NPR News Now: May 2, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Host: NPR
Release Date: May 2, 2025

White House Unveils "Skinny Budget" Proposal

Jeanine Herbst opens the news segment by reporting on President Trump's first budget proposal for his second term. The proposal, described as an "incomplete budget outline" or "skinny budget," indicates Trump's intention to implement significant changes within the government.

Daniel Kurtzleben provides an in-depth analysis of the budget:

"The White House budget proposal includes sharp cuts to an array of agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Internal Revenue Service. The proposal would match those non-defense cuts with increases to defense spending. All told, the White House proposes increasing defense spending by 13% as well as a 65% increase in spending on homeland security. That money would go in part towards mass deportations as well as completing the border wall."
(00:46)

Kurtzleben emphasizes that while the budget remains a proposal, President Trump has demonstrated a willingness to bypass Congress by utilizing executive orders to address governmental deficiencies.

TikTok Faces $600 Million Fine Over Data Privacy Violations

Jeanine Herbst transitions to the tech world, highlighting a significant penalty imposed on TikTok by European Union regulators. Terry Schultz expands on the details:

"Ireland's Data Protection Commission led the probe on behalf of the EU into whether TikTok was in compliance with the bloc's privacy rules. They found the video-sharing app was transferring personal data to servers located in China, contrary to what the company initially claimed. EU officials are concerned this information can be accessed by staff in China, where TikTok's parent company ByteDance is based, and by the Chinese government, violating strict privacy rules."
(01:41)

Schultz notes that TikTok failed to maintain transparency with its users regarding data transfers and has been ordered to comply within six months. TikTok has announced its intention to appeal the decision.

President Trump Orders Termination of Federal Funding for NPR and PBS

In a bold move, Jeanine Herbst reports that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS to the fullest extent permitted by law. Trump accuses these organizations of exhibiting a "left-wing bias."

David Folkenflik provides further context:

"He has the power to do this. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has filed a suit in court that's supposed to move forward next week. It's being heard on an expedited basis by a federal judge in Washington. And we're going to see. It appears right now that the CPB is simply ignoring the president's edict, saying he doesn't have the authority to do this."
(02:51)

Folkenflik underscores the uncertainty surrounding the legal challenge and the potential implications for public broadcasting.

Wall Street Soars as Markets Close Higher

Jeanine Herbst briefly updates listeners on the stock market's performance:

"Wall Street sharply higher by the closing bell, the Dow up 564 points, the NASDAQ up 266."
(03:10)

This surge reflects investor confidence amid the day's economic developments.

Measles Cases Surge in the United States

Health officials are grappling with a rise in measles infections across the nation. Jeanine Herbst relays information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

"Measles cases in the U.S. have surpassed 900 as outbreaks continue across the country. The CDC says 935 cases have been confirmed in 29 states, and in 13% of the cases, the majority of whom are under 19, have resulted in hospitalizations."
(03:10)

Further details from the CDC reveal that over 90% of the confirmed cases are among the unvaccinated or individuals with unknown vaccination statuses. The agency attributes the resurgence to declining vaccination rates, reversing a status where measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

NBA Legend Gregg Popovich Steps Down from Coaching Role

In sports news, Jeanine Herbst announces that Gregg Popovich, the most successful coach in NBA history, is retiring from coaching to assume a new role with the San Antonio Spurs.

Paul Flav elaborates on Popovich's illustrious career:

"Popovich joined the team in 1988 as an assistant coach, took the reins nearly 30 years ago, and oversaw more than 1,400 winning games, five national championships, and countless unforgettable playoff moments. Beyond Coach Pop's winning career, he's known for his acerbic wit, mentorship of young players, and outspokenness on political issues."
(04:23)

Flav also mentions Popovich's health struggles, including a stroke in November and another medical incident earlier in the year, which influenced his decision to transition to the role of president of basketball operations.

Closing Note: This summary encapsulates the key stories featured in the NPR News Now episode released on May 2, 2025. For the latest updates and comprehensive news coverage, tune into NPR News Now.