NPR News Now - NPR News: 04-09-2025 11AM EDT

Episode Date: April 9, 2025

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99% of the U.S. population lives within listening range of at least one public media station. And everyone can listen to NPR podcasts free of charge. That means you get completely unpaywalled access to stories, prize-winning reporting, and shows that represent the voices in every corner of the country. Hear the bigger picture every day on NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korova Coleman. President Trump's latest set of tariffs has gone into effect on dozens of countries. This comes after the 10 percent tariffs took effect last weekend.

U.S. tariffs on China have now soared more than 100 percent. China is retaliating. It has increased its tariffs on goods imported from the U.S. to 84 percent. Wall Street has started falling in today's trading after several days of losses. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant says, unlike China, U.S. allies are prepared to negotiate new trade deals. At a point in the not-too-distant future, I think we will be back to firing on all cylinders. We have the response to the countries who want to come and sit at the table rather than escalate

has been overwhelming. Our allies, Japan, South Korea, India. He spoke to Fox News. But China is not alone. The European Union members have voted to retaliate with tariffs on billions of dollars of U.S. goods. The EU says it is prepared to impose a second round of tariffs if needed. The president's proposed tariffs on clothing and footwear imports could lead to significantly higher prices for American families.

NPR's Windsor-Johnston reports more than 95 percent of the clothes and shoes sold in the U.S. come from overseas, mainly Asia. A commonly asked question is why companies don't simply move manufacturing back to the United States. The answer often comes down to the cost of labor. Manufacturing clothing and footwear is labor-intensive, and American workers are paid much more than their counterparts overseas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for a U.S. apparel worker is between $17 and $20. That's compared to just $1 to $3 in countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

As a result, many brands rely on overseas factories to keep prices down. The Trump administration's proposed tariffs could upend that balance, forcing companies to either eat the cost or pass it on to consumers. Windsor-Johnston, NPR News, Washington. The acting commissioner of the IRS is stepping down. NPR's Scott Horsley reports the move comes after the agency agreed to share private taxpayer data with federal immigration officials.

Melanie Krause is the third IRS leader to quit the tax collection agency since President Trump took office. News of her departure come shortly after the Treasury Department agreed to allow immigration officials to use some taxpayer data in their search for people who are in the country illegally. IRS data has traditionally been closely guarded, even from other government agencies. Critics say the new agreement likely violates data privacy laws and may discourage immigrants without legal status from filing tax returns. A Treasury spokesperson says the Trump administration is, quote, breaking down data silos, adding that sharing taxpayer

information will help to identify waste and fraud and make for a safer country. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington. You're listening to NPR News. Flood warnings remain up in nearly a dozen states from Ohio to Texas. Storms that broke out last week swept across the central, Midwestern, and southern U.S., killing at least 23 people. These triggered flash flooding. The National Weather Service now says nearly 30 rivers are at major flood stage.

There are fears of more flooding in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. The State Department says it is aware of reports that Ukraine has captured two Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports the Trump administration has been trying to get Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine and is sounding increasingly frustrated. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce says it is disturbing to see Chinese citizens fighting on behalf of Russia in Ukraine. China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine. China provides nearly 80 percent of the dual-use items Russia needs to sustain the war.

Eighty percent comes from China. She says the US will know in a matter of weeks whether Russia is serious about peace. Bruce adds that a deadly Russian ballistic missile strike on President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown further heightens, in her words, President Trump's urgent call for peace. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

The Associated Press is reporting fewer foreign travelers came to the U.S. in March. The AP cites federal government statistics that show visits to the U.S. from overseas dropped more than 11 percent last month. Air travel from Mexico dropped by nearly a quarter. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News. Listen to this podcast sponsor free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast by nearly a quarter. I'm Cora Vakulman, NPR News.