NPR News Now: May 22, 2025, 5 PM EDT
Hosted by: Jack Spear
Release Date: May 22, 2025
1. Supreme Court Blocks Establishment of Oklahoma’s First Religious Charter School
The Supreme Court has effectively prevented the creation of the United States' first religious charter school, maintaining the Oklahoma court's stance that such an institution would breach the separation of church and state.
Key Details:
- Court Ruling: The Supreme Court's deadlock leaves the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision intact, keeping the Saint Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School closed.
- Legal Implications: The absence of a Supreme Court precedent allows for future cases to be brought before the highest court.
- Political Response:
“The Supreme Court's deadlock means that Oklahoma's Saint Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School is still not allowed to open for now.”
— Zach Boblitt, NPR News (00:43)
2. Supreme Court Grants Trump Administration’s Emergency Request on Regulatory Agencies
In a significant move, the Supreme Court approved the Trump administration's urgent request allowing President Trump to dismiss the heads of two independent agencies: the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
Key Developments:
- Legislation Passage: President Trump's expansive spending and tax cut package, dubbed the "big beautiful bill," narrowly passed the House by a single vote, solely with Republican support.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Critique:
“House Democrats voted against all of that. So everything that I just said, they voted the opposite. Clearly proves they actually they must want the largest tax increase in U.S. history on the American citizens… they must want Medicaid for illegal immigrants.”
— Mike Johnson (01:53) - Bill Provisions:
- Funding for border security
- Enhancements to the state and local tax deduction
- Acceleration of work requirements for Medicaid
- Next Steps: The bill advances to the Senate for further consideration.
- Controversy Surrounding Trump’s Dinner: President Trump is set to host an exclusive dinner for top investors in his meme coin at his Washington, D.C. golf club. Critics, including ethics advisor Norm Eisen, express concerns about potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence.
“Foreigners and foreign governments are going to take advantage of that situation to put money in expecting things in return.”
— Norm Eisen, former ethics advisor to President Barack Obama (02:54)
3. Strategic Shift: UK’s Sovereignty Transfer Over the Chagos Islands
The British government has finalized a deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a significant moment as it relinquishes control over what is considered Britain's last colony.
Key Points:
- Geographical and Strategic Importance:
- The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, are home to Diego Garcia, a critical joint US-UK military base.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the base’s role in anti-terrorism efforts and its strategic value for military operations (04:17).
- Deal Specifics:
- All islands except Diego Garcia are handed over to Mauritius.
- Diego Garcia will remain under British and American control for 99 years.
- Historical Context: The islands were separated from Mauritius in 1965 during British colonial rule and later purchased by Britain for $4 million.
“Much of what the military base was used for is secret, but the strategic location of this base is of the utmost significance to Britain.”
— Scott Newman, NPR News (04:13)
4. U.S. Legislative Updates: California’s Emission Standards Rollback
The U.S. Senate has moved to overturn California's pioneering regulation that bans the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. This resolution seeks to dismantle several emission control measures imposed on medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
Highlights:
- Legislative Progress:
- The Senate passed a resolution to repeal California's vehicle emissions standards.
- The initiative includes nullifying rules that limit tailpipe emissions and reduce nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.
- House Approval: All three proposed changes had previously secured approval in the House.
5. Market Movements and Economic Indicators
- Stock Market Performance:
- The Dow Jones industrial average slightly declined by one point.
- The Nasdaq Composite experienced a modest increase, rising by 53 points.
- Crude Oil Prices:
- Oil prices decreased by 37 cents, settling at $61.20 per barrel.
6. Additional Segment: Interview Snapshot
Ann Marie Baldonado shared insights from her conversation with actor Cole Escola about the Broadway play "O Mary," where Escola portrays Mary Todd Lincoln, an unconventional character balancing alcoholism and aspirations of cabaret performance. The full interview is available on the FRESH AIR podcast.
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Timestamps Reference
- 00:43 - Supreme Court blocks Oklahoma's religious charter school
- 01:16 - Justice Barrett's recusal
- 01:53 - Mike Johnson's remarks on the House bill
- 02:54 - Norm Eisen's critique on Trump's dinner
- 04:13 - Scott Newman on Diego Garcia's significance
- 04:17 - Keir Starmer on the military base
Timestamp Anchors
<a id="timestamp-0043"></a> 00:43
<a id="timestamp-0116"></a> 01:16
<a id="timestamp-0153"></a> 01:53
<a id="timestamp-0254"></a> 02:54
<a id="timestamp-0413"></a> 04:13
<a id="timestamp-0417"></a> 04:17