NPR News Now: July 31, 2025, 7 PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Source: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Legal Challenges to President Trump's Tariff Increases

Timestamp: [00:16]

Jeanine Herbst opens the episode by addressing the Trump administration's imminent tariff hikes on imports from multiple countries set to commence the following day. The legality of these tariffs is under scrutiny as a federal appeals court evaluates the president's authority to impose such taxes.

Key Details:

• Court Hearing: The appeals court is assessing whether President Trump has the constitutional power to levy tariffs without explicit authorization from Congress.

• Legal Argument: Attorney Neal Kochal argues before the court that the tariffs exceed presidential authority unless explicitly sanctioned by Congress.

  Neal Kochal: "Historically, that is something that our founders committed to the Congress. Every single time Congress has given the president tariff authority that they've done so expressly with words." [00:51]

• Lower Court Ruling: Previously, a lower court ruled in May that the tariffs should be nullified. Despite this, the government continues to enforce the tariffs while the appeal is pending.

Conclusion: The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact the Trump administration's trade policies and its relationship with international trade partners.

2. Anti-War Protests in Tel Aviv Highlighting Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis

Timestamp: [01:13]

In a significant shift, large-scale anti-war demonstrations are erupting in Tel Aviv, focusing not on the hostages but on the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. This marks a rare instance of Israeli public dissent against the ongoing conflict.

Key Details:

• Scale of Protests: Eleanor Beardsley reports that the protests in downtown Tel Aviv are among the largest of their kind, signaling growing unrest within Israeli society.

• Shift in Focus: Initially, Israeli support for the war was largely driven by the objective of securing the hostages' release. However, the tide is turning as citizens become increasingly concerned about starvation and potential genocide in Gaza.

  Beardsley: "We are seeing cracks in Israeli society now. It was supporting the war mostly before, and it was about bringing the hostages home. But I have seen many people holding pictures of starving children in Gaza, and they are ashamed, they say." [01:30]

• Voices of Dissent: Speakers like Julia Resnick and Maria Weiss emphasize that significant portions of the Israeli population do not support the war and want international awareness of their stance.

Conclusion: The protests indicate a pivotal moment in Israeli public opinion, potentially influencing future government policies and international diplomatic efforts.

3. Navy Reverses Decision on Sharing Satellite Weather Data

Timestamp: [02:02]

Rebecca Hersher reports that the Defense Department has reversed its earlier decision to cease sharing critical satellite weather data with scientists and weather forecasters. This data is essential for tracking hurricanes and monitoring polar sea ice.

Key Details:

• Initial Decision: Approximately a month ago, the Navy announced plans to stop sharing atmospheric and oceanic satellite data.

• Public and Scientific Outcry: The announcement sparked significant backlash from the scientific community and meteorologists who rely on this information for accurate weather forecasting and climate research.

• Reversal: Responding to the feedback, the Navy has decided to continue sharing the data until at least September 2026. A Navy spokesperson stated that they found a way to align modernization goals with the necessity of data dissemination.

  Rebecca Hersher: "After feedback from government partners, officials found a way to meet modernization goals while keeping the data flowing." [02:19]

Conclusion: This decision underscores the importance of collaboration between military infrastructure and the scientific community to address climate and weather-related challenges.

4. Restoration of Presidential Fitness Test for U.S. Schoolchildren

Timestamp: [02:56]

President Trump has announced the restoration of the presidential fitness test for American schoolchildren, a program originally established in 1966. The reinstated program will reintroduce assessments that include running, sit-ups, pull-ups or push-ups, and a sit-and-reach test.

Key Details:

• Historical Context: The fitness test was phased out in 2012 to emphasize individual health rather than standardized physical assessments.
• Objective: The move aims to encourage physical fitness and discipline among students, potentially addressing rising concerns about childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Conclusion: The reintroduction of the fitness test reflects a renewed focus on physical education within the U.S. school system, aligning with broader public health initiatives.

5. Passing of Avant-Garde Artist Robert Wilson

Timestamp: [02:56]

Robert Wilson, a renowned avant-garde director, playwright, and visual artist, passed away at his home in Watermill, New York, at the age of 83. His contributions to the arts spanned collaborations with luminaries such as Philip Glass, Lou Reed, and Lady Gaga.

Key Details:

• Artistic Philosophy: Wilson believed in the artificiality of staged performances, asserting that embracing this artificiality ultimately rendered performances more natural.

  Robert Wilson: "To see someone try to act natural on stage seems so artificial. If you accept it as being something artificial, in the long run, it seems more natural for me." [03:30]

• Notable Works: His productions were known for their visual splendor and extended runtimes, including the wordless "Life and Times of Joseph Stalin" and the five-hour collaboration "Einstein on the Beach" with Philip Glass.

• Legacy: Beyond his performances, Wilson managed the Watermill Center and Arts Incubator on Long Island, fostering artistic innovation and collaboration.

Conclusion: Robert Wilson's passing marks the end of a significant era in avant-garde theater and performance art, leaving behind a transformative legacy.

6. Radioactive Wasp's Nest Discovered at South Carolina Nuclear Site

Timestamp: [04:16]

In South Carolina, a radioactive wasp's nest was unearthed at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, a location historically involved in the production of nuclear bomb components. Officials assure the public that there is no danger posed by the discovery.

Key Details:

• Discovery: Workers monitoring radiation levels identified the nest near tanks containing liquid nuclear waste.

• Safety Measures: Although the nest exhibited radiation levels ten times above federal limits, it was promptly treated by spraying insecticide and disposing of it as radioactive waste. No live wasps were found post-treatment.

  Jeanine Herbst: "Employees checking radiation levels at the Savannah River site near Aiken found the nest earlier this month near tanks storing liquid nuclear waste." [04:16]

Conclusion: The incident highlights the stringent safety protocols in place at nuclear facilities to address and mitigate potential hazards promptly.

Notable Quotes

• Neal Kochal on Tariff Authority:
  "Historically, that is something that our founders committed to the Congress. Every single time Congress has given the president tariff authority that they've done so expressly with words." [00:51]

• Eleanor Beardsley on Israeli Protests:
  "We are seeing cracks in Israeli society now. It was supporting the war mostly before, and it was about bringing the hostages home. But I have seen many people holding pictures of starving children in Gaza, and they are ashamed, they say." [01:30]

• Robert Wilson on Performance Art:
  "To see someone try to act natural on stage seems so artificial. If you accept it as being something artificial, in the long run, it seems more natural for me." [03:30]

In Memoriam

Robert Wilson (1932-2025): An influential figure in avant-garde theater, Wilson's innovative approach redefined performance art. His collaborations with composers, musicians, and fellow artists left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Closing Remarks

Jeanine Herbst wraps up the episode with coverage of the radioactive wasp's nest incident in South Carolina, assuring listeners of the safety measures taken to address the issue. Listeners are reminded to stay informed with NPR News for comprehensive and up-to-date reporting.

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