NPR News: May 31, 2025, 5 PM EDT

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on global trade tensions, political shifts in the U.S. federal government, humanitarian concerns in the Middle East, and advancements in COVID-19 vaccine development. Here's a detailed look into the key discussions and insights from today's episode.

1. EU Responds to U.S. Tariff Hike on Steel and Aluminum

Jeanine Herbst opened the broadcast with a significant update on international trade dynamics. The European Union expressed its readiness to implement counter-tariffs following President Trump's decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%.

Key Points:

• EU's Position: The EU had previously paused its own tariffs, hoping to negotiate a resolution. However, Trump's escalation has forced the EU to reassess its stance.
• Economic Impact: The increased tariffs are expected to inject further uncertainty into the global economy, raising costs for consumers and businesses across the Atlantic.

Notable Quote: At 00:44, Terry Schultz reported, "The decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic."

The EU spokesperson highlighted that the new tariffs undermine ongoing negotiation efforts, prompting the European Commission to finalize countermeasures slated for implementation by July 14 if a mutually acceptable solution isn't achieved.

2. Elon Musk Resigns from Federal Government Role

The episode covered the recent resignation of Elon Musk from his governmental position, a move that has elicited mixed reactions.

Key Points:

• Role and Impact: Musk was part of the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy under President Trump.
• Senatorial Critique: Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota criticized Musk's approach, suggesting that his methods were too aggressive.

Notable Quote: At 02:00, Senator Mike Rounds stated, "I think the president wanted him to come in with a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer, and in some cases Elon came in with a sledgehammer."

Despite these criticisms, President Trump took to his Truth Social network to praise Musk, declaring, "Elon is terrific" (02:08).

3. Humanitarian Aid Blocked to Gaza

A pressing humanitarian issue was addressed concerning the blockade of aid to Gaza, exacerbating the region's crisis.

Key Points:

• UN's Report: The United Nations announced that Israel has banned aid shipments from Jordan and Egypt, leaving substantial amounts of food and medical supplies stranded.
• On-the-Ground Impact: Jane Araf reported from Amman about a UN warehouse overloaded with $24 million worth of aid, including 200,000 tons of flour at risk of disposal.

Notable Quote: At 02:37, Jane Araf shared, "Among the food is 200,000 tons of flour at risk of being thrown out."

The UN's Palestinian Refugee Agency emphasized that the current mechanism restricts aid inflow solely through Israel, a policy the Israeli military has yet to comment on.

4. FDA Approves Moderna's New COVID-19 Booster Vaccine

Advancements in COVID-19 vaccination efforts were highlighted with Moderna receiving FDA approval for a new booster vaccine.

Key Points:

• Vaccine Details: The new booster is a lower-dose version aimed at being a precursor to next-generation coronavirus vaccines.
• Eligibility Criteria: Approved for adults 65 and older and individuals aged 12 to 64 at higher risk, aligning with the FDA's guidelines for Novavax's vaccine.
• Future Availability: Moderna plans to offer both the new and existing COVID-19 vaccines starting this fall.

Notable Quote: At 03:19, the report stated, "This new booster is a lower dose version that's a step toward next generation coronavirus vaccines."

5. The Immune System's Circadian Clocks Enhance Response to Infections

Concluding the episode, Burleigh McCoy delved into recent scientific findings about the immune system's internal clocks.

Key Points:

• Research Insights: Immune cells possess circadian clocks that modulate their response to infections based on the time of day.
• Experimental Findings: Using transparent baby zebrafish, researchers observed that immune cells killed bacteria more efficiently during daylight hours. Disrupting specific circadian genes impaired this capability.
• Future Implications: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to strategies that enhance immune responses during infections.

Notable Quote: At 04:14, Burleigh McCoy explained, "This knowledge could allow scientists to rally immune cells to respond to a bad infection."

These findings were published in the journal Science Immunology, offering promising avenues for medical science.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues around the globe, ensuring listeners stay informed with accurate and detailed reporting.