NPR News: 05-21-2025 8PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 21, 2025, 8 PM EDT Summary

Hosted by NPR’s Jack Spear, this episode covers a range of pivotal news stories from international relations to domestic policy shifts, economic updates, social trends, and environmental concerns.

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Confronts President Trump’s Accusations

Timestamp: [00:17]

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Trump leveled accusations against South Africa, alleging without evidence that the nation is permitting a genocide of white farmers. Presenting a video as purported proof, Trump aimed to substantiate his claims.

Timestamp: [00:33] Ramaphosa firmly rebutted these allegations, stating, “the majority of crime victims in South Africa are black, not white.” To reinforce his position, he introduced white South African associates who could attest to the country’s diverse experiences with crime.

Timestamp: [00:47] – Scott Horsley “If there was Africana farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of Agriculture. He would not be with me.”

Ramaphosa also highlighted connections with prominent figures like golfer Ernie Els and billionaire Johan Rupert. Acknowledging South Africa’s ongoing crime challenges, Ramaphosa sought Trump’s assistance, proposing deals that include selling drones and other security technologies to bolster national security.

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Trump Administration Ends Investigations into Six Law Enforcement Agencies

Timestamp: [01:19]

The Trump administration has decided to terminate investigations into six law enforcement agencies, notably including the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD). Grayson Wheeler of KOSU details the implications of this decision.

Timestamp: [01:32] – Grayson Wheeler "The Justice Department announced its investigation into the Oklahoma City Police Department in 2022. Earlier this year, initial findings found the department violated federal laws in its treatment of people with behavioral health disabilities. Now the Trump administration is rescinding those findings and shuttering the investigation."

Teacheria Moore Dickerson, executive director of Oklahoma City’s Black Lives Matter chapter, expressed concern over the abrupt closure of the investigation. Nevertheless, a spokesperson for the OKCPD assured the public, “the city will continue working to improve its practices.”

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Target Reports Disappointing Earnings Amid Policy Backlash

Timestamp: [02:14]

Retail giant Target unveiled its first-quarter earnings, revealing sales that fell short of expectations. Additionally, the company has revised its annual forecast downward. Target attributes these financial setbacks to consumer boycotts sparked by the company’s decision to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

Timestamp: [02:36] – Scott Horsley “Investors are getting jumpy as House lawmakers move closer to passing a tax cut and spending bill that threatens to add trillions of dollars to the federal debt over the next decade. Policymakers indifference to rising debt levels have already cost the government its triple A bond rating.”

The market reacted negatively, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping more than 800 points and the Nasdaq falling by 270 points. Rising bond yields and cautious consumer spending further contributed to the stock market slump.

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Rising Interest in Non-Traditional Spiritual Practices Among Americans

Timestamp: [03:07]

A recent survey from PE Research Center reveals a significant trend: a growing number of Americans are turning to non-traditional spiritual practices.

Timestamp: [03:27] – Kathryn Post “According to a new survey from PE Research Center, 3 in 10 American adults consult a fortune teller, tarot cards or astrology at least once a year. Those practices are especially popular among younger adults and women. And the survey finds nearly half of LGBTQ Americans consult astrology at least once a year.”

Chip Rotolo of Pew Research comments, “These practices sometimes emphasize things like fluidity and openness,” appealing particularly to demographics seeking flexible and inclusive spiritual expressions.

However, Kathryn Post notes, “just 6% of U.S. adults say they rely on these practices when making major life choices. For many, it’s just for fun.”

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Controversy Over the Relocation of Aging Elephants from Los Angeles Zoo

Timestamp: [04:08]

Animal rights activists are voicing strong opposition to the recent transfer of two elderly elephants, Billy and Tina, from the Los Angeles Zoo to the Tulsa Zoo. At 40 and 59 years old respectively, both elephants have outgrown their enclosures, leading to debates over their welfare.

Despite numerous lawsuits advocating for their move to a sanctuary where they could have more spacious living conditions, zoo officials proceeded with the relocation quietly. Activists argue that the elephants deserve to spend their final years in environments that better cater to their physical needs and natural behaviors.

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Crude Oil Prices Dip Amid Global Uncertainties

Timestamp: [04:08]

In the energy markets, crude oil prices experienced a decline, trading at $61.57 per barrel, down by 47 cents. This drop is attributed to ongoing global uncertainties, including diplomatic talks with Iran regarding its disputed nuclear program.

