NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 05-13-2025 1AM EDT
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Giles Snyder
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
1. US-China Trade War Truce and Financial Market Response
Timestamp: [00:14 – 00:55]
Giles Snyder opens the episode by reporting on the recent announcement of a 90-day truce in the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. This development has led to positive movements in the financial markets across Asia and Wall Street.
Scott Horsley provides an in-depth analysis, stating, “Forecasters at the Yale Budget Lab say even with the temporary reduction in tariffs, the US is still looking at higher inflation and slower economic growth than it was before the trade war began” ([00:35]). Despite the truce, Horsley highlights that the economic impact of the trade tensions continues to linger. Interestingly, the temporary lowering of tariffs is benefiting the government’s revenue: “The lower tariff actually brings in more money for the government. That's because more businesses will grit their teeth and pay this tax, whereas the higher levy just brought commerce to a standstill” ([00:35]).
The financial markets reacted positively, with Japan’s Nikkei up 1.7% during the midday break, following the Dow’s surge of over 1,100 points, the NASDAQ’s rally of 4.3%, and the S&P 500’s gain of 3.3% ([00:55]).
2. President Trump’s Middle East Tour
Timestamp: [00:55]
President Trump is set to commence a four-day trip to the Middle East, with his first stop scheduled in Saudi Arabia. During this visit, he is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional security and economic cooperation ([00:55]).
3. US Welcomes South African Afrikaners as Refugees
Timestamp: [00:55 – 01:53]
In a controversial move, the Trump administration is resettling white South African Afrikaners as refugees, despite a freeze on refugee arrivals from war-torn regions worldwide. Christopher Landau, the Deputy Secretary of State, welcomed the Afrikaner families at Dulles Airport: “We are excited to welcome you here to our country where we think you will bloom” ([01:48]).
Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed confusion and concern over this policy decision: “It is baffling that the Trump administration is admitting Afrikaners for resettlement while blocking thousands of 'legitimate asylum seekers'” ([01:53]). She called for explanations on why the administration is prioritizing white South Africans over refugees from regions like Afghanistan, Sudan, and Myanmar.
4. Harvard University Opposes Federal Intervention on Campus Issues
Timestamp: [02:18 – 03:12]
Harvard University President Alan Garber addressed the ongoing tensions between the institution and the Trump administration. While acknowledging shared goals such as combating antisemitism and promoting diverse viewpoints, Garber warned that “heavy-handed federal involvement is actually hurting those efforts” ([02:29]).
In a letter to the Department of Education, Garber emphasized Harvard’s commitment to addressing hate and safeguarding free expression independently. This stance comes amidst increased pressure following pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus related to the Gaza conflict. The White House has criticized Harvard for “failing to protect Jewish students and allowing anti-Semitism” ([02:29]).
Windsor Johnston reports from Washington, highlighting the escalating conflict between university governance and federal authorities over campus policies ([03:12]).
5. Release of American Hostage and Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Timestamp: [03:12 – 04:14]
The release of the last living American hostage held by Hamas, Idan Alexander, has not de-escalated the conflict in Gaza. Israel briefly paused its military operations to facilitate Alexander’s release as a goodwill gesture to the Trump administration. Although Alexander has been reunited with his family, Israel has indicated intentions to escalate its offensive. Reports from Palestinian health officials confirm that Israeli tank fire and air attacks resumed shortly after the hostage handover was completed ([03:12]).
6. Wildfires Ravage Minnesota Communities
Timestamp: [03:12 – 04:14]
Minnesota is grappling with severe wildfires, with local media reporting a camp house fire near the community of Brimson. The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office stated that the fire has destroyed at least 40 structures, and residents are being urged to evacuate the affected areas. This blaze is one of three wildfires currently burning in the region, posing significant threats to local communities and wildlife ([03:12]).
7. New York Lowers Minimum Age for Prison Guards
Timestamp: [04:14]
New York State has lowered the minimum hiring age for prison guards from 21 to 18 in an effort to increase staffing levels within the state’s prison system. Jeong Yoon Han reports that while younger guards will face certain restrictions—such as prohibition from using firearms and mandatory supervision during specific tasks—the policy aims to address the shortage following the March strike in which 2,000 corrections officers were fired after protesting for nearly a month ([04:14]).
Critics argue that 18 is too young for the demanding role of a corrections officer. The New York State Legislature is set to hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the recent strike, alongside recent inmate deaths and beatings by prison guards ([04:14]).
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on May 13, 2025. From international trade dynamics and political maneuvers to local crises and policy changes, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced overview of current events shaping the world today.