NPR News Now: May 4, 2025, 8AM EDT

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1. Israel Vows Retribution After Houthi Missile Attack

Reporter: Gael Snyder, Carrie Khan
Timestamp: [00:16] - [01:19]

Early Sunday morning, multiple cities in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, were put on high alert as sirens blared, signaling a missile or debris from one launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen landed near Ben Gurion Airport. The incident disrupted flights and resulted in four individuals sustaining light injuries.

Carrie Khan reports that while Israel successfully intercepts most missiles from Yemen, some manage to breach its airspace, causing occasional damage. A Yemeni official stated on social media that the attack serves as a warning to international airlines against operating flights into Israel's main airport amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict in solidarity with Palestinians.

Israel's Defense Minister responded sternly, declaring, "Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold" ([00:35]).

This escalation occurred just as the Israeli security cabinet prepares to vote on expanding military operations in Gaza following a significant election victory over the conservative opposition.

2. Australian Labor Party Focuses on US-China Trade Tensions

Reporter: Christina Kukulya
Timestamp: [01:19] - [02:15]

Australia's Labor Party, having secured a landslide victory, is gearing up to address the economic repercussions stemming from U.S.-China trade tensions. Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers conveyed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that while U.S. tariffs might have a "relatively modest impact" on Australia's economy, the government is committed to mitigating the uncertainties introduced by these import taxes.

Chalmers emphasized the broader global economic risks, stating, "There is a huge downside risk in the global economy. I think what's happening, particularly between the US and China, does cast a dark shadow" ([01:56]).

Despite cost-of-living concerns being a major issue during the elections, polling indicates that voter apprehensions about U.S. trade policies significantly influenced the electoral outcome.

3. Wall Street Anticipates Federal Reserve's Stance Amid Tariff Concerns

Reporter: Rafael Nam
Timestamp: [02:15] - [03:13]

Investors on Wall Street are closely monitoring the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, anticipating that interest rates will likely remain unchanged. This expectation is driven by ongoing economic uncertainties triggered by President Trump's tariff policies.

Rafael Nam reports that while inflation shows a slow decline and the labor market remains robust, the tariffs have introduced significant economic concerns. Nam noted, "Policymakers are unlikely to make any big moves on monetary policy, even if President Trump has been trying to pressure the Fed to lower rates" ([02:28]).

Market participants are also focused on upcoming company earnings reports from major firms like Ford and AB InBev, with tariffs remaining a central theme influencing investor decisions.

4. Texas Implements Nation’s Largest Education Savings Account Program

Reporter: Blaze Gainey
Timestamp: [03:13] - [04:13]

Texas has officially joined over 30 states offering education savings account (ESA) plans, marking the largest day-one initiative in the nation with an initial funding of $1 billion. This new law enables parents to allocate state funds towards private school tuition, homeschooling, and other education-related expenses.

Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the program’s significance during the bill signing, stating, "When I ran for re-election in 2022, I promised school choice for the families of Texas. Today, we deliver on that promise" ([03:49]).

Priority enrollment is given to children with disabilities and those from low-income families, before the program opens to all families without income restrictions. This inclusivity differentiates Texas’s approach from other states and addresses criticisms from Democrats who opposed the bill.

5. Celebrating Star Wars Day

Reporter: Giles Snyder
Timestamp: [04:13] - [04:48]

Today marks the unofficial May 4 holiday, widely recognized as Star Wars Day. Ann Newman, president and CEO of the nonprofit Star Wars Museum Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, California, emphasizes that the day is about more than just the films. Certified by Guinness World Records for housing the world's largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia, the museum celebrates the community and connections forged through the franchise.

Newman expressed, "I would say it's about community and the things that bind you to friends, to family, to other people you don't know, strangers you meet in line watching Star Wars. I think that's the force" ([04:35]).

The celebration underscores the cultural impact of Star Wars and its ability to bring people together across diverse backgrounds.

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