NPR News Now: August 4, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: August 4, 2025

1. Texas Political Turmoil Over Redistricting

In a bold move to counter the Republican-led Texas House's efforts to redraw U.S. congressional districts, more than 50 Democratic state lawmakers have fled Texas. Their departure aims to halt legislative processes that could significantly favor the GOP in upcoming elections. President Donald Trump is actively encouraging Texas Republicans to pursue this redistricting strategy, which could potentially secure up to five additional Republican seats in the U.S. Congress, thereby bolstering his political influence.

Greg Cassar, a Texas Democrat serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, voiced strong opposition to the redistricting plans:

“If Donald Trump is allowed to violate the Voting Rights Act and strip voters of their rights here in Austin and in Texas, soon enough it'll spread across America.”
[00:47]

Meanwhile, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has issued a stern warning to the Democratic lawmakers, urging them to return to Texas immediately. He stated that failure to comply would result in their removal from office, and he threatened to install new legislators of his choosing if they remained absent.
[00:55]

2. Republican Split on President Trump's Tariff Policies

President Trump recently announced updated tariffs targeting dozens of countries, a move celebrated by the White House but met with criticism from some members within his own party. Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, highlighted the adverse economic impacts of these tariffs on his state:

“Trump's tariffs are forcing a recession in Nebraska, which relies heavily on agricultural exports.”
[01:24]

An unnamed Republican representative echoed these concerns, noting a significant economic contraction:

“Tariffs war is not good for us and we're, we're seeing it. The economy in Nebraska constricted by 6%.”
[01:32]

Bacon further criticized the administration’s approach, emphasizing that such tariffs damage U.S. trade relationships, particularly with Mexico. He argued that the president is "misusing tariff powers usually reserved for Congress."
[01:40]

Another unnamed Republican representative expressed apprehension about the extent of presidential authority:

“We've given the president emergency powers, but I think it's being abused in this case.”
[01:56]

Bacon concluded by suggesting that tariffs should be strategically applied against specific entities like China and the European Union, rather than implemented broadly.
[02:01]

3. Ceasefire Negotiations Between Thailand and Cambodia

In Southeast Asia, defense officials from Thailand and Cambodia convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to negotiate the maintenance of a ceasefire along their disputed border. This meeting comes after intense clashes last month, resulting in at least 43 fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.

Adam Hancock, reporting from Singapore, provided insights into the negotiations:

“These mediation talks will take place in Kuala Lumpur after Thailand requested a neutral venue for the latest round of negotiations. Defense ministers and military leaders from both sides will sit down in the Malaysian capital for the next four days.”
[02:30]

The ceasefire agreement, brokered in late July, has seen a gradual return of some residents to their homes, though many remain in shelters awaiting further stability. The talks include participation from international representatives, including those from the United States and China, aiming to ensure lasting peace in the region.
[02:30]

4. International Demands for the Release of Hostages in Gaza

The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The release of videos depicting two severely malnourished Israeli hostages has intensified global condemnation and heightened tensions in Israel. These distressing images have fueled widespread anger, with many Israelis urging their government to negotiate the release of all remaining captives.

As the situation escalates, the international community remains watchful, advocating for humanitarian interventions to resolve the crisis and ensure the safety of the hostages.
[03:12]

5. Boeing Workers' Strike Intensifies

Over 3,000 unionized workers at Boeing have continued their strike, rejecting a tentative contract proposal last week. These workers play a crucial role in manufacturing military aircraft, and their prolonged strike could have significant implications for both Boeing's production schedules and national defense projects. The union's decision underscores ongoing labor disputes and demands for better working conditions and compensation.

6. Tribute to Actress Loni Anderson

NPR mourns the loss of beloved actress Loni Anderson, who passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 79. Best known for her role as the platinum blonde receptionist on the iconic 1970s and 80s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, Anderson was celebrated for portraying her character as both glamorous and intelligent, a portrayal she insisted upon to add depth to the comedic series.

Steve Futterman paid tribute to Anderson’s legacy:

“Her voluptuous body was often part of the comedy bits, but Anderson insisted that her character be both glamorous and intelligent.”
[04:03]
“Anderson made guest appearances on dozens of other shows and in movies. In the cult comedy film A Night at the Roxbury, she plays the mother of the two main characters. Anderson was married four times. Her tumultuous third marriage to actor Burt Reynolds made them both popular figures on the covers of supermarket tabloids.”
[04:18]

Anderson's contributions to television and film have left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry, and her passing is a significant loss to fans and colleagues alike.
[04:51]

For NPR News Now, I’m Korva Coleman in Washington.

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