NPR News Now: May 4, 2025, 5 PM EDT
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Author: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
1. President Trump Questions Constitutional Duties Amid Ongoing Trade Wars
Jeanine Herbst opens the episode by addressing an alarming statement from President Donald Trump. In a recent interview with NBC's Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, Trump expressed uncertainty about his role in upholding the Constitution. Specifically, he questioned whether "every person in the US is entitled to due process, which is protected under the Constitution" (00:25).
Asma Khalid delves deeper into the administration's trade policies, highlighting the fluctuating tariffs imposed on various countries. Trump’s strategy involves maintaining a 10% tariff on many imports globally to leverage better trade agreements. Despite economic advisors hinting at "being very close to a deal," no substantial agreements have been finalized yet (00:54). Khalid notes the complexity of trade negotiations, emphasizing that "trade deals take a really long time to figure out in terms of the nitty-gritty details" (00:54).
This uncertainty in leadership and economic strategy raises concerns about the stability of the U.S. economy, especially given the ongoing trade wars that could potentially lead to a recession.
2. Heightened Tensions in the Middle East: Missile Hits Near Israel’s Main Airport
Carrie Khan reports from Tel Aviv on a concerning incident involving a missile fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport, prompting sirens in several central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. While most missiles are intercepted, this one resulted in minor injuries to four individuals and disrupted flight operations (01:47).
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the region. A Yemeni official claimed the missile was a "warning to international airlines to not fly into Israel's main airport," a response to the ongoing Gaza conflict where the Houthis have shown solidarity with Palestinians by launching missiles into Israel (01:47).
Israel's Defense Minister responded firmly, stating, "Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold" (01:47), signaling a potential escalation in military actions against Yemen and affiliated groups.
3. Vatican Gears Up for Papal Conclave Amid Church Challenges
As the world anticipates the upcoming papal conclave, Jason DeRose reports from Rome on the Vatican’s preparations. Cardinals worldwide have been engaging in congregations to deliberate on pressing issues facing the Catholic Church. Key themes emerging from these meetings include:
- Promotion of Peace: Exploring how the Church and the Pope can actively foster global peace.
- Addressing Sexual Abuse: Recognizing the urgent need to tackle sexual abuse within the Church to restore trust and integrity.
- Prophetic Leadership: Emphasizing that the next Pope should "be prophetic so that the church will not shut itself in the upper room, but go out and bring light to a world desperately in need of hope" (02:42).
The Vatican underscores that addressing these concerns is crucial, warning that failure to do so could render the Church "insignificant" in the modern world. The conclave is slated to begin on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the Catholic community worldwide (02:31).
4. Starbase Texas: Elon Musk’s Dream City Takes Shape
Jerry Clayton from San Antonio reports on the official incorporation of Starbase Texas, a new city established by SpaceX. The vote to incorporate the SpaceX company town passed overwhelmingly with a tally of 212 to 6 out of 283 eligible voters, most of whom are connected to SpaceX (03:37).
Elon Musk has long envisioned a dedicated city to support SpaceX's operations in Deep South Texas. This move follows several unsuccessful attempts to rename and control the area near the rocket launch facility. The recent incorporation also coincides with renewed efforts by the Texas Legislature to reconsider measures that would allow SpaceX to restrict public beach access during rocket tests and launches (03:37).
The establishment of Starbase Texas represents a significant milestone in Musk’s plan to create a hub for space exploration and innovation, potentially attracting more businesses and residents interested in the burgeoning aerospace sector.
5. Weekend Box Office Roundup: Marvel Leads, Minecraft Surprises
Jeanine Herbst provides an overview of the weekend's box office performance:
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Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts emerged as the top-grossing film with an estimated $76 million in ticket sales. Despite Marvel's substantial investment of around $180 million in production, the film recouped its budget domestically and added $86 million from overseas markets. The movie also sets the stage for the next Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, Fantast 4: First Steps, scheduled for release on July 25th (04:23).
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Sinners, a thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, secured the second spot with $33 million. The film, which intertwines themes of vampirism and bootlegging, follows brothers who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown, blending suspense with dark fantasy elements (04:23).
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Minecraft, surprisingly, garnered $13 million, positioning itself in third place. The adaptation of the popular video game drew attention from younger audiences and gaming enthusiasts, showcasing the potential for successful video game-to-film transitions (04:23).
These figures highlight Marvel's enduring appeal and the diverse interests of moviegoers, ranging from superhero epics to genre-blending thrillers and beloved game franchises.
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Timestamps:
- 00:25 Jeanine Herbst on President Trump’s constitutional stance
- 00:54 Asma Khalid on U.S. trade tariffs
- 01:47 Carrie Khan on missile incidents in Israel
- 02:31 Jason DeRose on Vatican’s papal conclave preparations
- 03:37 Jerry Clayton on the incorporation of Starbase Texas
- 04:23 Jeanine Herbst on weekend box office results