NPR News Now: May 23, 2025, 3 PM EDT

The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

U.S.-EU Trade Tensions Escalate

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporters: NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben

President Donald Trump is intensifying trade tensions with the European Union by threatening to impose a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1, 2025. This move follows Trump's earlier announcement in April of a 20% tariff on EU products, which was subsequently reduced to 10%. The President stated, "I'm not looking for a deal. I mean, we've set the deal. It's at 50%" (00:34). Additionally, Trump is targeting major smartphone manufacturers, proposing a 25% tariff on companies like Apple and Samsung if they do not produce their devices within the United States. He remarked, "Anyone that makes that product and that will start on, I guess, the end of June, it will come out. I think we have that appropriately done by the end of June" (01:24). Critics argue that these tariffs could lead to significantly higher smartphone prices, making them unaffordable for many consumers.

Diplomatic Efforts with Iran Under Strain

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporter: NPR's Michelle Kellerman

The Biden administration continues its fifth round of negotiations with Iran, mediated by Oman, aiming to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Progress remains uncertain amidst heightened tensions, especially with Israel threatening strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's Foreign Minister emphasized the simplicity of reaching a deal, stating, "Zero nuclear weapons equals we do have a deal. Zero enrichment equals we do not have a deal" (02:08). The U.S. State Department maintains its position that Iran should be prohibited from enriching uranium, warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to dire consequences for Iran. As negotiations stall, the international community remains watchful of the potential for either a diplomatic resolution or escalation into conflict.

Violent Incident in Hamburg, Germany

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporters: Local Authorities, Social Media Updates

A mass stabbing occurred at Hamburg's central railway station, resulting in 12 injuries, several of them critical. Authorities have apprehended a suspect, although details about the individual remain sparse. Police updates were disseminated through social media platforms, with authorities confirming the arrest of the suspect after initial reports of the attack (02:43). The incident has raised concerns about public safety in one of Germany's major cities.

Wall Street Faces Significant Declines

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporters: Financial Market Updates

Major U.S. stock indexes experienced notable declines in midday trading:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Down 145 points to 41,710
• S&P 500: Decreased by 26 points
• Nasdaq Composite: Fell 147 points

Market volatility reflects investor anxiety over escalating trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties affecting global economic stability (03:02).

Intensifying Conflict in Gaza and Domestic Protests in Israel

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporters: NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, with over 53,000 Palestinians reported killed by health officials. Concurrently, there is increasing dissent within Israel regarding the ongoing military operations. Protests erupted near the Gaza border, where demonstrators voiced opposition to the extended conflict and the continued captivity of more than 50 hostages. One protester stated, "Children are getting dead over there. We want our hostages to be home and all the situation right now is not really contributing to this. To bring them home" (03:56).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated military actions, pledging to occupy Gaza as the death toll rises. The confrontation continues amid calls for a strategic reassessment to prioritize the safety and return of hostages (04:17).

South Africa Releases Farm Violence Data Contradicting U.S. Claims

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporter: NPR's Kate Bartlett

In response to allegations from the Trump administration accusing South Africa of genocide against white farmers, the South African government has released new crime statistics. The data reveals that in the first quarter of 2025, six farmers were murdered on farms, with only one being white. South Africa's Police Minister, Senzo Machinu, clarified that historically, the majority of farm murders involve black farmers. "South Africa never breaks down its crime statistics by race. On Friday, after repeated attacks by the US Administration, it did." (04:25). These findings challenge the U.S. narrative and highlight the complexities surrounding race and violence in South Africa. Despite this, the U.S. has continued to grant refugee status to white Afrikaner South Africans, citing claims of persecution (04:55).

Summary prepared for listeners who seek an in-depth overview of today's significant news events.