NPR News Now: August 9, 2025, 2AM EDT
Presented by NPR
US-Russia Talks Aim to End the Ukraine War
00:14 – Dale Wilman reports that President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday in Alaska. The primary agenda for this high-stakes meeting is to discuss strategies for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict that has persisted for over three years since Russia's invasion of its western neighbor.
President Trump emphasized the desire for peace, stating, "Europe wants to see peace. The European leaders want to see peace. President Putin, I believe, wants to see peace." (00:29)
This meeting marks a potential breakthrough after weeks of Trump's frustration with Russia's perceived inaction in resolving the conflict. The war has not only strained international relations but also impacted global economies and security dynamics.
Legal Challenges to Trump's Tariffs Intensify
00:35 – NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben delves into the escalating legal battle surrounding President Trump's tariffs. In May, the Federal Court of International Trade ruled that the tariffs imposed by Trump on individual countries were illegal. The administration swiftly appealed the decision, and the appeals court is currently hearing arguments.
President Trump expressed his concerns on social media, warning that a court loss on the tariffs "would be impossible to ever recover or pay back these massive sums of money and honor." (01:00) This statement underscores the administration's anxiety over the potential financial ramifications and the broader implications for international trade relations.
Trade law experts suggest that if the tariffs are ultimately deemed illegal, the government would be required to refund companies that initially paid them, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing trade disputes.
NASA Astronaut Jim Lovell Passes Away at 97
01:38 – In a heartfelt remembrance, NPR's Russell Lewis announced the passing of Jim Lovell, one of NASA's most renowned astronauts. Lovell is best known as the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, where an in-flight explosion jeopardized the lives of the crew.
However, Lovell regarded his 1968 Apollo 8 mission as the high point of his career. This mission was the first time humans left Earth’s orbit and orbited the Moon in 2014. Lovell shared his profound experience, saying:
"Just a small ball, blue and white like a Christmas tree ball, hung in an absolutely black sky. I could put my thumb up and completely hide the Earth. Everything I knew was behind my thumb. It just disappeared." (02:15)
Before his illustrious NASA career, Lovell graduated from the Naval Academy, served as a Navy pilot, and worked as a test pilot, showcasing a lifetime dedicated to exploration and service.
Tragic Shooting Near Emory University and CDC in Atlanta
02:40 – A distressing incident unfolded in Atlanta on Friday night near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dale Wilman reports that a police officer and one suspect were killed in a shooting. The suspected shooter was found dead on the second floor of a building across from the CDC, and authorities have yet to determine a motive. Fortunately, there have been no reports of civilian injuries, although bullet holes were found in several CDC building windows.
Wall Street Ends the Week on a High Note
03:36 – The financial markets concluded the week positively, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surging by 206 points. This uptick reflects investor optimism despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and domestic challenges.
Transgender Inmates in Georgia File Landmark Lawsuit
03:36 – A significant legal battle is underway in Georgia as six transgender individuals incarcerated in state prisons have filed a class action lawsuit challenging a newly enacted ban on gender-affirming treatments. WABE's Sam Greenglass provides an in-depth look into the case.
The plaintiffs, comprising three men and three women, argue that the ban violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Notably, the lawsuit highlights that one plaintiff at Phillips State Prison had been receiving hormone replacement therapy since 2019, which was pivotal in addressing severe depression and preventing a suicide attempt. With the cessation of this treatment, the plaintiffs assert that their mental and physical well-being is at significant risk.
Georgia Attorney General Kris Carr has vowed to contest the lawsuit "all the way to the Supreme Court." The legislation banning these treatments was a contentious issue during the last legislative session, leading to most Democrats walking out in protest during the vote.
Nagasaki Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing
04:17 – Nagasaki is observing the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped by the United States on August 9, 1945. Dale Wilman reports that approximately 2,600 people attended the memorial event at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Delegates from over 90 countries, including Japan's prime minister, participated in the solemn remembrance.
Survivors of the bombing reiterated their commitment to the abolition of nuclear weapons, even as global trends suggest an increase in nuclear armament. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of around 70,000 people and occurred merely three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, which claimed approximately 140,000 lives. These bombings directly influenced Japan's surrender and the subsequent end of World War II.
Closing Notes
As the world navigates through complex geopolitical landscapes, significant legal battles, and solemn commemorations, NPR News Now continues to provide succinct and comprehensive updates to keep listeners informed.
This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on August 9, 2025.