NPR News Now: July 28, 2025, 1PM EDT

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

In this episode of NPR News Now, listeners are brought up to speed on a range of pressing global and national issues, including high-stakes international diplomacy, significant trade agreements, human rights concerns, market movements, political maneuvers in North Carolina, and noteworthy developments in the entertainment industry.

1. U.S.-U.K. Diplomatic Talks: President Trump Hosts British Prime Minister

Timestamp: [00:33]

President Donald Trump is currently hosting British Prime Minister [Prime Minister's Name] at his golf club in Scotland. The two leaders are engaged in discussions addressing several global challenges, notably trade relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Key Points:

• War in Ukraine: President Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over recent military strikes that resulted in civilian casualties.
• Ceasefire Deadline: Trump announced a reduction of the previously set 50-day deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine to 10 to 12 days. He warned that failure to comply would result in "massive secondary tariffs on Moscow's trade partners."

Notable Quote:

"There's no reason to wait if you know what the answer is going to be. Why wait?"
— Roy Cooper [01:13]

Franco Ordonez of NPR News in Turnberry, Scotland, highlights Trump's stance:

"Russia's economy would be so much better if it was not so focused on war and killing people."
— Franco Ordonez [01:17]

2. EU and U.S. Reach New Trade Agreement

Timestamp: [01:29]

The European Union and the United States have agreed to a new trade deal that imposes a 15% tariff on EU goods entering the U.S. market. In return, American-made goods will gain tax-free access to the European market. This agreement aims to avert a prolonged trade war, as European leaders and other nations have shown reluctance to engage in extended economic conflicts.

Key Points:

• Bloomberg's Insight: Lionel Laurent, a Bloomberg opinion columnist, notes that Europe and other countries lack the appetite for an extended trade conflict.
• Trade Deal Approval: The agreement still awaits approval from all EU member countries, indicating that final ratification is pending.

Notable Quote:

"I think there was a hope that the EU would be able to kind of really tough it out. It has the tools to retaliate, but in the end it's chosen to kind of accept in a sort of anti-climax this 15% number, which is in line with what Japan got. So it's not a huge surprise. But compared to the terms of trade that the EU had with the US before, there's no retaliation. There's the promise to buy more US goods."
— Roy Cooper [01:47]

3. Human Rights Concerns: Accusations of Genocide Against Israel in Gaza

Timestamp: [02:12]

Leading Israeli human rights organizations, including B'Tselem and the Israeli branch of Physicians for Human Rights, have released reports alleging that Israel's military actions in Gaza constitute genocide as defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention. These reports focus on the systematic destruction of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure, characterizing it as a deliberate policy targeting Palestinians.

Key Points:

• Physicians for Human Rights' Stance: The organization asserts that the assault on Gaza's healthcare system is part of a deliberate policy aimed at the Palestinian population.
• Israel's Response: David Menser, spokesperson for Israel's Prime Minister, vehemently denies the allegations, stating that Israel's military exclusively targets terrorists and never civilians.

Notable Quotes:

"Physicians for Human Rights argues the assault on Gaza's healthcare system is, quote, part of a deliberate policy targeting Palestinians as a group and therefore constitutes genocide under the 1948 convention, which was largely conceived as a response to the Holocaust."
— Emily Fang [02:35]

"Israel's military targets terrorists and never civilians."
— David Menser [02:35]

4. Market Update: Mixed Performance in U.S. Stocks

Timestamp: [03:21]

U.S. stock markets are displaying a mixed performance in the latest trading hour. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dipped by 19 points, the S&P 500 has seen a modest gain of one point, and the Nasdaq Composite has risen by 50 points.

Market Numbers:

• Dow Jones: Down 19 points, closing at 44,885.
• S&P 500: Up 1 point.
• Nasdaq: Up 50 points, closing at 21,163.

5. Political Shift: Roy Cooper Announces Congressional Run in North Carolina

Timestamp: [03:38] - [03:50]

Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper has officially announced his candidacy for Congress in North Carolina. Cooper is aiming to flip the seat currently held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.

Key Points:

• Campaign Announcement: Cooper made his formal campaign announcement through a YouTube video, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to serving the public.
• Political Implications: This move comes as former President Trump backs Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, especially after Lara Trump, Trump's daughter-in-law, declined to run.

Notable Quote:

"I've thought on it and prayed about it, and I've decided I want to serve as your next United States senator because even now I still believe our best days are ahead of us."
— Roy Cooper [03:38]

"Listen to this podcast sponsor, free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now. Plus@plus.NPR.org that's plus.NPR.org."
— Roy Cooper [05:12]
(Note: This portion pertains to podcast sponsorship and is excluded from content summary as per instructions.)

6. Entertainment Buzz: Marvel's "Fantastic Four First Steps" Soars at the Box Office

Timestamp: [04:17]

Marvel Studios' latest release, "Fantastic Four First Steps," has made a significant impact at the box office. The film has garnered approximately $118 million in North America during its opening weekend and is projected to secure an additional $100 million overseas.

Key Points:

• Comparative Success: The film's performance is on par with "Superman," which saw similar earnings two weeks prior.
• No Major Competition: With no other blockbuster films releasing concurrently, "Fantastic Four First Steps" is expected to maintain its strong performance through Labor Day.

Notable Quotes:

"In the comic book world, the Fantastic Four are known as Marvel's first family."
— Roy Cooper [04:21]

"Whatever life throws at us, we'll face it together."
— Roy Cooper [04:26]

Bob Mondello of NPR News adds:

"Fantastic Four First Steps will take in about $118 million in North America this weekend and it will collect another $100 million overseas. That will put it right about where Superman was for its opening two weeks ago. And there's no blockbuster competition on the horizon, so it's clobbering time at least through Labor Day."
— Bob Mondello [04:26]

Conclusion

Today's episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a thorough overview of critical international relations between the U.S. and the U.K., a significant new trade agreement between the EU and the U.S., serious human rights allegations against Israel, current stock market trends, a notable political announcement in North Carolina, and the successful debut of a major Marvel film. These updates collectively offer a snapshot of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of current events shaping our world.

For more detailed coverage and ongoing updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.