NPR News Now: Episode Summary for May 13, 2025, 7PM EDT
Released on May 13, 2025
1. Democratic Senators Challenge Qatar's Luxury Plane Offer
Timestamp: [00:14]
NPR host Jack Spear reports that 27 Democratic senators have introduced a resolution aiming to block the Trump administration from accepting a $4.4 billion luxury plane offer from Qatar. The senators are urging Republican colleagues to join their stance against the move.
Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, vehemently opposes the offer, labeling it as "clearly illegal and corrupt" and expressing significant national security concerns. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:
“President Trump says only a, quote, stupid person would say no to a free, very expensive airplane.”
[00:59]
Despite Shaheen’s strong opposition, she revealed that some Republican senators have privately expressed concerns, although no Republicans have officially signed onto the resolution yet. The effort highlights a growing bipartisan tension over foreign influence and national security.
2. Trump Administration Cuts Additional Grants to Harvard University
Timestamp: [01:17]
In a significant escalation between the Trump administration and Harvard University, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced an additional $450 million cut in federal grants to the prestigious institution. This decision follows a previous freeze of $2.2 billion in funding last month.
NPR’s Alyssa Nadworny details that the cuts stem from a letter by a federal antisemitism task force, which criticized Harvard for failing to address what it describes as a "dark problem" on campus. The letter accuses Harvard’s institutional leaders of forfeiting the university’s claim to taxpayer support due to allegations of extreme liberalism and anti-Semitism. In response, Harvard is currently suing to block the federal funding freeze, seeking to defend its reputation and financial stability.
3. Inflation Shows Mild Increase Amid Mixed Economic Signals
Timestamp: [02:16]
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the government's broadest measure of inflation, rose by 0.2% in April, indicating a slight uptick in overall price levels. This increase was partly tempered by lower gasoline prices. However, NPR’s Scott Horsley highlights that not all sectors are experiencing declines:
“Housing costs are still going up. Electricity is more expensive. So is car insurance. Furniture prices jumped about 1.5% last month.”
[02:30]
Horsley warns that these persistent increases could signal impending inflationary pressures as higher tariffs begin to impact retail prices, particularly for imported goods like new cars and clothing. Economists anticipate that these factors might contribute to more pronounced inflation in the coming months.
4. US and China Agree to Temporary Tariff Pause
Timestamp: [02:54]
In a significant move on the international trade front, the United States and China have agreed to a 90-day pause on the highly contentious triple-digit tariffs imposed on each other’s goods last month. This temporary cessation aims to provide both nations with breathing room to negotiate more sustainable trade terms.
Despite this agreement, the stock market exhibited mixed responses. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 269 points, the Nasdaq managed to rise by 301 points, reflecting investor uncertainty amid ongoing trade tensions.
5. Broadway Surges Ahead with Record-Setting Ticket Sales
Timestamp: [03:16]
Broadway has reported cumulative ticket sales surpassing pre-pandemic highs, with $1.8 billion in revenue so far this season. NPR’s Jeff London attributes this success to three major productions featuring Hollywood stars—Denzel Washington, George Clooney, and Kieran Culkin. These star-driven shows have significantly boosted box office numbers, accounting for 20% of total sales.
However, London also points out underlying challenges:
“Audiences are down 3% and product costs have risen so much that only one out of ten shows now turn a profit.”
[03:36]
Despite the impressive ticket sales, the financial viability for most shows remains precarious due to declining audiences and increasing production costs. Nonetheless, the current season is on track to set a new record, emphasizing Broadway's resilience and continued allure.
6. Health Officials Plan to Phase Out Fluoride Supplements for Children
Timestamp: [04:20]
In a controversial move, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to phase out ingestible fluoride supplements traditionally used to strengthen children's teeth. Citing potential health risks, health officials are reevaluating the necessity of these supplements, which have been a staple in dental health practices for decades.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has committed to conducting a scientific review of fluoride supplements by late October, aiming to determine their safety and efficacy. This decision marks a significant shift in public health policy, potentially impacting millions of children who rely on fluoride for dental health.
7. Crude Oil Prices Rise Nearly 3% Amid Market Fluctuations
Timestamp: [04:20]
Crude oil futures saw a notable increase today, rising by nearly 3% to $63.67 per barrel. This surge reflects broader market volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China, and concerns over supply chain disruptions.
The rise in oil prices may have ripple effects across various sectors, potentially contributing to higher transportation and production costs, which could, in turn, impact consumer prices and overall economic stability.
For more detailed updates and comprehensive coverage, listen to the full episode of NPR News Now.