NPR News Now: May 13, 2025, 10 AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Economic Overview: Mixed Stock Market Amid Positive Inflation Data

[00:16] Korva Coleman opens the episode from Washington, D.C., highlighting a volatile start to the trading day. The stock market is exhibiting mixed signals as the Labor Department releases an unexpectedly favorable report on inflation.

[00:33] Scott Horsley elaborates on the economic indicators, noting a decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average by over 140 points during early trading. He attributes some of this movement to recent consumer price data:

• Inflation Insights: Consumer prices rose by 2.3% year-over-year in April, marking the smallest annual increase in over four years when excluding volatile food and energy sectors.

• Core Inflation Stability: Core inflation remained steady at 2.8%, unchanged from the previous month, suggesting underlying price stability despite economic fluctuations.

• Grocery and Fuel Relief: Consumers experienced temporary relief with grocery prices decreasing by 0.4%, driven by a significant drop in egg prices due to a seasonal decrease in avian flu among farmers. Gasoline prices also saw a reduction, contributing to overall consumer savings.

• Furniture Prices and Trade War Implications: An uptick in furniture prices was observed, potentially reflecting the ongoing impact of higher tariffs. Horsley notes that while current retail prices show limited adverse effects from the trade war, analysts caution that this could evolve in the upcoming months.

Trade Policy Adjustments and International Relations

[01:11] Korva Coleman transitions to the Trump administration's strategic shift in trade policies. The U.S. plans to reduce tariffs on more affordable packages imported from China:

• Tariff Reductions: De minimis tariffs on imported goods valued under $800 from China will be lowered to 54%, extending these reductions to products from Hong Kong as well.

• Consumer Impact: This move is expected to benefit U.S. consumers by lowering prices on items from Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein, making imported goods more accessible.

President Donald Trump is actively engaging in international diplomacy during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Starting with a cordial meeting, Trump warmly greeted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman:

[01:53] Donald Trump: "It's an honor to be you, my friend. You've had a tremendous relationship over the years. It's now a long time."

[02:00] Korva Coleman further informs that Trump is scheduled to sign additional agreements with officials from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar later in the week, focusing on collaborations in energy, defense, and other economic sectors.

Energy Regulations: Administration Seeks to Roll Back Standards

[02:00] Korva Coleman introduces an imminent policy shift by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aiming to eliminate or weaken 47 existing regulations, including pivotal energy efficiency standards for household appliances.

[02:25] Chris Wright, Energy Secretary, defends the administration's initiative:

• Consumer Choice Emphasis: "The Trump administration is slashing regulations that we believe restrict consumer choice," Wright states, arguing that reducing these standards will offer more flexibility to manufacturers and consumers alike.

• Scope of Changes: Proposed revisions target conservation standards for essential appliances such as kitchen appliances, washers, and dryers, potentially leading to less energy-efficient products in the market.

[02:49] Andrew Dulaski, representative of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, counters the administration's stance:

• Legal and Economic Concerns: "That will increase energy costs," Dulaski warns, emphasizing that the proposed changes may contravene legal mandates designed to ensure continual improvement in energy efficiency. He underscores that "the law bars backsliding on such standards," advocating for ongoing enhancements in appliance efficiency.

[03:00] Chris Wright acknowledges potential legal challenges, noting that if the DOE's proposals are finalized, they "likely will be challenged in court."

Corporate Leadership and Health Sector Developments

[03:06] Korva Coleman provides updates from Wall Street, where stock performance remains uneven. The Dow Jones is down approximately 150 points, while the Nasdaq rises by nearly 190 points.

In corporate news, UnitedHealthcare's CEO, Andrew Witte, announces his resignation citing personal reasons. The company also pauses its full-year forecast due to unexpectedly high medical costs. Witte succeeded former CEO Brian Thompson, who tragically passed away last year.

Homelessness and Housing Initiatives in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom is intensifying efforts to address homelessness, urging local governments to dismantle encampments. Unveiling a comprehensive blueprint, Newsom outlines strategies for cities and counties to enforce existing bans on public camping:

• Legal Context: This initiative follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision a year prior that eased restrictions on camping for homeless individuals in public spaces.

• Funding and Resources: Governor Newsom announced the allocation of over $3 billion in voter-approved funds aimed at expanding housing and treatment options for the homeless population.

[04:07] Andrew Dulaski comments on the framework, stating, "This is a framework and the application of how to do it in a way that we think is responsible with all the supports that have come through these unprecedented investments."

[04:17] Yosmai Delmazo, reporting from San Francisco for NPR, details the blueprint's key provisions:

• Encampment Regulations: The strategy prohibits encampments from remaining in a single location for more than three days or blocking sidewalks.

• Supportive Measures: Local authorities are mandated to provide notice and shelter resources before initiating the clearance of any encampment, ensuring that individuals have access to alternative housing options.

Public Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Foods

In a concerning public health update, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 10 individuals have been hospitalized due to a listeria bacterial infection. The outbreak has been traced to prepared foods manufactured by Fresh and Ready Foods, including assorted sandwiches and snack items. The implicated products were distributed in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, leading to a nationwide recall to prevent further infections.

Korva Coleman concludes this segment by emphasizing the importance of consumer vigilance and adherence to recall notices to mitigate health risks.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and updates presented in the May 13, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, offering listeners a detailed overview of economic trends, governmental policies, corporate changes, social initiatives, and public health concerns shaping the current landscape.