NPR News Now Episode: 05-04-2025 1PM EDT | Release Date: May 4, 2025
NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest global and domestic events in this detailed summary of the May 4, 2025, episode. Covering a range of topics from U.S. politics and international conflicts to significant business transitions and cultural milestones, this episode provides listeners with insightful analysis and up-to-the-minute reporting.
U.S. Politics and Legal Developments
President Trump's Interview on NBC's "Meet the Press"
In a significant interview aired in full on NBC News' Meet the Press, President Donald Trump addressed critical questions regarding immigration and the administration's stance on migrants' rights.
At [00:37], Kristen Welker inquired:
"Your secretary of state says everyone who's here, citizens and noncitizens, deserve due process. Do you agree, Mr. President?"
President Trump responded candidly at [00:43]:
"I don't know. I'm not. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know."
When pressed further about the Fifth Amendment, Trump stated at [00:48]:
"It seems, it seems, it might say that."
This exchange highlights the administration's ongoing challenges and uncertainties in navigating complex immigration laws and policies.
Supreme Court's Temporary Ban on Deportations
The episode also covers a pivotal legal development where the Supreme Court temporarily barred the Trump administration from deporting certain suspected gang members from Venezuela. At [00:54], President Nora Rammer reports:
"His lawyers are asking the court to lift or narrow that order."
This legal maneuver signifies the intense judicial scrutiny the administration faces concerning its immigration enforcement strategies.
Business News
Warren Buffett Announces Retirement
A major shift in the business world was highlighted as Warren Buffett, the legendary CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, announced his retirement effective at the end of the year. NPR's Maria Aspen provides an in-depth look at this transition:
At [01:18], Aspen notes:
"Way past the retirement age is kind of an understatement. He's 94 years old..."
She further elaborates on Buffett's succession plan:
"His longtime business partner, Charlie Munger, died a couple of years ago, and Buffett had already announced that one of his deputies, Greg Abel, would eventually succeed him."
Despite his age, Buffett remained actively engaged, spending nearly five hours yesterday addressing shareholders' questions, underscoring his commitment to steering Berkshire Hathaway through this transition period.
International Conflicts and Political Elections
Israel Responds to Yemeni Missile Attack
Tensions escalated as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile that landed near Israel's main airport, causing flight disruptions and minor casualties. NPR's Carrie Khan reports:
At [02:02], Khan states:
"Sirens went off in many cities in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, early Sunday morning..."
She details the impact:
"Israeli officials say four people were lightly injured."
In response, Israeli Defense Minister vowed severe retaliation:
"Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold."
Russia's Stance on Ukraine Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, expressing his hopes to avoid nuclear escalation. At [02:50], Putin remarked:
"He hoped there would be no need to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine."
However, he asserted Russia's capability to sustain the war:
"Russia has sufficient strength and resources to take the war to what he called its logical conclusion."
The episode also covers a recent drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, which resulted in at least 11 fatalities.
Romanian Presidential Elections
Voters in Romania are making pivotal choices in their presidential elections, with a hard-right candidate currently leading the field. At [03:24], Nora Rammer reports:
"George Simeon opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine and has aligned himself with the policies of President Donald Trump."
This political alignment signals potential shifts in Romania's foreign and domestic policies, closely watched by international observers.
South Sudan Hospital and Market Bombing
A tragic incident in South Sudan saw a hospital and a nearby market bombed, resulting in at least seven deaths. Kate Bartlett from NPR details the events at [03:47]:
"A helicopter dropped a bomb on the hospital in Zhongje state... and a drone then bombed a nearby market."
Doctors Without Borders condemned the attack as a "clear violation of international humanitarian law," although responsibility remains unclear. The United Nations warns of imminent civil war as the South Sudanese government intensifies its crackdown on opposition areas.
Cultural Highlights
Conclusion of Sweden's "Great Moose Migration"
Marking the end of its seventh season, Sweden's popular television show Great Moose Migration celebrated two decades of broadcasting. The program showcased the annual spring migration of moose, attracting viewers both domestically and internationally.
At [04:30], the Associated Press shared insights from the project manager:
"He’s very satisfied with this year providing 478 hours of uninterrupted moose content."
The show's impressive growth from nearly one million viewers at its inception in 2019 to nine million last year underscores its widespread appeal and the public's fascination with wildlife and nature documentaries.
Closing Remarks
Nora Rammer concludes the episode, reinforcing NPR's commitment to delivering timely and accurate news. Listeners are encouraged to access the podcast sponsor-free via Amazon Music with a Prime membership or through any podcast app by subscribing at plus.NPR.org.
This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a diverse array of stories, providing listeners with essential updates and in-depth analysis on pressing issues worldwide.