NPR News Now - NPR News: 04-15-2025 6PM EDT

Episode Date: April 15, 2025

NPR News: 04-15-2025 6PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. A top House Democrat is asking independent agency Watch Dogs to investigate after NPR reporting revealed Doge may have taken sensitive data from the National Labor Relations Board. More from NPR Stephen Fowler. Ranking member Jerry Connolly has sent a letter to the acting inspector general at the Department of Labor and the inspector general at the NLRB expressing concern that Doge quote, may be engaged in technological malfeasance

and illegal activity. Connolly cites NPR's reporting on a whistleblower at the NLRB who noticed a large spike in data leave the agency's case management system after Doge gained access. The letter highlights concerns that Elon Musk, the billionaire businessman and de facto head of Doge gained access. The letter highlights concerns that Elon Musk, the billionaire businessman and de facto head of Doge, runs several companies with cases and competitors

involved with the NLRB. Stephen Fowler, NPR News. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security now says if he returns to the U.S., Kilmar Armando Abreu Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported to a notorious Salvadoran detention facility would be deported again appears Jasmine Garz reports.

In a statement, lawyers for Homeland Security say that if Kilmar Abrego Garcia comes back to the US, he will be detained and deported to a third country. They cite Abrego Garcia's alleged affiliation with the MS-13 gang designated a terrorist organization. Lawyers for Abrego Garcia say he has no affiliation to the gang or criminal record in any country. In a previous hearing, federal judge Paul Lazinis said, the government has presented no evidence

of Abrego Garcia's criminal associations. The statement comes on the heels of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele's visit to Washington, in which he stated that he would not release Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. Jasmine Garst, NPR News, New York. Today is tax day and the IRS is marking an anniversary. NPR's Scott Horstley reports it's been 70 years since April 15th, which sets the deadline for Americans to file their taxes.

The tax filing deadline used to fall on the Ides of March. It was pushed back a month to April 15th in 1955 to give both taxpayers and the tax collection agency more time to get ready. That time is now running out for most taxpayers, whose returns are due by midnight tonight. You can ask for a six-month extension to file your return, but any taxes you owe are still due today. At last count, 11 days ago, more than 100 million people had already filed their taxes. Slightly over half used a professional tax preparer, while most of the rest were do-it-yourselfers.

More than two-thirds of filers get money back from the government, with the average refund topping $3,100. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington. Bank of America has been ordered to pay a $540 million fine as part of a dispute with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the order in response to allegations the company underpaid mandatory assessments for deposit insurance. You're listening to NPR.

China is ordering its airlines to suspend deliveries of Boeing-made jetliners. It is just the latest shooter drop in the Trump administration's ongoing trade battle. The announcement coming in response to the administration's decision to impose 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. Shares of Boeing move lower today following the announcement. Boeing considers China to be an important growth market, though rival Airbus holds a dominant position there, showing its top three airlines

that plan to take delivery of nearly 180 Boeing planes over the next two years. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, it is the 100th anniversary of the airport and is again defending its title as the busiest in the world. Data shows global air travel finally recovering from the pandemic. Marlon Hyde with member station WABE has more.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International saw more than 108 million passengers in 2024, according to industry group Airports Council International World. It's followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in the world's busiest ranking. Preliminary data shows that globally, about 9.5 billion people flew last year, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers by almost 4%. The group says challenges like economic uncertainty and potential global trade disruptions will continue to impact the industry.

In 2025, global passenger traffic is expected to increase to almost 10 billion. For NPR News, I'm Marlon Haad in Atlanta. Crude oil futures prices close modestly lower today as investors continue to try to make decisions on how the global economy will be infected by tariffs oiled down 20 cents a barrel in New York. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.