NPR News: May 23, 2025, 5 PM EDT

NPR News Now, hosted by NPR, delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. In this episode released on May 23, 2025, key stories span international trade tensions, significant legal victories, legislative developments, corporate updates, and a peculiar international incident.

International Trade Tensions: U.S.-EU Tariff Threats

Timestamp: [00:24]

European officials have expressed deep concerns over President Trump's recent threats to impose a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union. Jack Spear reports that German Foreign Minister Johann Vaderpoel stated, "Germany will be counting on further negotiations with the Trump administration, as well as support from the European Commission in defending the European market from Trump's threatened 50% tariff" ([00:40]). Moreover, President Trump has also threatened a 25% tariff on Apple products unless iPhones are manufactured in America. The European Commission maintains that trade with the U.S. remains "roughly in balance" when considering both goods and services ([00:40]).

Legal Victory for Harvard on International Student Admissions

Timestamp: [01:14]

In a landmark decision, a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's effort to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students. Jack Spear outlines that the judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from pulling Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program ([01:14]). Harvard contends that this action "violates the First Amendment and would have a devastating effect on more than 7,000 students" ([01:14]). Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully withheld $5 billion allocated by Congress for electric vehicle charging stations, citing a breach of the Impoundment Control Act ([01:58]).

House Republicans Pass Controversial Tax Legislation

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House Republicans have successfully passed President Trump's "big beautiful bill," a legislative package that primarily benefits the wealthiest Americans. Jack Spear highlights that while Republicans celebrate their victory, millions of low-income and disabled individuals reliant on Medicaid, food aid recipients, student loan borrowers, and clean energy projects stand to lose out ([02:37]). Notably, the legislation introduces a new annual tax on electric and hybrid vehicle drivers, with EV owners facing a fee of $50 per year and hybrid drivers $100, intended to fund the Highway Trust Fund, which is currently supported by gas taxes ([02:37]).

United Airlines Reaches Tentative Deal with Flight Attendants

Timestamp: [02:37]

In corporate news, United Airlines has announced a tentative agreement with the union representing 28,000 of its flight attendants. Jack Spear reports that while the final contract language is still under negotiation, the union anticipates a "financial gain of 40% in the first year of the agreement" ([02:37]). The deal includes a signing bonus and awaits approval from local union presidents and ratification by the flight attendants themselves ([02:37]).

Toyota Recalls Over 400,000 Tundra Pickup Trucks

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Automaker Toyota has initiated a recall of more than 400,000 Tundra pickup trucks due to a defect in the backup lights affecting models from the 2022 year onwards. Camila Dominowski explains that some vehicles are experiencing water damage and corrosion in the backup lights, which not only hinders the truck's reversing indicators but also impairs the driver's visibility while backing up ([04:01]). The issue originates from a specific type of glue used in certain reverse lamp assemblies. Toyota cannot determine the exact number of affected trucks and will therefore replace the lights on all units involved, with the fix being provided free of charge. Recall notifications are expected to be dispatched by mid-July ([04:01]).

Unusual Incident: Cargo Ship Runs Aground on Norwegian Man’s Lawn

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In an extraordinary incident, a Norwegian man, Johan Helberg, discovered that a massive 443-foot cargo ship had run aground on his front lawn overlooking a fjord. Jack Spear recounts that Helberg was asleep when the ship, missing his house by approximately 24 feet, made contact with his property. It was only after a neighbor alerted him that Helberg became aware of the towering vessel parked on his lawn ([04:34]).

Additional Segments

Timestamp: [02:37] & [04:34]

The episode also touches on the fluctuations in the stock market, noting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 256 points, reflecting broader economic uncertainties and responses to the newly passed tax legislation.

Featured Interview Highlight

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Though not part of the main news segments, FRESH AIR contributor Ann Marie Baldonado shares insights from her interview with actor Cole Escola regarding the Broadway play "O Mary." In the interview, Cole portrays an "unhinged alcoholic Mary Todd Lincoln," who aspires to be a cabaret performer. Ann Marie mentions, "If that makes no sense, that's part of the point" ([00:00]). Listeners interested in this interview can find it on the FRESH AIR podcast.

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing international trade issues, significant legal decisions affecting educational institutions, controversial domestic legislation, corporate negotiations, automotive safety recalls, and an unusual maritime mishap, offering listeners a well-rounded update on current events.