NPR News Now: April 11, 2025, 7AM EDT

NPR’s latest five-minute news roundup covers significant developments in international trade, immigration law, presidential health, defamation lawsuits, environmental research, and the luxury fashion industry.

U.S.-China Tariff Escalation and Economic Implications

Reporter: Korva Coleman
Details:
Tensions between the United States and China have intensified as both nations escalate their tariff measures. China has increased its tariffs on U.S. products from 84% to 125% in retaliation to President Trump’s recent tariff hikes on Chinese goods. In response, the Trump administration has further raised tariffs, leading to a significant impact on global trade dynamics.

Key Insights:
Scott Horsley elaborates on the broader economic consequences:
"We're still looking at the highest import taxes in well over a century. There's now a 10% tax on everything the US buys from most countries around the world. And the tax on imports from China is even higher than we thought, 145%." [00:40]

These elevated tariffs are poised to affect U.S. consumers by increasing the cost of imported goods. Furthermore, the reciprocal tariffs from China could hinder economic growth, as investors express concerns over the sustained trade conflict.

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Immigrant Deportation Case

Reporter: Korva Coleman
Details:
The U.S. Supreme Court has mandated that the Trump administration must facilitate the return of an immigrant, Mahmoud Khalil, who was deported to El Salvador under questionable circumstances. However, the Court has instructed a lower court judge to provide clarity on the extent of the order, cautioning that it may exceed judicial authority.

Key Developments:
Joel Rose reports on the administration’s evidence submission:
"Facing a deadline from the immigration judge to reveal their evidence against Khalil, the Trump administration submitted a two-page memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio." [01:43]

The memo accuses Khalil of participating in "anti Semitic protests and disruptive activities" but lacks allegations of criminal conduct. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and activist, argues that the administration is targeting him for exercising his First Amendment rights. An immigration judge is set to hold a crucial hearing on the case today.

President Trump’s Health Status Under Scrutiny

Reporter: Tamara Keith
Details:
President Trump is scheduled to undergo a physical examination at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. As he approaches his 79th birthday, there is heightened interest in the results of his health assessment, especially given the historical focus on presidential health following his predecessor.

Notable Commentary:
SJ Olshansky, Professor of Public Health at the University of Illinois, Chicago, emphasizes the intense monitoring of presidential health:
"There's very few people on the planet that are monitored as closely as US Presidents." [02:57]

Tamara Keith adds perspective on healthcare implications:
"If everyone had access to health care like presidents do, it would have a pretty dramatic effect on life expectancy." [03:03]

These statements highlight not only the immediate interest in President Trump’s health but also broader implications for public health and healthcare accessibility.

Defamation Lawsuit Against President Trump by The Central Park 5

Reporter: Korva Coleman
Details:
A federal judge has ruled that President Trump cannot halt a defamation lawsuit filed against him by the Central Park 5—five young Black men who were wrongfully convicted in 1990 of raping a white woman in Central Park. Their convictions were overturned when DNA evidence exonerated them.

Case Highlights:
The lawsuit addresses Trump’s false statements made last year, where he incorrectly claimed that the Central Park 5 had killed someone and had pleaded guilty. These assertions have been proven untrue and defamatory.

Environmental Impact: Pharmaceutical Pollution Alters Salmon Migration

Reporter: Jonathan Lambert
Details:
New research published in Science indicates that pharmaceutical pollution is affecting salmon behavior during migration. Specifically, exposure to anti-anxiety medications alters salmon, making them more bold and risk-prone, which aids in their successful migration across dams but could have adverse effects in other environmental contexts.

Research Findings:
Jonathan Lambert explains:
"In the lab, giving fish anti-anxiety medication makes them more antisocial and prone to take risks. But scientists haven't been sure whether wild fish respond in the same way. New research in the journal Science suggests that they can. Atlantic salmon exposed to anxiety medication on a migratory journey were actually more successful in reaching their destination." [04:07]

The study underscores the unintended consequences of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive environmental regulations.

Luxury Fashion Industry Consolidation: Prada Acquires Versace

Details:
In a significant move within the luxury fashion sector, Prada has acquired its rival, Versace, for approximately $1.4 billion. This merger is set to create a powerhouse in the luxury market, combining the strengths and brand portfolios of both iconic fashion houses.

This summary provides an overview of the key stories covered in NPR News Now’s April 11, 2025, episode, offering insights into international trade tensions, legal battles, presidential health, environmental research, and major business mergers.