NPR News Now: July 30, 2025, 7 PM EDT
Violent Incident in New York City
In a tragic event on Monday, a 27-year-old Las Vegas man carried out a shooting at a New York City skyscraper, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The perpetrator, identified as Shane Tamora, later took his own life. NPR's Sarah Ventri reported that Tamora purchased the assault rifle used in the incident for $1,400 from his supervisor at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The supervisor is currently cooperating with investigators and faces no charges at this time. Ventri highlighted, “Tamora left a note inside his apartment stating, ‘when I look into you and dad's eyes, all I see is disappointment. I love you, Mama’” (00:37). Additionally, authorities have recovered antipsychotic prescription medication from Tamora's residence, indicating potential mental health issues that may have contributed to the tragedy.
U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Brazil
In international trade developments, President Donald Trump announced a significant tariff increase targeting Brazil, one of the highest imposed under his administration. Effective August 6th, a 50% tariff will be levied on all Brazilian goods, although a list of exemptions has been included. NPR's Kerry Pecan detailed that the executive order justifies these duties by accusing Brazil of human rights violations, undermining the rule of law, and politically persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro. Pecan stated, “Trump says Brazil deserves the high tax because it violates human rights, undermines the rule of law and is politically persecuting its former president” (01:37).
The order exempts critical exports such as orange juice and aircraft parts. Notably, Brazil supplies nearly half of all orange juice consumed in the U.S., and the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has warned that the steep tariffs could lead to layoffs of its U.S. workers. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury has sanctioned a Brazilian Supreme Court justice for what it describes as abusive rulings and censorship of opponents.
Nonprofits Oppose Politicization of Houses of Worship
A coalition of over a thousand nonprofit organizations is actively resisting the Trump administration's initiative to allow houses of worship to endorse political candidates. NPR's Jason DeRose reported that these groups argue such a move would "erode public trust and threaten the independence and integrity of the entire nonprofit sector" (02:24). The backlash stems from a recent IRS court filing interpreting the 1954 Johnson Amendment, which traditionally prohibits religious institutions from endorsing political candidates. The nonprofit coalition, including prominent organizations like the National Council of Nonprofits, Public Citizen, and the Interfaith Alliance, asserts that allowing clergy to make political endorsements from the pulpit politicizes religious spaces and undermines their nonpartisan missions.
Kamala Harris Announces Future Political Plans
In political news, former Vice President Kamala Harris has declared that she will not seek the governorship of California. However, she remains open to the possibility of running for the White House in 2028. NPR's Windsor Johnston reported that Harris spent months contemplating a gubernatorial bid before deciding against it. In her statement, Harris expressed frustration with the current state of U.S. politics, stating, “U.S. politics, government and the nation's institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in what she calls this moment of crisis” (03:10). Harris previously served as California’s Attorney General and her decision keeps her options open for future political endeavors.
Music Industry Highlights: Ozzy Osbourne and Tyler the Creator Dominate Billboard Charts
The music industry saw significant activity this week as both Ozzy Osbourne and Tyler the Creator made notable impacts on the Billboard charts. Stephen Thompson of NPR reported that five albums entered the Billboard Top 10 for the first time this week. Among them, a greatest hits compilation by the late Ozzy Osbourne has gained considerable attention following his passing last week. In a remarkable achievement, Tyler the Creator's new album, "Don't Tap the Glass," debuted at number one, marking his fourth consecutive album to reach the top spot. Thompson highlighted, “Tyler the Creator is in the midst of a busy creative stretch” (03:56). This success comes just nine months after his previous album, "Chromacopia," which also topped the charts for three weeks in November.
Stock Market Update
The stock market showed mixed results today. Windsor Johnston reported that the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 171 points, the S&P 500 fell by 7 points, while the NASDAQ Composite saw a modest increase of 31 points (04:44). This fluctuation reflects ongoing volatility in the financial markets amid various economic and political factors influencing investor sentiment.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane Tamora’s note: “When I look into you and dad's eyes, all I see is disappointment. I love you, Mama.” (Sarah Ventri, 00:37)
- President Trump on Brazil tariffs: “Brazil deserves the high tax because it violates human rights, undermines the rule of law and is politically persecuting its former president.” (Kerry Pecan, 01:37)
- Kamala Harris on political crisis: “U.S. politics, government and the nation's institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in what she calls this moment of crisis.” (Kamala Harris, 03:10)
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, ranging from a tragic shooting incident and major trade policy changes to influential movements within the nonprofit sector and updates from the political and music worlds. The inclusion of direct quotes and detailed reporting provides listeners with a clear and engaging understanding of the day's most pressing news.