NPR News: 07-27-2025 6PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: July 27, 2025, 6PM EDT

NPR's Jeanine Herbst brings you a comprehensive summary of today’s top stories, featuring key discussions, expert insights, and impactful developments from around the globe.

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European Union and U.S. Trade Agreement

The European Union has lauded its new trade agreement with President Donald Trump’s administration as a positive outcome, despite the implementation of a 15% tariff on EU exports to the United States. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the concessions made during negotiations:

“While tariffs will still be a challenge for some, at least now the destabilizing uncertainty is over” (00:50).

Von der Leyen admitted that the EU did not achieve the complete removal of import duties on European products but successfully negotiated to reduce the initial tariff threat by half. Terry Schultz, a representative involved in the deal, emphasized the significance of the agreement:

“15% is not to be underestimated, but it is the best we could get” (00:34).

The agreement includes several exemptions, featuring zero tariffs on specific categories such as aircraft, certain agricultural products, and critical raw materials. In addition, the deal addresses energy dependencies, with Schultz stating:

“We will replace Russian gas and oil by significant purchases of US LNG, oil, and nuclear fuels” (00:59).

This development is seen as a step towards stabilizing trade relations between the EU and the U.S., despite lingering challenges related to the imposed tariffs.

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Humanitarian Efforts and Ceasefire in Gaza

In a significant move, Israel's military has initiated a limited pause in fighting across three densely populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours each day. This ceasefire aims to facilitate essential measures, including food airdrops, amid growing concerns over escalating hunger in the region.

NPR correspondent Eleanor Beardsley reported from Gaza, providing a vivid account of the current humanitarian situation:

“There’s rotting oil, beans, baby formula, diapers just stacked up, rotting in the sun... It’s a desolate place that feels like the end of the earth” (01:19).

Beardsley described the massive stockpiles of aid, which, despite being intended for distribution, remain largely unused and deteriorating due to the conflict. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) organized the visit, showcasing the aid purportedly sourced from the United Nations. The ongoing conflict continues to create a bleak environment, with intermittent gunfire heard in the distance, highlighting the fragile and precarious nature of the ceasefire.

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NASA Workforce Changes Amid Administration Policies

NASA faces a notable shift in its workforce dynamics as an increasing number of employees have opted to leave the agency through the Trump administration's Deferred Resignation Program. Chandelyse Duster reports that:

“NASA says 3,000 employees applied to leave the agency under the latest round of the deferred resignation program... Altogether, that amounts to nearly 20% of NASA's workforce” (02:20).

This wave of resignations follows earlier applications, totaling over 800 employees earlier in the year. The departures coincide with internal criticisms from more than 300 current and former NASA employees who have expressed concerns over proposed budget cuts and organizational changes in an open letter to interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy.

Cheryl Warner, a NASA spokesperson, highlighted the agency’s ongoing commitment to safety while striving to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. The significant reduction in workforce poses challenges for NASA’s future projects and initiatives, raising questions about the agency’s direction under the current administration.

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Mass Stabbing in Michigan and a Triumphant Tour de France

Mass Stabbing at Traverse City Walmart

Authorities in Michigan are investigating a mass stabbing incident that occurred yesterday at a Walmart near Traverse City, resulting in 11 injuries. The suspect, a 42-year-old man armed with a folding knife, has been apprehended with assistance from armed individuals, including one armed with a gun. Law enforcement officials indicate that the attack appears to have been random, and the suspect now faces charges of terrorism alongside 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.

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Slovenian Champion Tade Pogaar Wins Fourth Tour de France Title

In sports, Slovenian cyclist Tade Pogaar has claimed his fourth Tour de France title under challenging conditions marked by rain, slick roads, and a historic final stage. Rebecca Rosman reports from Paris:

“For the first time in its 121-year history, cyclists tackled three punishing loops around the steep Butte de Montmartre” (03:14).

Despite struggling on the final ascent, Pogaar maintained his lead over Belgian Wout Van Aert, securing overall victory. The intense final leg, characterized by treacherous weather and demanding terrain, showcased Pogaar’s resilience and strategic prowess, earning him acclaim and solidifying his status as a cycling legend.

