NPR News Now: April 29, 2025, 7AM EDT

1. Trump Administration Eases Tariffs on American Automakers Timestamp: 00:31

The Trump administration announced a new policy aimed at alleviating the burden of multiple tariffs on American automakers. Previously, automakers were facing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum in addition to a forthcoming 25% tariff on auto parts. This change ensures that car manufacturers won't be subjected to both tariffs simultaneously, providing much-needed relief.

An administration official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the policy would prevent the stacking of tariffs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick elaborated on the intent behind the policy, stating, “The goal is to provide runway to domestic manufacturers, giving them time to invest in more domestic plants.” This strategic move is seen as a preparation for President Trump’s upcoming rally in Detroit, signaling support for the auto industry’s future investments within the United States.

2. Mark Carney Elected as Canada’s Next Prime Minister Amidst Tensions with the U.S. Timestamp: 01:07

In a significant political shift, Canadian voters have elected Liberal Party leader Mark Carney as the country’s next Prime Minister. Carney, the former central bank governor, garnered substantial support as Canadian sentiment grew increasingly hostile toward President Trump’s aggressive stance on Canada. Notably, Trump’s provocative declaration that “Canada will become America’s 51st state” and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods played a pivotal role in influencing voters.

Additionally, an investigative report highlighted a security concern involving two employees from the government cost-cutting entity, DOGE, who were found with accounts on classified networks used for transmitting nuclear secrets. NPR's Jeff Brumfield reported that Adam Ramada, a Miami-based venture capitalist, and Luke Ferrator, a 23-year-old former SpaceX intern, appeared in a user directory for these sensitive networks. Despite the alarming discovery, the Energy Department confirmed that while the accounts existed, they were never utilized to access classified information.

3. National Survey Reveals Americans’ Attitudes Toward Alzheimer’s Disease Timestamp: 02:29

A comprehensive national survey conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association sheds light on Americans' desires regarding early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The survey, which included 1,700 participants aged 45 and older, revealed that 79% of respondents would prefer to know they are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear or affect daily activities.

Elizabeth Edgerly, a clinical psychologist with the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the clarity of the survey results: “The results were unequivocal.” Furthermore, over 90% expressed willingness to undergo a blood test to detect amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. A significant majority also indicated they would opt for medication to slow the progression of the disease, even if it involved a moderate to high risk of side effects. This strong inclination towards early intervention comes in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration's approval of two drugs since 2023 that meet these treatment criteria.

4. Lin Manuel Miranda Announces New Baseball-Themed Project Timestamp: 03:12

Esteemed writer, actor, and director Lin Manuel Miranda is venturing into the world of sports cinema with a new project centered on the Molina brothers from his father’s hometown of De Galta, Puerto Rico. The Molina trio—Jose, Benji, and Yadier—are celebrated as the only set of brothers to have won World Series rings, marking a unique achievement in Major League Baseball (MLB).

During an interview at the Hispanic Federation gala, Miranda shared his excitement about the project: “I’m working on the Molina brothers, who are from my dad's hometown of De Galta, Puerto Rico.” While details regarding the timeline and his specific role in the film remain under wraps, Miranda is also juggling other creative endeavors, including a stage adaptation of "The Warriors" and a television portrayal of a hermit in a Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. NPR’s Jeff London reported from New York on Miranda’s multifaceted career developments.

5. Congressional Gold Medal to Be Awarded to Relatives of WWII’s All-Female Unit Timestamp: 04:23

House Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside fellow lawmakers, is set to bestow the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal upon the relatives of the 6888th, the only all-female African American unit to serve in Europe during World War II. This unit played a crucial role in addressing a significant manpower shortage by efficiently processing a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail within three months—accomplishing the task much faster than anticipated.

The 6888th’s remarkable achievements were dramatized in a Netflix film released last year, bringing wider recognition to their contributions. This honor serves to acknowledge and commemorate the vital service and impact of these women during a pivotal time in history.

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