NPR News: 08-07-2025 8AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: August 7, 2025, 8 AM EDT

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

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President Trump Orders New Census Amid Controversy

Timestamp: [00:15]

President Donald Trump has directed his administration to initiate a new census, a move that has sparked significant debate. The primary reason cited for this action is to exclude individuals who are illegally present in the United States from the population count. Trump emphasized the constitutional implications of the census, stating, “Congressional representation is decided based on the whole number of persons in each state” (00:15). However, his administration's attempt to exclude certain populations challenges the traditional understanding of the constitutional mandate.

The census data plays a critical role in determining the allocation of congressional seats, making the accuracy and inclusivity of this count a matter of national importance. Critics argue that excluding undocumented immigrants could distort representation and lead to unequal distribution of resources and political power.

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Trump's New Tariffs Impact Technology and Consumer Goods

Imposition of 100% Tariffs on Computer Chips

Timestamp: [00:50]

In a significant development affecting the tech industry, President Trump has implemented a 100% tariff on imports of computer chips and semiconductors. Maria Aspen reports that, “With certain exceptions, we'll be putting a tariff of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors” (00:50). This drastic measure aims to bolster domestic manufacturing but poses challenges for companies reliant on imported components. Notably, there are exemptions for businesses that build within the United States, even if production has not yet commenced, potentially safeguarding job creation efforts.

15% Tariffs on European Olive Oil

Timestamp: [01:20]

The administration's tariff policies extend beyond technology, significantly impacting the food industry. Marie Charlotte Pierrot, CEO of Oleo Pierrot, a Tuscany-based olive oil startup, explains, “Now President Trump has finalized tariffs of 15% on European imports, including olive oil. That means Americans will face higher prices and some will switch to cheaper alternatives like canola oil” (01:20). The United States is the second-largest consumer of olive oil globally, with approximately 95% of it being imported, primarily from Spain and Italy.

The newly imposed tariffs have forced European olive oil producers to seek alternative markets to mitigate the impact. Pierrot mentioned, “It was just so difficult, and we're not the only one. We are the smallest player in this whole” (01:57), highlighting the broader challenges faced by the industry. Oleo Pierrot is exploring new customer bases in countries like Canada to navigate the increased costs and reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market.

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Potential Trump-Putin Meeting to Address Ukraine Conflict

Timestamp: [02:10]

In international relations, a notable development is the announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump are slated to meet in the coming days. While the White House has not officially confirmed the meeting, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that the discussions could occur as early as next week, with details on the venue pending (02:28). This would be the first high-level meeting between the two leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The proposed meeting was initiated by White House envoy Steve Witkoff during recent negotiations focused on ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Witkoff also suggested the inclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in potential three-way talks, although Moscow has yet to endorse this format. The mere possibility of direct dialogue has had immediate effects, with Russian markets and the ruble experiencing an uptick following the news.

Adding pressure, President Trump has set a Friday deadline for the Kremlin to end its military actions in Ukraine, threatening new secondary sanctions and tariffs on key Russian energy exports if demands are not met. Charles Maynes reports, “Russian markets and its currency the ruble rose on the news” (02:28), signaling market optimism about the potential de-escalation of tensions.

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United Airlines Resolves Major Flight Delays

Timestamp: [03:09]

In transportation news, United Airlines has successfully addressed a significant backlog of flight delays caused by a widespread technology malfunction the previous day. Over 1,000 flights were impacted across the United States, leading to considerable inconvenience for passengers. However, United Airlines confirmed that the glitch has been remedied, and operations are returning to normal.

As per FlightAware.com, current delays and cancellations are limited to fewer than 10% of United's flights, reflecting substantial progress in resolving the issue. This improvement has contributed to a positive outlook on Wall Street, with Dow futures trading higher in premarket sessions (03:09).

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Scorching Heat Advisories Across Central United States

Timestamp: [03:09]

The National Weather Service has issued multiple heat advisories spanning from South Dakota to Texas, warning of extreme temperatures that could reach around 100 degrees Fahrenheit in much of the Central Plains today. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated, as the intense heat poses health risks and could disrupt daily activities.

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"K Pop Demon Hunters" Achieves Billboard Success

Netflix Hit Inspires Chart-Topping Music

Timestamp: [04:02]

The animated Netflix film "K Pop Demon Hunters" has not only captivated audiences with its unique storyline but has also made a significant impact on the music charts. The movie, which revolves around a girl group named Huntrix who double as demon hunters, features a rival demon boy band called Saja Boys. Their musical battles are depicted through catchy and compelling songs that have resonated with listeners.