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Wall Street Braces for a Busy Week

Investors on Wall Street are preparing for a hectic week ahead, with looming deadlines related to President Trump's tariff implementations and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting. These factors are expected to significantly influence market movements and investment strategies.

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NPR News Now continues to provide timely and in-depth coverage of the most pressing news stories, ensuring listeners stay informed on critical global and domestic issues.

Transcript

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[Jeanine Herbst]

News, I'm Jeanine Herbst. The European Union is hailing its new trade agreement with President Trump as a good deal, even though it will mean 15% tariffs on EU exports to the US Terry Schultz has more.

[Ursula von der Leyen]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledges she didn't succeed in getting President Trump to entirely drop the plan to add import duties on European products, but only to cut his original threat in half.

[Terry Schultz]

15% is not to be underestimated, but it is the best we could get.

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Von der Leyen says there will be some zero tariff items, among them aircraft, some agricultural products and critical raw materials. Other parts of the deal.

[Terry Schultz]

We will replace Russian gas and oil by significant purchases of US LNG oil and nuclear fuels.

[Ursula von der Leyen]

Von der Leyen says while tariffs will still be a challenge for some, at least now the destabilizing uncertainty is over. For NPR News, I'm Terri Scholz in Brussels.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Israel's military has begun a limited pause in fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day as part of measures including food air drops as concerns grow over surging hunger. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley was in Gaza today with a group of journalists on a visit organized by the Israeli military, which showed aid it says is from the.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

UN I am standing in a vast blacktop parking lot with probably millions of tons of aid rotting in the sun. I've come into Gaza with the idf. We've had an escort. We were brought in in trucks. We're wearing our flak jacket and our helmets. I can hear shooting like tank fire and small gun fire in the distance. This is a desolate place that feels like the end of the earth. There's rotting oil, beans, baby formula, diapers just stacked up, rotting in the sun. There are birds picking at it. And I'm just it's a seascape of barbed wire.

[Jeanine Herbst]

NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reporting. More NASA employees have applied to leave their jobs through the Trump administration's Deferred Resignation Program. NPR's Chandelyse Duster has more.

[Chandelyse Duster]

NASA says 3,000 employees applied to leave the agency under the latest round of the deferred resignation program. That's in addition to more than 800 employees who applied to leave through the program earlier this year. Altogether, that amounts to nearly 20% of NASA's workforce. Cheryl Warner, a spokesperson for NASA, says safety remains a top priority for the agency as they balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organization. The announcement comes days after more than 300 current and former NASA employees signed a letter to interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy criticizing proposed cuts and changes. Chandelyse Duster, NPR News.

[Jeanine Herbst]

This is NPR News from Washington. In Michigan, authorities continue to search for the motive in a mass stabbing attack at a Walmart near Traverse City yesterday that left 11 people injured. Police say a suspect is in custody and that several people, including one who was armed with a gun, helped apprehend the 42 year old man. Authorities say the suspect had a folding knife and that the attack appears to have been random. He faces charges of terrorism in connection with the attack, along with 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. Slovenian champion Tade Pogaar has secured his fourth Tour de France title despite rain, slicked roads. Rebecca Rossman has more from Paris on his victory, saying it came amid a dramatic and historic final stage.

[Rebecca Rosman]

There were steep hills, slick cobblestones and a surprise downpour in the final leg of the 23 day race. For the first time in its 121 year history, cyclists tackled three punishing loops around the steep Butte de Montmartre. Thousands of fans packed the narrow streets, even climbing trees and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the riders. 26 year old Slovenian star Tadeh Pogashar struggled slightly on the third ascent, giving Belgian Wout Van Aert the edge to win the final stage. But Pogashar still cruised to overall victory, securing his fourth Tour de France title. Rebecca Rosman, NPR News. Paris.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Wall street investors are gearing up for a busy week with President Trump's tariffs deadlines looming and with the Fed set to hold its next policy meeting. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News.

[Carvana Representative]

Listen to this podcast sponsor free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR news [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org.