NPR News Now: May 5, 2025, 9 PM EDT
Released May 6, 2025
1. President Trump's Executive Order on Research Funding
Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Rob Stein
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that restricts federal funding for what he terms "dangerous" research. Specifically, the order targets gain of function research—studies that explore how viruses and other pathogens might be modified to spread more easily or cause more severe illness. This type of research has been a subject of ongoing controversy, which has intensified due to allegations that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a virus engineered during gain of function experiments in China.
Rob Stein elaborates on the implications of this move:
"The so-called gain of function research involves studying how viral viruses and other pathogens could cause a pandemic by spreading more easily or causing more serious illness" [00:27].
However, many in the scientific community disagree with the accusations linking COVID-19 to such research and express concern that a funding moratorium could hinder efforts to prevent or respond to future pandemics. Stein concludes, "A moratorium on funding will block research that could help prevent or respond to the next pandemic" [00:27].
2. Former Palantir Employees Criticize Surveillance Practices
Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Bobby Allen
A group of thirteen former employees from the tech firm Palantir have come forward to condemn the company's collaboration with the Trump administration. These ex-workers accuse Palantir of enabling the real-time tracking of illegal migrants in the United States through its advanced data mining and surveillance software.
Bobby Allen reports:
"Thirteen ex Palantir workers say the Trump administration is abusing the data mining tools they helped build" [01:17].
The former employees point out that Palantir’s own code of conduct prohibits the misuse of its software to infringe upon individuals' rights. They assert, "Early palletarians understood the ethical weight of building these technologies. These principles have now been violated and are rapidly being dismantled at Palantir Technologies and across Silicon Valley" [01:17]. Attempts to obtain comments from Palantir and the White House were unsuccessful.
3. Pope Francis Transforms Popemobile into a Mobile Health Clinic for Gaza
Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Ruth Sherlock
In a heartfelt initiative, Pope Francis has requested that one of his iconic popemobiles be converted into a mobile health clinic to aid children in the Gaza Strip. This request fulfills one of the Pope’s last wishes and comes amid the devastation of health services in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Ruth Sherlock provides details:
"The Pope Mobile... is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to help young patients in Gaza" [02:03].
The mobile clinic will be equipped with essential medical supplies such as suture kits and vaccines and will be operated by trained medical staff. The Catholic aid organization Caritas Jerusalem is spearheading this project, navigating the complex restrictions on accessing Gaza to deliver much-needed healthcare to communities deprived of medical facilities. Sherlock adds, "Pope Francis called the Holy Family Church in Gaza almost every day throughout the war, including from his hospital bed as he was critically ill with double pneumonia" [02:03].
4. The Met Gala and the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower
Host: Jack Spear
Reporters: Jacqueline Diaz
As the first Monday in May unfolds, attention turns to the annual Met Gala, renowned for its high-profile attendees from various sectors including technology, sports, art, and entertainment. This year's theme spotlights black designers and marks the first menswear-focused Met Gala in over two decades.
Simultaneously, astronomy enthusiasts are preparing for the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, expected to light up the predawn skies across the United States. Jacqueline Diaz shares insights on how to witness this celestial event:
"The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will streak across the predawn sky of May 6th... around 50 meteors per hour are expected at the peak of this shower" [03:25].
Diaz advises viewers to find a dark location away from city lights for the best viewing experience, particularly around 3 AM when the moon sets and the sky is darkest. She encourages, "It's time to roll out your picnic blanket and unfold those lawn chairs" [03:25].
5. Skechers Acquisition and Market Movements
Host: Jack Spear
In business news, Skechers, the footwear company known for its celebrity-endorsed no-tie shoes, has agreed to be acquired for $9 billion by the investment firm 3G Capital. The acquisition, priced at $63 per share, represents a 30% premium over Skechers’ 15-day volume-weighted stock price. This move to take Skechers private comes amid growing concerns over how President Trump's tariffs on foreign goods may impact companies with significant overseas production.
Additionally, crude oil futures have seen a decline, dropping more than a dollar per barrel amid ongoing worries about potential output increases by OPEC and other producers. Specifically, oil prices fell by $1.16 per barrel, settling at $57.13 [04:04]. These market fluctuations reflect broader economic uncertainties influenced by international trade policies and energy production strategies.
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