NPR News Now Summary
Episode: NPR News: 05-22-2025 12PM EDT
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh
1. House Passes President Trump’s Tax and Immigration Bill
Timestamp: [00:17]
House Republicans achieved a narrow legislative victory as President Trump celebrated the passage of his comprehensive tax cut and immigration bill. Despite internal divisions, House Speaker Mike Johnson secured the bill's approval by rallying GOP holdouts, ultimately passing the legislation by a single Republican vote.
Mike Johnson emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“This is a historic moment that we will be talking to our children and our grandchildren about and everyone will remember America's back.”
– [00:54]
The bill encompasses an extension of the tax package initially introduced during Trump's first term, introduces new immigration and energy policies, and increases deductions for state and local taxes. However, the legislation also implements new Medicaid work requirements, raising concerns about potential impacts on millions of Americans reliant on Medicaid and SNAP programs.
Mike Johnson provided further details:
“The bill will extend a tax package passed under President Trump's first term, install new immigration and energy policy, and raise deductions for state and local taxes. It also includes plans for new Medicaid work requirements, which could threaten coverage for millions of Americans. The bill now heads to the Senate where there's plenty of talk to change the plan.”
– [01:01]
Democrats have united in opposition, warning that the legislation could jeopardize support for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
2. Deadly Shooting at Capitol Jewish Museum
Timestamp: [01:29]
A tragic incident unfolded outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Leshinsky and Sarah Milgram. The attack occurred during an event last night, where Milgram and Leshinsky were reportedly engaged to be married.
Police identified the gunman as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith reported that Rodriguez was detained by event security after he began chanting, “free, free Palestine.”
Lakshmi Singh reported:
“Flag said Israeli missions are flying at half staff after a deadly shooting at a Washington, D.C. event last night. The attack outside the Capitol Jewish Museum claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Leshinsky and Sarah Milgram. The New York Times quotes Milgram's father in reporting the couple was soon to be engaged, but police identify the gunman as Elias Rodriguez, a 30 year old Chicago man. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith says the man was detained by event security and began chanting, quote, free, free Palestine.”
– [01:29]
3. Senate Votes to Overturn California’s Air Pollution Standards Waiver
Timestamp: [01:29]
The Senate has voted 51-44 to overturn a waiver that allowed California to set stricter air pollution standards for cars than the national regulations. This move signals a significant shift in environmental policy, potentially affecting California’s authority to enforce its own standards. Additionally, the Senate has not yet voted on related resolutions aimed at revoking waivers pertaining to heavy-duty trucks, indicating further legislative action is forthcoming.
4. Ethical Concerns Surround Trump’s Meme Coin Investment Dinner
Timestamp: [02:31]
President Trump is under scrutiny for hosting an exclusive dinner at his Washington, D.C. golf club. The event is attended by the top 220 investors in his meme coin, with connections to companies that own approximately 80% of these digital assets. Scott Newman of NPR reported that the gathering includes an elite group of investors who will also receive a private tour of the White House conducted by President Trump himself.
Norm Eisen, an ethics advisor to former President Barack Obama, expressed concerns regarding the event:
“Foreigners and foreign governments are going to take advantage of that situation to put money in expecting things in return.”
– [02:51]
The White House has responded by asserting that the president is focused on securing beneficial deals for all Americans, distancing himself from any self-serving motives.
Scott Newman added:
“The White House says the president is working to secure good deals for all Americans, not for himself.”
– [03:03]
5. Weak Start to the Spring Home Buying Season
Timestamp: [03:12]
The spring home buying season has commenced on a sluggish note, primarily due to elevated home prices and soaring mortgage rates. Scott Horsley of NPR reported that existing home sales declined once again in April following a disappointing performance in March. Despite the decrease in sales, home prices have continued to rise, with the average selling price reaching $414,000 in the last month.
There has been a 9% increase in the number of homes available on the market between March and April, providing more options for prospective buyers. However, housing affordability remains a significant challenge, as interest rates remain around 6.8%, deterring many from entering the market.
Scott Horsley summarized:
“The national association of Realtors says sales of existing homes were down again in April after an already disappointing March. Home prices continue to climb, however, with an average selling price last month of $414,000. There are more homes on the market for would be buyers to choose from. The number of homes for sale jumped 9% between March and April. Housing affordability is still a challenge, though, with interest rates hovering around 6.8%.”
– [03:27]
6. Rise in Non-Traditional Spiritual Practices Among Americans
Timestamp: [03:55]
A recent survey highlighted a growing trend of Americans turning to non-traditional spiritual practices. Kathryn Post of Religion News Service reported findings from a Pew Research Center survey indicating that 3 in 10 American adults consult fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or astrologers at least once a year. These practices are particularly popular among younger adults, women, and nearly half of LGBTQ Americans.
Kathryn Post commented on the findings:
“According to a new survey from Pew 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.”
– [04:05]
Chip Rotolo of Pew Research noted:
“These practices sometimes emphasize things like fluidity and openness.”
– [04:28]
Despite the popularity, only 6% of U.S. adults rely on these practices when making major life decisions, suggesting that for most, such consultations are undertaken for entertainment rather than as decisive factors in life choices.
Kathryn Post concluded:
“Still, just 6% of U.S. adults say they rely on these practices when making major life choices, according to Pew. For many, it's just for fun.”
– [04:33]
7. Stock Market Brief: Dow Jones Up 83 Points
Timestamp: [04:46]
The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 83 points, reflecting a modest uptick in the stock market amid the day’s various economic and political developments.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on May 22, 2025, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the day's most pressing news stories.