NPR News Now: Episode Summary for August 7, 2025

Host: Windsor Johnston
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. U.S. Imposes 100% Tariff on Imported Microchips and Semiconductors

Windsor Johnston opens the episode with a significant economic update:

The U.S. is set to implement a 100% tariff on imported microchips and semiconductors. However, there's a notable exception in President Trump's order. John Ruich elaborates:

"The Trump administration has been looking into semiconductor tariffs, and Trump announced them at an event with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Oval Office." ([00:38])

Tim Cook responded to the announcement, providing a silver lining for companies investing domestically:

"The good news for companies like Apple is if you're building in the United States or have committed to build, without question committed to build in the United States, there will be no charge." ([00:45])

Despite the aggressive tariffs, the exception offers incentives for domestic manufacturing. John Ruich adds that Apple plans to invest an additional $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing, totaling $600 billion in recent commitments. This move is strategic, especially given that most of the world's microchips are produced in Asia, particularly Taiwan.

2. President Trump Threatens to Federalize Washington D.C.

In a controversial development, President Trump has threatened to take control of the nation's capital following an assault incident. Luke Garrett reports:

"Trump posted a photo of a beaten and bloodied Edward Korstein on social media. The president then said if Washington, D.C. doesn't get its act together, he will take control of the city." ([01:33])

Edward Korstein, a 19-year-old and former employee of Doge, was attacked by a group of teenagers after allegedly intervening in a carjacking. Authorities have arrested two individuals connected to the assault and reported a stolen iPhone.

Notably, Elon Musk, the head of Dosh Tech, has called on Trump to proceed with federalizing D.C. in response to the incident. However, D.C. police data suggests a 26% decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year, painting a complex picture of the city's safety.

3. Body of Palestinian Activist Held by Israeli Authorities

Eleanor Beardsley covers the tense situation surrounding the remains of a Palestinian activist:

"The slain activist was one of the makers of this year's Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land'." ([02:10])

Alda Hatlin, 32, was fatally shot during an altercation involving settlers in his village. Despite clear video evidence showing Inon Levy, a settler, wielding a handgun, no charges have been filed against him.

Sava Hatlin, Alda's cousin, leads a hunger strike alongside dozens of women demanding the return of his body:

"The army is harassing us on a nightly basis," she stated ([02:29]).

Israeli peace activists in the West Bank criticize the government's alignment with settlers, highlighting ongoing tensions and the struggle for justice and recognition.

4. United Airlines Pauses Mainline Departures Due to Technology Issue

Travelers may face significant delays as United Airlines announces a suspension of all mainline departures nationwide:

"United Airlines says it's pausing all mainline departures across the nation because of a technology issue." ([03:09])

The airline has implemented ground stops at major hubs including Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, and Newark. While flights already in the air remain unaffected, passengers should brace for potential delays while United works to resolve the technical difficulties.

5. Success of "K Pop Demon Hunters" Soundtrack on Billboard Charts

Entertainment news highlights the unexpected success of the animated film "K Pop Demon Hunters" and its vibrant soundtrack. Stephen Thompson reports:

"The Netflix movie tells the story of a girl group called Huntrix, whose members moonlight as demon hunters." ([03:56])

The film's music features two fictional bands, Huntrix and Saja Boys, which have made remarkable strides on the Billboard charts:

• "Your Idol" by Saja Boys has climbed to number nine.
• "Golden" by Huntrix holds steady at number two.

Performed by real-life K-Pop artists, these tracks have collectively landed seven songs in this week's Top 40, marking a significant presence in the U.S. music scene.

6. Wall Street Closes Higher

Wrapping up the news segment, Windsor Johnston provides a brief update on the financial markets:

"At the close on Wall street, the dow was up 81 points, the NASDAQ up 252." ([04:45])

This positive movement indicates a robust performance in the stock market amidst the day's various economic and political developments.

For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.