NPR News Now: May 21, 2025, 8 AM EDT

Hosted by Korva Coleman

1. House Republicans Scramble to Finalize Tax and Border Protection Bill

Washington D.C. – House Republican leaders continue their efforts to finalize a comprehensive tax and border protection bill, a day after President Donald Trump made a high-profile visit to Capitol Hill to garner support. Despite the President's assurances of party unity, significant dissent remains within the GOP.

President Trump emphasized unity and the stakes at hand:

"My party is unified, and those who don't back this package risk a major tax increase." ([00:34])

However, not all Republicans are on board without concessions. An unnamed Republican warned:

"What Republican could vote for that to happen because they wouldn't be a Republican much longer. They would get knocked out so fast." ([00:42])

House Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating between moderate demands for enhanced tax breaks for constituents in high state and local tax areas and conservative pressures to drastically reduce federal spending. The Speaker aims to secure the necessary votes by only risking a loss of three members, but with the committee still deliberating the rules for floor debate, the final details remain unresolved. Even if the House approves the bill this week, Senate GOP leaders anticipate further modifications.

NPR’s Deirdre Walsh reports from the Capitol on this unfolding political maneuvering. ([00:49])

2. Strained US-South Africa Relations and Newark Airport Flight Limits

White House & Newark, New Jersey – In a move to mend diplomatic strains, President Trump welcomed South Africa's president to the White House today, signaling a potential thaw in recently tense relations between the two nations.

Concurrently, Newark Liberty International Airport has implemented new flight restrictions to address ongoing operational challenges. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced:

"We are limiting arrivals and departures to 56 per hour until runway construction is largely completed on June 15." ([01:42])

These measures follow a series of flight delays and technical issues, including outages that resulted in air traffic controllers taking trauma leave. The FAA assures that traffic will be normalized once the construction is nearing completion.

NPR’s Giles Snyder provides detailed coverage of these developments. ([01:21])

3. DOJ Investigates Chicago's Hiring Practices Amid Diversity Efforts

Chicago, Illinois – The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into whether the City of Chicago engaged in racial discrimination in its hiring processes. The inquiry focuses on allegations that the city may have preferentially hired individuals based on race.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson remains steadfast in his commitment to diversity, stating:

"When you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else." ([02:39])

Despite the investigation, Johnson insists that his administration's hiring practices are inclusive and representative of the city's diverse population:

"My administration reflects the country. It reflects the city. His administration reflects the country club." ([02:56])

The DOJ references the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in its concerns, labeling the investigation as a perceived attack on diversity initiatives by the Trump administration. According to a spokesperson, the city’s administrative composition is 34% Black, 30% White, and 24% Hispanic, underscoring its dedication to representing Chicago’s demographic landscape.

Mariah Woelfel of WBEZ reports on this sensitive issue. ([02:08])

4. Retail Sector Earnings and Tribute to Late Actor George Wendt

Corporate Earnings Highlights – Two major retailers released their quarterly earnings reports this morning. Target reported a decline in first-quarter sales, attributing the downturn to consumer concerns over rising prices and boycotts linked to the company's reduction in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In contrast, Lowe’s experienced a smaller-than-expected sales drop, echoing trends seen in Home Depot’s reports where consumers are prioritizing home maintenance over significant purchases.

Tribute to George Wendt – The entertainment community mourns the loss of George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers. Wendt, who passed away yesterday at age 76, was celebrated for his six Emmy nominations and his enduring presence on the show, which concluded exactly 32 years prior to his passing.

In Boston, fans gathered at the Subground Tavern in Beacon Hill to honor Wendt's legacy. Suvon Lee reports:

"A large vase of flowers and a mug of Sam Adams stood at the corner of the bar, alongside a laminated printout of Wendt with a message: 'Thank you for all the laughs.'" ([04:10])

A regular patron shared their admiration:

"He was just absolutely hilarious, a typical bar regular who came in and, you know, he's part of the crew in a sense and part of the show." ([04:27])

Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson left an indelible mark on Cheers, endearing him to audiences for decades. Suvon Lee recounts the heartfelt tributes from fans at the bar. ([03:11])

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