NPR News Now - August 7, 2025, 6AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR

1. President Trump's New Tariffs Take Effect

Timestamp: [00:18]

Korva Coleman opens the episode from Washington, reporting on the implementation of President Donald Trump's latest tariffs. The administration announced, "billions of dollars in tariffs are now flowing into the United States of America," applying a standard import tax of 15% on most countries, with elevated rates for nations like India and Switzerland.

Economist Rafael Nam provides an in-depth analysis of the potential impacts:

• Revenue Generation: The tariffs are projected to generate over $2 billion for the U.S. over the next decade, potentially aiding in reducing the national deficit.

• Economic Concerns: Despite these benefits, Nam cautions, "companies will likely have to pass at least some of the costs to consumers," leading to higher prices for Americans. Additionally, there is a risk of a weakened labor market as businesses may become more hesitant to hire.

Quote:

"It will take months, possibly years, to know their net effect," Nam concludes, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the long-term outcomes of these tariffs.

2. Texas Democratic Lawmakers Seek Sanctuary in Illinois

Timestamp: [01:27]

Korva Coleman reports on a significant political clash in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers are obstructing a Republican-led effort to redraw congressional districts—a move that could potentially increase Republican representation in Congress by up to five seats.

In response to the escalating tensions, several Texas Democrats have relocated to Illinois. A recent incident involved a bomb threat that forced these lawmakers out of their Chicago suburb hotel. Although the threat was later deemed a false alarm, the situation rapidly escalated as their location became easily traceable online.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker addressed the situation, stating:

"Let me be clear, they're welcome. These lawmakers are welcome in the state of Illinois. So are Texas Rangers. They can go visit the lakefront in Chicago. They can come to the state fair, but they're not arresting and taking anybody away from Illinois."
[02:04]

Governor Pritzker has since instructed the Illinois State Police to thoroughly investigate the bomb threat, ensuring the safety of the displaced lawmakers.

3. Fort Stewart Shooting: Five Soldiers Survive

Timestamp: [02:15] - [02:55]

Tragedy struck at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where five soldiers were shot by their coworker, identified as 28-year-old Automated Logistics Sergeant Cornelius Radford. All injured soldiers are expected to recover from their wounds.

Brigadier General John Lubas expressed gratitude towards the military personnel involved:

"I would also like to thank the brave soldiers who immediately intervened and subdued the shooter. These soldiers without a doubt prevented further casualties."
[02:46]

Army officials are actively investigating the motive behind the attack. General Lubas indicated, "there is no evidence to suggest that the attack was motivated by extremist beliefs," and emphasized that the Army's primary focus remains on supporting the injured and their families.

4. Potential Meeting Between Putin and Trump

Timestamp: [03:12]

On the international front, Korva Coleman covers reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to meet with President Donald Trump in the coming days. However, the White House has yet to confirm the meeting officially.

Previously, Trump mentioned the possibility of this dialogue extending to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Contrary to these statements, the latest Kremlin communication did not acknowledge any involvement of the Ukrainian leader, leaving the specifics of the upcoming discussions uncertain.

5. Americans' High Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods

Timestamp: [03:55]

Health concerns take center stage as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that Americans derive more than half of their daily caloric intake from ultra-processed foods—items high in energy but low in nutritional value.

NPR's Yuki Noguchi elaborates on the findings:

• Youth Consumption: Children and teenagers aged 1 to 18 consume approximately 62% of their calories from ultra-processed sources, including sandwiches, hamburgers, snacks, and sweet beverages.

• Adult Consumption: For adults aged 19 and above, the figure stands at 53%. Although this percentage has been on a downward trend since 2018, current consumption levels remain significantly high.

Quote:

"Reliance on these unhealthy foods is on a downward trend," Noguchi notes, indicating gradual improvement, especially among the younger population.

The study analyzed consumption patterns over a two-year period from 2021 to 2023, highlighting a positive shift towards healthier eating habits among youth.

6. SpaceX Capsule to Undock from the International Space Station

Timestamp: [04:40]

Concluding the news cycle, Korva Coleman shares exciting developments from the space sector. NASA announces that a SpaceX capsule is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming hours. The capsule will be bringing back four crew members, including two Americans, after they completed a five-month mission in space.

This successful docking and subsequent undocking mark another milestone in ongoing space exploration and international cooperation aboard the ISS.

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