NPR News Now: July 24, 2025, 2AM EDT
Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for easy navigation.
1. U.S. Tariffs and Economic Impact
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant on Tariff Duties
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Speaking on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Besant highlighted the distribution of tariff burdens between manufacturers and consumers.
"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."
— Scott Besant ([00:38]
Besant emphasized that manufacturers have been absorbing much of the tariff costs, challenging claims that American consumers are predominantly affected.
Automotive Industry's Financial Struggles
The automotive sector is feeling the strain of these tariffs, with General Motors reporting a $3 billion profit loss in the second quarter. Stellantis echoed similar challenges, projecting a $2 billion loss for the same period. These figures underscore the significant financial impact of tariff policies on major U.S. companies.
2. Legal Developments on Citizenship and Federal Appointments
Birthright Citizenship Court Ruling
A pivotal decision emerged from a federal appeals court in San Francisco, where a panel from the 9th Circuit struck down President Trump's executive order intended to revoke birthright citizenship. The ruling, decided by a 2-1 vote, propels the case closer to the U.S. Supreme Court for final adjudication.
President Trump's Executive Order on 'Woke AI'
In a broader push addressing artificial intelligence, President Trump signed an executive order targeting tech companies. The order seeks to bar federal contracts with AI firms deemed to promote "woke" ideologies.
"AI models that push diversity, equity and inclusion, transgenderism and critical race theory."
— President Trump ([01:32]
NPR's Bobby Allen reports that the administration plans to vet AI companies to ensure their models do not propagate what Trump terms "woke Marxist lunacy." AI scholars caution that bias in AI outputs often depends on the framing of questions and data sources. To comply, experts suggest that companies might develop anti-woke chatbots to secure future federal contracts.
3. Texas Flooding and Emergency Management
Hearings on Flood Preparedness
A Texas legislative committee focused on flooding convened to discuss strategies for managing natural disasters, particularly after recent severe flooding in Central Texas. Over eight hours, various state agencies presented their needs and recommendations.
"We've got some great local emergency managers out there, but there's no baseline standardization for how they got to where they are."
— Nim Kidd, Texas Division of Emergency Management ([02:43]
Chief Nim Kidd proposed that only credentialed and professionally certified emergency managers should be appointed, addressing the variability in qualifications across counties. The next committee meeting is scheduled in Kerrville, the hardest-hit area, where lawmakers aim to engage emotionally affected residents and officials involved in ongoing recovery and cleanup efforts.
4. Supreme Court Rulings and Federal Commissions
U.S. Supreme Court on Consumer Product Safety Commission Appointments
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a split decision allowing the Trump administration to terminate three Democratic commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission without cause. These commissioners, who were dismissed in May, had previously been reinstated by a federal judge. The commission plays a crucial role in identifying and banning dangerous consumer products.
5. International Tensions: Thailand and Cambodia
Renewed Clashes Between Thai and Cambodian Forces
Thailand's military reported at least one death and three injuries resulting from renewed clashes with Cambodian forces. The Thai army conducted airstrikes targeting ground positions in Cambodia, specifically near two temples.
"Cambodian forces positions near two temples."
— Thailand's Statement ([03:42]
Cambodia's Prime Minister condemned the attacks, citing them as assaults on army positions. The confrontations have arisen in six areas along the Thai-Cambodian border, escalating regional tensions.
6. Music Industry Updates: Billboard Charts
Shifts at the Top of the Billboard Charts
The music industry saw significant changes on the Billboard charts this week. Morgan Wallen's album, I'm the Problem, which had dominated as the country's top album, was dethroned by two new releases.
- Travis Scott's Jack Boyz II debuted at number one, bolstered by traditional album sales.
- Justin Bieber's Swag secured the number two spot, driven primarily by streaming popularity, contributing to 16 of its tracks entering this week's Hot 100 singles chart.
"Justin Bieber's new album, Swag. The success of Bieber's album is mostly due to streaming, which has helped land 16 of its songs on this week's Hot 100 singles chart."
— Stephen Thompson, NPR News ([04:04]
These developments highlight shifting dynamics in music consumption, with traditional sales and streaming both playing pivotal roles in chart rankings.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a broad spectrum of updates, from economic policies and their impacts on industries to significant legal decisions and international conflicts. Additionally, it touched upon cultural shifts within the music industry, reflecting changes in consumer behavior. Each segment was enriched with expert insights and direct quotes, providing listeners with a well-rounded understanding of the current news landscape.