, the Ukrainian parliament voted in favor of a bill limiting the independence of anti corruption agencies. NPR's Hanna Palamorenko reports from Kyiv. Thousands turned out in the capital and other Ukrainian cities to protest demand that Ukraine's president veto the law.

[Hanna Palamorenko]

People chanted veto the law as they gathered in the square closest to the government quarter in Kyiv. 29 year old Polina Timchenko is among the protesters.

[Polina Timchenko]

It's a betrayal of everyone who is on the front line, for everyone who is fighting for our liberty, for everyone who is fighting for Ukraine not being Russia.

[Hanna Palamorenko]

Despite the protests, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law. He later had the meeting with the heads of law enforcement and anti corruption agencies to start work on a common action plan. The Ukrainian parliament says it will collect votes for a petition to the constitutional court to repeal the law. Hanna Polomarenko, NPR News, Kyiv.

[Korva Coleman]

In the US Officials from the Social Security Administration have shuffled hundreds of local frontline workers to cover the agency's national 800 hotline. This is part of an effort to bring down wait times on the phone. But as NPR's Ashley Lopez reports, agency workers say it's creating more strain in local offices.

[Jessica Lapointe]

A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration says officials have deployed 4% of local staff to cover the 800 number. And they say this effort has already started to bring down wait times for phone services. But workers say it's forced overworked staff to cover employees now on the phone lines. Jessica Lapointe is president of a union chapter that represents these workers. She says the agency's ongoing efforts to shrink the overall workforce was already creating issues.

[Ashley Lopez]

We were already overburdened, overworked and burning out, and then a bunch of work just got dumped on us.

[Jessica Lapointe]

Lapointe says efforts to bring down wait times for services cannot be done without hiring more people. Ashley Lopez, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

You're listening to NPR News. President Trump is poised to release his artificial intelligence action plan today. He's scheduled to sign executive actions this afternoon. Big tech firms have called for the ability to sell more AI technology abroad. The plan stems from an executive order Trump signed when he first took office asking for the AI plan. Most North American shorebird populations are declining, but there are some success stories. There's been a decades long effort to help the American oyster catcher bounce back from central Florida public media. Molly Durig reports.

[Molly Durig]

Today there are 45% more American oystercatchers compared to 17 years ago. That's according to data from a coalition of more than 40 groups along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts that have spent nearly two decades collaborating on oystercatcher recovery from Maine to Florida. That recovery work includes improving coastal habitat, restoring oyster reefs and recruiting volunteers who help stop people from walking on shorebird nests on or near the beach. Conservationists say for oystercatchers to keep coming back, it will be critical to continue investing in these long term coordinated partnerships. For NPR News, I'm Molly Durig in Orlando.

[Korva Coleman]

Forecasters say dangerous heat will stick around the central U.S. today. The National Weather Service says more than 95 million people are under some kind of heat caution. From Michigan to the Gulf coast of Louisiana. Extreme heat warnings are up for several states bordering the Mississippi River. It could feel like 115 degrees in some areas today. I'm Corva Coleman, NPR News from Washington.

[Capital One Sponsor]

This message comes from Capital One with the Capital One Saver card. Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment. Capital One, what's in YOUR wallet? Terms Apply [e-mail].