NPR News Now: April 12, 2025, 11 PM EDT

Host: NPR
Release Date: April 13, 2025

1. Trump Administration Exempts Electronics from Chinese Tariffs

Timestamp: [00:19]

In a significant shift in trade policy, the Trump administration announced new guidance to exempt smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other electronics from the steep reciprocal tariffs imposed by China. This move comes as a relief to American tech companies that heavily rely on Chinese supply chains. NPR’s Juliana Kim elaborates on the details:

Juliana Kim ([00:35]): "The exemption includes smartphones, computers, semiconductors, among other electronics. It applies to products that entered the US or left the warehouse starting last Saturday."

China, being America's primary source for electronic products, had responded to previous tariff hikes with a staggering 125% tariff on US goods. The recent exemption is expected to stabilize prices, which were anticipated to soar due to the tariffs.

Juliana Kim ([00:35]): "Before the exemption, electronics was one of the areas where prices were expected to spike as a result of tariffs."

This policy adjustment aims to mitigate disruptions in the tech industry and maintain the flow of essential electronic components critical for both consumer products and advanced technologies.

2. Deportation Ruling Targets Student Activism

Timestamp: [01:13]

In a controversial decision, an immigration judge ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and graduate student at Columbia University, can be deported. This ruling is part of President Trump's broader crackdown on students involved in campus protests against the war in Gaza. NPR’s Elena Moore provides an in-depth report:

Elena Moore ([01:37]): "The mood on many campuses has grown dark as the administration cracks down on campus activism."

Student organizer Hadil El Shalchi highlights the growing fear among students:

Hadil El Shalchi ([01:43]): "So many students are just terrified, not even protesting in support of Palestine, but protesting in support of anything."

This atmosphere of intimidation is compounded by high-profile arrests and the revocation of hundreds of visas, predominantly affecting non-US citizens. The administration’s actions have led to increased self-censorship among students, stifling free expression and activism across various universities.

Elena Moore ([01:50]): "On top of multiple high profile arrests like Khalil's, the administration says it's already revoked hundreds of visas, many for students."

3. Escalating Conflict in Gaza Post-Ceasefire

Timestamp: [02:15]

The United Nations reports a grim toll in Gaza following the end of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Over 1,000 children have been killed or injured in the first week since the truce concluded last month. NPR’s Hadil El Shalchi reports from Tel Aviv:

Hadil El Shalchi ([02:27]): "It's been just over three weeks since a ceasefire ended between Israel and Hamas, and since then, thousands of Palestinians have been killed or displaced."

The ceasefire's termination has led to active evacuation orders and the establishment of "no go zones," displacing over 390,000 Palestinians. Humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, has been halted for six weeks, marking the longest aid blockade since the conflict's onset in October 2023. The scarcity of vital resources has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis.

Hadil El Shalchi ([02:27]): "Fuel, medical supplies and other aid are quickly dwindling, according to aid groups."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the situation, urging Israel to comply with international humanitarian laws to prevent further devastation.

4. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Rally Against Oligarchy

Timestamp: [03:13]

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spearheaded another massive rally targeting economic inequality and corporate influence. The "Fighting Oligarchy" rally, held in downtown Los Angeles, drew tens of thousands of attendees. According to organizers and local media, the event underscored growing public frustration with the concentration of wealth and power among a few billionaires.

Bernie Sanders ([03:13]): "Your presence here today is making Donald Trump and Elon Musk very nervous."

Since February, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have been touring the country to galvanize support against what they describe as the undue influence of billionaires like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who they argue control significant aspects of the nation's economic and political landscape.

5. Rory McIlroy's Dominant Performance at The Masters

Timestamp: [03:13] & [04:08]

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is on the verge of clinching his first Masters title, closing in on completing the coveted Grand Slam of Major Championships. Steve Futterman reports on McIlroy’s outstanding performance:

Steve Futterman ([04:08]): "Rory McElroy... had three birdies and an eagle. He picked up five strokes, moved in front and never lost the lead."

With a two-stroke advantage over American Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy eyes becoming only the sixth golfer to win all four major championships. Reflecting on McIlroy’s determination, Futterman recalls his previous Masters experience:

Steve Futterman ([04:38]): "Day here in 2011, McIlroy led with just nine holes left, then imploded and finished in 15th place."

McIlroy remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the unpredictability of the final round but remains focused on securing his long-sought major victory.

McIlroy ([04:15]): "I think I still have to remind myself that there's a long way to go. I just as much as anyone else, know what can happen on the final."

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pivotal developments in international trade, immigration and student activism, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, domestic political movements against economic inequality, and the thrilling progress of Rory McIlroy in professional golf. Each segment offered critical insights into the complexities of these issues, enriched by firsthand accounts and expert reporting.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript were omitted to focus solely on the substantive news coverage.