Stephen Thompson reports, “Your Idol climbs to number nine, while Huntrix's signature song, 'Golden' holds at number two” (04:20). These tracks, performed by real-life K-pop artists, have garnered unprecedented success in the United States, with seven songs from the film landing in this week's top 40 on the Billboard charts. The songs, including “Imma be your idol,” have been pivotal in driving the film's popularity and expanding its cultural footprint (04:18; 04:20).

Maria Aspen adds context to the phenomenon, highlighting the crossover appeal and the effective blending of animation with contemporary K-pop music elements. This synergy has not only boosted the film's viewership but also provided a new avenue for K-pop artists to penetrate the U.S. music market.

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Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [04:51]

Korva Coleman wraps up the broadcast, summarizing the key updates and emphasizing the continuous flow of news that NPR News Now provides to keep listeners informed throughout the day (04:51).

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This summary captures the essential discussions, insights, and conclusions from the NPR News Now episode released on August 7, 2025. For comprehensive coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. President Trump says he has told his administration to start work immediately on a new census. Census data is used to draw up congressional districts. Trump says his census won't count people who are illegally in the country. The U.S. constitution says congressional representation is decided based on the, quote, whole number of persons in each state. Trump's fresh tariffs on dozens of foreign nations took effect overnight. He's also threatening to impose 100% tariffs on computer chips. With certain exceptions, we'll be putting a.

[Maria Aspen]

Tariff on of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors. But if you're building in the United States of America, there's no charge even though you're building and you're not producing yet in terms of the big numbers of jobs.

[Korva Coleman]

Meanwhile, Trump's tariffs are creating new headaches for American cooks and other lovers of olive oil. As NPR's Maria Aspen reports, the new taxes on imports have also sent European olive oil companies scrambling.

[Marie Charlotte Pierrot]

The United States consumes more olive oil than any country other than Italy, but we can't make very much of it. About 95% is imported, mostly from Spain and Italy. Now President Trump has finalized tariffs of 15% on European imports, including olive oil. That means Americans will face higher prices and some will switch to cheaper alternatives like canola oil. Now the European companies that make olive oil are looking for backup plans. Marie Charlotte Pierrot is the CEO of Oleo Pierrot, a small startup in Tuscany.

[Maria Aspen]

It was just so difficult, and we're not the only one. We are the smallest player in this whole.

[Marie Charlotte Pierrot]

Now her company is looking for new customers by expanding to other countries, including Canada. Maria Aspen, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

Russia says President Vladimir Putin and President Trump will meet in coming days. The White House has not confirmed a meeting, but the get together would be there first since Russia launched its full scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022. NPR's Charles Mournes has more from Moscow.

[Charles Maynes]

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the Trump Putin meeting could take place as soon as next week with the location venue agreed upon, but to be announced at a later date, Ushakov said. The meeting was proposed by White House envoy Steve Witkoff during three hours of talks with Putin this week focused on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, Ushakov said. Wyckoff also suggested three way talks could include Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but indicated Moscow had not endorsed the idea. Still, Russian markets and its currency the ruble, rose on the news, which came just before a Trump imposed Friday deadline for the Kremlin to end its war in Ukraine or face new secondary sanctions and tariffs on key Russian energy exports. Charles Maynes, NPR News, Moscow.

[Korva Coleman]

On Wall street in premarket trading, Dow futures are higher. This is npr. United Airlines is clearing a backlog of flights. The passenger airline had what it called a technology issue yesterday. More than 1,000 flights were delayed across the U.S. united Airlines says the glitch has been fixed this morning. The tracking site FlightAware.com says fewer than 10% of United's flights are delayed or cancelled. It will be really hot in the central US Today. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories from South Dakota to Texas. It could feel around 100 degrees in much of the Central Plains today. The animated film K Pop Demon Hunters has been a hit since it came out in June. Now its soundtrack has launched two fictional bands into the Billboard top 10. NPR's Stephen Thompson has more.

[Stephen Thompson]

The Netflix movie tells the story of a girl group called Huntrix, whose members moonlight as Demon Hunters. In the film, they do battle with a demon boy band called Saja Boys who steal the souls of the public with the help of songs such as yous Idol, just down on your knees.

[Maria Aspen]

Imma be your idol.

[Stephen Thompson]

This week, Huntrix and Saja Boys are doing battle in the Billboard top 10. Your Idol climbs to number nine, while Huntrix's signature song, golden holds at number two. Their songs are performed by real life K pop singers, but none of them have had a US Chart run like they're experiencing right now. In all, they land seven songs in this week's top 40. STEPHEN THOMPSON, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

And I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News, from Washington.

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