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This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant global and domestic issues, economic indicators, social trends, and environmental concerns, delivering insightful analysis and diverse perspectives to keep listeners informed.

Transcript

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[Jack Spear]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was in the Oval Office today where President Trump accused South Africa without evidence of allowing a genocide of white fund.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

Trump played a video for Ramaphosa that he said proved his point. But Ramaphosa pushed back, saying that the majority of crime victims in South Africa are black, not white. And he brought up some white friends who would vouch for him.

[Scott Horsley]

I would say if there was Africana farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of Agriculture. He would not be with me.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

In addition, Ramaphoso also brought some friends of South African golfer Ernie Ells and billionaire Johan Rupert. Ramaphoso said his country does have a crime problem and he asked Trump to help solve it by making a deal selling South Africa drones and other security equipment. Mara Liasson, NPR News.

[Jack Spear]

The Trump administration announced it will end investigations into six law enforcement agencies, including the Oklahoma City Police Department. Grayson Wheeler with member station KOSU has more on what that means for the department and for residents.

[Grayson Wheeler]

The Justice Department announced its investigation into the Oklahoma City Police Department in 2022. Earlier this year, initial findings found the department violated federal laws in its treatment of people with behavioral health disabilities. Now the Trump administration is rescinding those findings and shuttering the investigation. Teacheria Moore Dickerson is the executive director of the city's Black Lives Matter chapter, which which participated in the investigation.

[Cyril Ramaphosa]

We're going to have to recenter and focus on removing this violent act against.

[Jack Spear]

Reducing state sanctioned harm.

[Grayson Wheeler]

An Oklahoma City Police Department spokesperson says the city will continue working to improve its practices. For NPR News, I'm Grayson Wheeler in Oklahoma City.

[Jack Spear]

Retailer Target today unveiled first quarter earnings numbers that showed lower than expected sales. The company also revising down its forecast for the entire year. Target cites some customers consumer boycotts over the company's rollbacks of policies on diversity, equity and inclusion. Stocks slumped today as bond yields rose. NPR Scott Horsley reports. The Dow fell more than 1%.

[Scott Horsley]

Investors are getting jumpy as House lawmakers move closer to passing a tax cut and spending bill that threatens to add trillions of dollars to the federal debt over the next decade. Policymakers indifference to rising debt levels have already cost the government its triple A bond rating. Bondholders are demanding higher returns and that means both the government and private borrowers will have to pay interest rates. Markets have also been rattled by lackluster retail results, suggesting US Consumers are growing cautious about spending money. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

[Jack Spear]

Looking at the numbers, the Dow fell more than 800 points today. The Nasdaq dropped 270 points. You're listening to NPR. A large number of Americans are consulting non traditional spiritual practices. That's according to a new survey. Kathryn Post of Religion News Services has more.

[Kathryn Post]

According to a new survey from PE Research Center, 3 in 10American adults consult a fortune teller, tarot cards or astrology at least once a year. Those practices are especially popular among younger adults and women. And the survey finds nearly half of LGBTQ Americans consult astrology at least once a year. Chip Rotolo of Pew says this isn't surprising.

[Scott Horsley]

These practices sometimes emphasize things like fluidity and openness.

[Kathryn Post]

Still, just 6% of U.S. adults say they rely on these practices when making main major life choices, according to Pugh. For many, it's just for fun. For NPR News, I'm Kathryn Post.

[Jack Spear]

It's a problem. An increasing number of zoos are grappling with what to do with aging elephants who get to be too large for their enclosures. Two elephants, Billy and Tina, were quietly moved from the Los Angeles Zoo to a zoo in Oklahoma, despite lawsuits seeking to have the animals transferred to a sanctuary where they'd have more room to roam. The announcement that 40 year old Billy and 59 year old Tina would be sent to the Tulsa Zoo angered animal rights activists who say the elephants should be able to live out their lives final days outside of a zoo. Crude oil futures prices moved lower amid continued global uncertainties, including talks with Iran about its disputed nuclear program. Oil fell 47 cents a barrel to settle at 61,57 a barrel. In New York, I'm Jack Speier, NPR News, in Washington.

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