NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-23-2025 8PM EDT

Episode Date: May 24, 2025

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Shortwave thinks of science as an invisible force showing up in your everyday life, powering the food you eat, the medicine you use, the tech in your pocket. Science is approachable because it's already part of your life. Come explore these connections on the Shortwave podcast from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. Investors who thought President Donald Trump's trade wars were over got a wake-up call this morning. It came in the form of a threat from the administration about the imposition of a 50% tax on all imports from the European Union.

Trump also threatened a 25% tariff on smartphones unless they're made in the US. As we hear from NPR's Scott Horsley, in the case of Apple's popular iPhone, that's not likely to happen. Up until now, smartphones have been largely spared from the president's trade war, so a 25% tax would be a big escalation if it actually happened, but probably not big enough to actually move iPhone manufacturing into the US. One analyst estimated that if Apple even tried to build iPhones here in this country, they would cost around $3,500, which is a lot more than the

imported version even with a 25% tariff. NPR's Scott Horsley reports tonight a major restructuring is underway at the White House National Security Council. NPR is confirming President Trump is slashing both the size and scope of the body in a move also likely to further reduce the agency's influence. Under the Biden administration the more than 300 member National Security Council staff dealt with geopolitical issues ranging from Ukraine to Kashmir. The reports today dozens of staffers were sent termination notices. The NSC traditionally is the main body used by presidents

to coordinate national security. Harvard's international students were shaken Thursday when the Trump administration said they could no longer attend the university than relieved today when a judge blocked that move. But the mood on campus remains uneasy. WBUR's Emily Piper Vialo is more. Harvard's campus thinned out after final exams, but those who lingered shared their disbelief.

Matt's a graduate student. NPR agreed to only use his first name because of his concerns about being targeted as an international student. He hopes he'll be able to finish his degree in a few years, but on Thursday, he wasn't even looking that far ahead. If you saw that letter issued by the Department of Homeland Security it said that you know, it's effective immediately so students would have to find other schools or Transfer somewhere else or leave the country. Matt had just heard about the judge's temporary restraining order when I bumped into him and said the news was reassuring. For NPR News, I'm Emily Piper-Villaloe in Boston. Airplane builder Boeing says it's reached a deal with the Justice Department to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading regulators about the 737 MAX jetliner.

Justice Department says the respective sides have reached an agreement in principle that will require Boeing to invest more than $1.1 billion. In return, the Department will dismiss a criminal case against Boeing. Families of the victims have opposed dropping the case. 2737 Max Jet crashes claimed the lives of 346 people. Stocks lost ground today the Dow down 256 points. This is NPR. The Trump administration says that what's under a partnership between US Steel and Japan-based Nippon Steel will remain in place but will be allowed to move forward. A statement from the president

however left it vague as to whether he's approving Nippon's 15 billion dollar bid to buy the iconic US steelmaker after vowing to block such a deal previously. An effort by Nippon to buy US steel was blocked by the Biden administration. There was no immediate comment from the companies. After four years of negotiations, United Airlines and its flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. As NPR's Andrea Shrew reports, there are a few more steps before the deal is done though. The union representing some 28,000 flight attendants at United says the first year of the new contract would bring 40% in financial gains.

The airline notes the cabin crews would also receive a signing bonus and many scheduling and quality of life improvements. Flight attendants had been demanding a double digit base pay increase and higher pay for time spent on the ground. Union leadership will decide next week on whether to send the agreement to the membership for a final vote. In a statement, United CEO Scott Kirby praised the company's flight attendants and said they'd earned an industry-leading contract. Andrea Hsu, NPR News. Steve McLaughlin, NPR News.

Singer Billy Joel had planned a summer tour after finishing up a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden last year, but those appearances have now been cancelled. 76-year-old Joel in a post on social media revealing he's been diagnosed with fluid buildup in the brain. He says that it's affected his hearing, vision and balance. According to the clinic, the brain disorder can also affect concentration and memory. This is NPR. This message comes from WISE, the app for doing things and other currencies. in memory. This is NPR.