NPR News Now: May 16, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. House Republicans Push Forward with Massive Tax Bill

[00:16] Shea Stevens:
House Republicans are moving ahead with plans to advance a comprehensive tax bill that aligns closely with President Trump's agenda. This development comes as the party seeks to solidify its fiscal policies amidst varying internal demands.

[00:33] Elena Moore:
The House Budget Committee is conducting a hearing on the proposed legislation with the aim of securing a full House vote by Memorial Day, as per House Speaker Mike Johnson's objective. However, Speaker Johnson is navigating through conflicting interests within the party:

• Property Tax Concerns:
  Members representing districts burdened by high local property taxes have linked their support to an increase in the state and local tax deduction (commonly referred to as SALT).

• Conservative Hardliners:
  A faction within the GOP insists that any tax changes must be offset by additional budget cuts.

Additionally, debates continue over potential reductions to Medicaid funding. Achieving consensus among these groups is vital for the GOP to successfully advance the tax bill.

2. Supreme Court Reviews Trump's Birthright Citizenship Restrictions

[01:10] Shea Stevens:
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments concerning President Trump's reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment, specifically focusing on restrictions related to citizenship for some U.S.-born children of immigrants. The central issue is whether lower courts possess the authority to limit Trump's efforts in this domain.

[01:34] Amanda Frost, Law Professor and Author:
"The nationwide injunction question is vital not just to the birthright citizenship litigation, but to a large number of this president and previous president's executive branch policies. There's now 40 nationwide injunctions in place against President Trump's executive branch policies. And, of course, he's issued 150 executive orders."
(Timestamp: 01:34)

Frost emphasizes the broader implications of the case, noting that the Supreme Court's decision will have far-reaching effects on executive actions beyond just the citizenship issue.

[01:52] Shea Stevens:
Frost adds that the Court is aware of the potential for significant disruption should the case linger unresolved, affecting approximately 3.6 million children born in the U.S. each year. The decision will determine whether parents must substantiate their children's citizenship status, potentially leading to nationwide uncertainty.

3. UnitedHealth Group Faces Market Downturn Amid Investigation Reports

[02:00] Shea Stevens:
UnitedHealth Group, a leading player in the healthcare and insurance sector, has seen a drastic decline in its stock value following reports of a possible Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into its Medicare operations.

[02:23] Maria Assman, NPR:
"UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest and most powerful companies in the world. It controls how tens of millions of Americans access and pay for health care. But it's having a terrible year, which kept getting worse this week."
(Timestamp: 02:23)

Key developments include:

• The abrupt replacement of its CEO.
• Suspension of financial guidance for the current year.
• Reports suggesting a DOJ investigation, which the company has denied, stating, "We have not been notified by the DOJ of such an investigation and stand by the integrity of our business."

As a result, UnitedHealth's shares plummeted by 13% on Thursday alone and have fallen over 50% in the past month, significantly reducing its market capitalization by hundreds of billions of dollars.

4. Military Policies and Broadway's Groundbreaking Live Broadcast

Transgender Troops Ordered to Medical Checks

[03:11] Shea Stevens:
Military commanders have been instructed to identify service members who may be transgender or suffer from gender dysphoria. These individuals are to undergo medical evaluations aimed at determining their suitability for continued military service. This directive aligns with an executive order signed by President Trump that prohibits transgender individuals from serving in the military.

Broadway's First Live Telecast Featuring George Clooney

[03:11] Shea Stevens:
In entertainment news, a Broadway hit co-authored by George Clooney will be broadcast live on CNN next month, marking the first instance of a Broadway play being televised live. The live broadcast is scheduled for the night before the Tony Awards, offering a unique blend of theater and live television.

[03:52] Jeff London, NPR New York:
"George Clooney's vehicle about journalist Edward R. Murrow taking on Senator Joseph McCarthy has been a Broadway juggernaut. It's recouped its $9.5 million investment and has been breaking box office records for a play every week."
(Timestamp: 03:52)

The play has not only achieved commercial success but is also set to reach a broader audience through its upcoming live broadcast. Starting June 7, subscribers to basic cable will have access without incurring premium ticket prices. Following the broadcast, CNN will host a special segment examining the state of global journalism in relation to the play.

5. Wall Street Futures Steady After Mixed Asian Market Close

[04:39] Shea Stevens:
U.S. futures remain virtually unchanged in after-hours trading on Wall Street, following a Thursday session marked by mixed results from Asia Pacific markets. Most shares are trading lower as investors await further economic indicators and corporate earnings reports.

Conclusion:
Today's episode of NPR News Now covered significant developments in U.S. politics, including the Republican push for a major tax bill and a pivotal Supreme Court case on birthright citizenship. In the corporate world, UnitedHealth Group faces severe market repercussions amid investigation rumors. Additionally, military policies affecting transgender service members and groundbreaking moments in Broadway entertainment were highlighted. The financial markets remain cautiously steady, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainties.

For detailed updates and more, visit NPR News Now.