NPR News Now: May 1, 2025, 7 PM EDT Summary
Hosted by NPR's Jack Spear, this episode of NPR News Now brings you the latest developments in national and international news, politics, economics, and culture. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for your reference.
1. Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Use of Alien Enemies Act
Timestamp: [00:16]
In a significant legal decision, a federal judge in Texas has ruled that President Donald Trump's application of the Alien Enemies Act to detain and deport certain Venezuelan immigrants is unlawful. This marks the first instance where the act has been deemed inapplicable to individuals alleged to be gang members.
Details: Sergio Martinez Beltran reports that the Venezuelan nationals in question were threatened with removal under the Alien Enemies Act, accused of belonging to the Trende Aragua gang—a group the president has characterized as invading the United States. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., a Trump appointee, determined that the administration lacked the authority to detain these individuals. He clarified that while the gang's activities are harmful, they do not meet the threshold of an invasion or predatory incursion as defined by the Alien Enemies Act. This ruling affects all jurisdictions within the Southern District of Texas, including major cities such as Brownsville, McAllen, and Houston.
Notable Quote:
"The administration does not have the authority to detain the men," Judge Rodriguez stated, emphasizing the limitations of the Alien Enemies Act in this context.
— Sergio Martinez Beltran [00:38]
2. Trump’s 2026 Budget Proposal and Alabama Visit Amid Student Protests
Timestamp: [01:17 - 02:38]
President Trump is anticipated to release an initial partial version of his 2026 budget proposal imminently, possibly as early as the following day. According to a White House official, this "skinny budget" will outline broad spending allocations for various departments and agencies, with detailed plans to follow later.
Details: Danielle Kurtzleben explains that a skinny budget typically includes discretionary spending figures, excluding major expenditures like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, as well as revenue projections. This approach mirrors previous budget releases by Presidents Biden and Trump during their initial terms.
Concurrently, President Trump is scheduled to speak at the University of Alabama's spring commencement. His visit has sparked controversy among students, with plans to protest the event. Braden Vick, President of UA Student Democrats, expressed concerns that the president's presence is overshadowing the ceremony's purpose.
Notable Quotes:
"He's not graduating. It's not for the president," Vick remarked, highlighting the students' desire to maintain the commencement's focus.
— Braden Vick [02:24]
On the other side, UA College Republicans defended the president's presence, criticizing what they termed an "inflammatory response" from liberal students that they believe does not represent the broader student body.
Additional Context: The protest sentiment is further fueled by the Trump administration's recent actions targeting non-citizens in higher education, including the detention of an Alabama PhD student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year.
3. Wall Street Rallyes on Tech Earnings and Apple's Strategic Shifts
Timestamp: [03:04 - 04:44]
Stock markets closed mostly higher today, buoyed by robust earnings reports from tech giants Microsoft and Meta. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 83 points, while the Nasdaq surged by 264 points.
Details: Apple Inc. opted to release its latest earnings report after market closure. Despite ongoing concerns regarding President Trump’s tariffs and the company's significant business operations in China, Apple reported a 4.8% increase in profits, totaling $24.78 billion for the quarter. Revenues also saw a 5% uplift, reaching $95.36 billion. In a strategic move to mitigate tariff-related risks, Apple announced that a majority of its devices shipped from the U.S. in the coming months will be manufactured in India and Vietnam.
Notable Quotes:
"Apple says a majority of its devices shipped from the US...will be originating from India and Vietnam in an effort to avoid tariffs against China," a report detailed, highlighting the company's proactive measures.
— Jack Spear [03:04]
Tony Awards Nominations:
In cultural news, nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards have been announced, celebrating Broadway's highest honors. Jeff London from New York provided an overview of the nominees, including notable firsts and record-breaking achievements.
Notable Highlights:
- George Clooney received his first Tony nomination for "Good Night and Good Luck," a play he co-authored.
- Sadie Sink earned a best actress nod for her role as the villain in "John Proctor."
- Audra McDonald set a record with her 11th Tony nomination for best actress in "Gypsy."
- Nicole Scherzinger was nominated for her performance in "Sunset Boulevard," and newcomer Jasmine Amy Rogers received a nomination for "Boop."
4. Crude Oil Prices Experience a Uptick
Timestamp: [04:44]
Crude oil futures saw an increase after experiencing a downturn in recent sessions. Prices rose by more than a dollar, reaching $59.24 per barrel.
Details: The rise in oil prices reflects ongoing market dynamics and influences from global economic factors. This movement is noteworthy for its impact on energy markets and related sectors.
Notable Quote:
"Oil rose more than a dollar a barrel to 59.24 a barrel," Jack Spear succinctly reported, indicating the market's positive shift.
— Jack Spear [04:44]
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now encapsulated critical updates ranging from judicial rulings impacting immigration policies to economic indicators driven by corporate earnings and stock market performances. Additionally, cultural milestones like the Tony Awards nominations and fluctuations in crude oil prices were highlighted, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's significant events.
For those who missed the episode, this summary offers a detailed glimpse into the discussions and insights shared by NPR's team. Stay informed with NPR News Now for your hourly updates on the latest news.