NPR News Now: August 1, 2025, 8 AM EDT
Hosted by Windsor Johnston
U.S. Implements New Tariffs Amid Economic and Legal Uncertainties
Timestamp: [00:16]
President Donald Trump has initiated the first wave of new tariffs targeting imports from Canada, expanding his trade measures to nearly all countries. Most of these tariffs are set to commence on August 7th, with Mexico still engaged in negotiations with the administration.
Economic Impact: Danielle Kurtzleben reports that while President Trump aims to achieve certain trade objectives, the economic ramifications remain uncertain.
"Tariffs are modestly weakening the economy for no good reason. It might not drag us into a recession, but it certainly seems like it might raise prices, slow things down."
— Danielle Kurtzleben [00:46]
Legal Challenges: A significant legal hurdle looms as a federal court previously ruled many of these tariffs illegal. The administration's appeal is currently under review by an appeals court, leaving the future of the tariffs uncertain.
U.S. Envoy Arrives in Gaza Amidst Rising Tensions
Timestamp: [01:17]
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Gaza accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Their visit underscores ongoing efforts to address the complex situation in the region.
Humanitarian Concerns: Emily Fang reports on the dire conditions faced by Palestinians seeking aid.
"Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities said Thursday at least 91 Palestinians were killed while attempting to get food and aid in the past 24 hours."
— Emily Fang [01:30]
A poignant account from Mohammed Al Sheikh highlights the perilous efforts to secure necessities:
"The gunfire stopped at precisely 9am. I ran to get food as an Israeli tank drove away and managed to get about six and a half pounds of supplies for my family."
— Mohammed Al Sheikh via Anas Baba [01:30]
Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Temporary Protected Status
Timestamp: [02:14]
In a significant ruling, Federal Judge Trina Thompson of San Francisco has halted the White House's efforts to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 60,000 individuals from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. This decision delays final determinations until November.
Judge’s Commentary: Sergio Martinez Beltran conveys Judge Thompson's criticism of the Trump administration's stance:
"Instead, they are told to atone for their race, live because of their names and purify their blood."
— Judge Trina Thompson [02:27]
The judge emphasized that these immigrants, many of whom have resided in the U.S. for over two decades, seek the freedom to live without fear and pursue the American dream. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to comment on the ruling.
Revival of the Presidential Fitness Test Promoted by White House
Timestamp: [03:10]
The White House has announced plans to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test, a program originally established in 1966 to encourage physical activity among American schoolchildren. President Trump advocates for returning to this longstanding tradition.
White House Statement: An unnamed official highlighted the program's significance:
"Graduate scholars all across our country competed against each other in the Presidential Fitness Test. And it was a big deal. This was a wonderful tradition, and we're bringing it back."
— White House Official [03:33]
Program Details: The fitness test involves sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and a one-mile run, serving as a benchmark in school gym classes. The initiative aims to shift focus back to collective physical fitness after changes made during the Obama administration emphasized individual health.
Apple Posts Record Earnings Fueled by iPhone Sales Surge
Timestamp: [03:44]
Apple Inc. has surpassed quarterly earnings expectations, driven by significant increases in iPhone and Mac sales, as well as growth in services. CEO Tim Cook attributes the robust performance to strategic decision-making amidst evolving market conditions.
Financial Highlights: John Ruich reports that Apple's worldwide revenue rose by 10% compared to the same quarter last year, with iPhone sales increasing by over 13%.
Impact of Tariffs: Chief Financial Officer Kevin Parak noted that anticipated tariffs influenced consumer behavior:
"Demand was driven in part by the coming tariffs as customers snagged new iPhones before prices go up."
— Kevin Parak [04:07]
In response to President Trump's threat of a 25% tariff on iPhones unless production shifts to the United States, Tim Cook stated that Apple is optimizing its supply chains with plans to increase manufacturing domestically.
"We are working to optimize supply chains and would ultimately be doing more manufacturing here in the U.S."
— Tim Cook [04:07]
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on August 1, 2025. For detailed reporting and further updates, please refer to the full podcast.