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Episode Date: July 24, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. President Trump's latest round of tariffs, imposing 10 to 12 and 1⁄2% levies on imports from 60 trading partners, is prompting criticism from around the world. As Esme Nicholson reports, Trump claims the countries have failed to adequately enforce a ban on goods made with forced labor. European Union foreign policy chief Kayakalas has dismissed the U.S. rationale for new tariffs, calling claims that Europe is lax when it comes to forced labour unfounded. Kailas is demanding evidence from the White House to support the allegations. Drawing comparisons between US and EU labour laws, Kallas asserts that we have paid leave

and we have very good working conditions. Kallas also called on the US to keep its side of the transatlantic trade deal struck last year. The new tariffs have replaced Trump's temporary 10% global levies which expired at midnight. For NPR news, I'm Esmey Nicholson in Burr. A group of Russian hackers is getting more advanced when it comes to spying on sensitive emails about national security in the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe. Imperus Jenna McLaughlin reports digital espionage remains a major part of the war in Ukraine. Cybersecurity firm Proof Point teamed up with the U.S. government to reveal new details

about a group of Russian hackers referred to as laundry bear. According to a new advisory, the group has been spying. on government and defense-related targets in the West since at least last summer, simply by getting their victims to open or preview a malicious email. The hackers took advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability in software used by email provider Zimbra. The flaw has been fixed, but without installing updates, users are still at risk, a major concern during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Jenna McLaughlin, NPR News.

The Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel narrowly voted in favor of Lueblood, loosening restrictions on some peptides, including experimental ones. This over strong objections from career scientists set the agency. Impeers Will Stone has more. These peptides are promoted widely for longevity, injury recovery, muscle growth, and more. Many of them are not allowed to be made in the U.S. except for research purposes, and they are not FDA-approved drugs. But skyrocketing demand and the growth of an illicit market has led the federal government to reconsider the restrictions.

In a series of narrow votes, the committee recognized. recommended the FDA allow specialized pharmacies to make a number of the compounds, including BPC-157 and TB 500. That's despite the agency's own scientists recommending against doing so because of a lack of evidence and safety concerns. The votes are not binding, but the agency usually follows suit, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly endorsed peptides. Will Stone, NPR News. U.S. Futures contracts are trading higher at last check. You're listening to NPR News. You're listening to NPR News. from Washington. The man who fatally shot Minnesota's former House Speaker and her husband has been sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years. Kay Kelly with Minnesota Public Radio has more.

Vance Belter murdered former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Belter also shot an injured a state senator and his wife and planned attacks on more Democratic lawmakers. The courtroom was packed. Some members of the public and the press cried during testimony. Melissa Hortman's mother, Linda Halipsuk, says Minnesota lost a leader, and she lost her baby. It's over, but it's never over. And, well, you know, she was a force, and her husband was a wonderful man, and the world is a poorer place without them both. Belter pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. For NPR news, I'm Kate Kelly in Minneapolis. Those lawmakers are heading back to their districts as they start a five-week recess. This is they face questions about the war with Iran and rising prices ahead of midterm elections.

The Senate goes on recess next month. In Canada, ceremonies are taking place today for the opening of the Gordi Howe International Bridge that runs from Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, which officially opens to traffic on Monday. The bridge's opening was stalled several times as President Trump and Canadian officials worked out disagreements, but a joint ceremony with U.S. officials has been canceled after Trump suddenly announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to visit Oakland County in Michigan on Monday. I'm Janine Herbst, NPR News in Washington.