NPR News Now: August 3, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Release Date: August 3, 2025

1. Trump Administration Implements New Tariffs

Timestamp: [00:18] - [01:09]

The Trump administration has officially enacted new tariffs ranging from 10% to 40% on several countries that have yet to secure a trade agreement with the United States. This move follows previous delays in implementing these reciprocal tariffs announced in April. The immediate announcement has rattled the stock markets, causing a significant downturn in stock prices.

Key Highlights:

• Kevin Hassett, White House Economic Adviser, affirmed the administration's commitment to these tariffs despite market fluctuations. In an interview at [00:54], Hassett stated, "I would rule it out because these are the final deals." He further emphasized the administration's satisfaction with the current agreements, adding at [01:05], "The president will decide what the president decides, but the president likes those deals."

• Global Response: Countries like South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Japan are actively negotiating their own trade deals and determining appropriate tariff rates in response to the U.S. measures.

• Effective Date: The new tariffs are set to take effect on Thursday, marking a significant shift in U.S. trade policy.

2. Israeli Writer David Grossman Labels Gaza Conflict a Genocide

Timestamp: [01:15] - [02:14]

Renowned Israeli author David Grossman has sparked controversy by declaring Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza a genocide in an interview with an Italian newspaper. Grossman, celebrated for his literary achievements including the International Booker Prize, brings a personal perspective to his commentary, having endured the tragic loss of his son in 2006 during a military conflict.

Key Insights:

• Humanitarian Crisis: Grossman highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict, noting over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread starvation in Gaza.

• Public Opinion: Despite his stance, a recent survey by Israel's Institute for National Security Studies indicated that more than 60% of Jewish and Arab Israelis do not view the conflict as genocide, underscoring Grossman’s position as a minority voice within Israel.

• Call for Peace: Following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Grossman has been a consistent advocate for peace with Arab nations, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and dialogue.

3. Canadian Wildfires Deteriorate Air Quality in the U.S. Midwest and Northeast

Timestamp: [02:14] - [03:04]

Extensive wildfires in Canada have led to hazy skies and deteriorating air quality across several U.S. states, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The smoke from over 700 active fires marks Canada’s second-worst wildfire season on record.

Key Details:

• Affected Areas: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are experiencing significant air pollution levels, with advisories to limit outdoor activities.

• Meteorological Impact: Bob Oravec from the National Weather Service indicated that the wind patterns carrying the polluted air from Canada are expected to persist throughout the week, with only brief interruptions possible. He warned, "There may be a day or so where there's a temporary break to it, but overall, it looks like there is potential for additional smoke to be transported southeastward into the United States."

• Government Response: Efforts are underway to monitor and address the air quality issues, with public health advisories being disseminated to protect vulnerable populations.

4. U.S. Women's Swimming Team Sets New World Record in Singapore

Timestamp: [03:13] - [04:12]

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the U.S. national women's swimming team has set a new world record at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, despite recent challenges within the team.

Key Achievements:

• Record-Breaking Performance: The women's 4x100 medley relay team, comprising Kate Douglas, Regan Smith, Gretchen Walsh, and Tori Husk, finished with a time of 3 minutes and 49.34 seconds, surpassing the previous Olympic record set in Paris by less than half a second.

• Overcoming Adversity: This triumph comes just days after several team members were sidelined due to an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis, which had previously caused some swimmers to miss key events.

• Joe Hernandez, reporting for NPR, highlighted the significance of this achievement by stating, "They beat the record previously set by Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Paris last year by less than half a second."

5. Weekend Box Office Highlights

Timestamp: [03:13] - [04:57]

The weekend box office showcased a strong performance from several blockbuster films, with Marvel's "First Family, the Fantastic Four First Ups" maintaining its position at the top spot.

Top Performers:

1. First Family, the Fantastic Four First Ups

   • Box Office: Approximately $40 million in ticket sales.
   • Global Earnings: Nearly $370 million worldwide.
   • Context: This film is the last major summer blockbuster, holding steady despite fierce competition.

2. Bad Guys

   • Box Office: $22 million on its debut weekend.

3. Paramount's "Naked Gun" Sequel

   • Box Office: $17 million, continuing the legacy of slapstick comedy classics.

4. James Gunn's "Superman"

   • Box Office: $13 million, adding to the superhero genre's dominance.

5. "Jurassic World Rebirth"

   • Box Office: $8 million, contributing to the enduring popularity of the Jurassic franchise.

Jeanine Herbst concluded the segment by noting the robust performance of these films in a competitive market.

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