NPR News Now: May 23, 2025, 2PM EDT – Detailed Summary

1. Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Move Against Harvard University

Timestamp: 00:17 - 01:13

NPR's Lakshmi Singh opens the episode with a significant legal development involving Harvard University and the Trump administration. A federal judge has recently intervened to block the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students.

Janaki Mehta reports that on Thursday, the administration informed Harvard of its intent to terminate the university's certification to sponsor international students. However, less than 24 hours later, Harvard swiftly filed a lawsuit, deeming the administration's actions unlawful. The court granted a temporary restraining order, effectively halting the revocation process.

Notable Quote:
"This is part of a weak battle that began when Harvard refused to follow a slew of demands from the Trump administration to overhaul its campus policies, including diversity, equity and inclusion programs." — Janaki Mehta (00:35)

2. Rising Tensions Between the United States and the European Union Over Trade

Timestamp: 01:13 - 02:21

The episode shifts focus to international trade relations, highlighting escalating tensions between the United States and the European Union (EU). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen addresses the issue, suggesting that President Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on the EU should motivate the bloc to reconsider its trade strategies.

Joanna Kakissis elaborates on the internal challenges within the EU, pointing out a "collective action problem" as the 27-member bloc grapples with unified negotiation strategies. She notes, "Some of the feedback that I've been getting is that the underlying countries don't even know what the EU is negotiating on their behalf." (01:20)

President Trump has publicly threatened to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports starting June 1 unless new trade deals are agreed upon. Additionally, he targeted tech giant Apple with the threat of a 25% levy unless the company agrees to manufacture its smartphones in the United States.

3. Ukraine Initiates First Stage of Massive Prisoner Exchange

Timestamp: 01:38 - 03:02

NPR's Joanna Kakissis provides updates on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on the first phase of a substantial prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces that nearly 400 Ukrainian soldiers held captive by Russia have been released, with expectations of more to follow.

Notable Quote:
"Hope at the request of Ukrainian authorities, who cite security reasons." — Joanna Kakissis (02:22)

The exchange has been met with cautious optimism among Ukrainian families, who are anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones. Families like that of Katya Kovel express their emotional relief, despite the uncertainty surrounding the full scope of the exchange.

4. Paris Court to Verdict in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Robbery Case

Timestamp: 03:02 - 04:21

Eleanor Beardsley reports on a high-profile trial in Paris involving the attempted robbery of celebrity Kim Kardashian. Ten individuals have been charged with stealing approximately $10 million worth of jewelry from Kardashian's luxury hotel residence in 2016.

The defendants, dubbed the "Grandpa Robbers" by French media due to their ages—most being in their 60s and 70s—appeared inept during the heist. Their lack of sophistication led to easy apprehension, with evidence such as fingerprints and spilled jewels corroborating the police case.

Notable Quote:
"She [Kardashian] says while the incident changed her, she forgives the nine men and one woman. 'I believe in second chances,'" — Eleanor Beardsley (03:35)

Kardashian has publicly expressed forgiveness toward the accused, emphasizing her belief in second chances. The trial is expected to conclude with some defendants facing up to 10 years in prison, while others may receive lighter sentences due to their limited roles in the failed robbery.

5. FEMA's Response to Recent Tornadoes in Kentucky under Scrutiny

Timestamp: 04:21 - 04:56

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear commends the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its effective response to recent devastating tornadoes that resulted in at least 19 fatalities and left hundreds homeless. However, Governor Beshear warns that proposed cuts to FEMA, along with the Trump administration's initiative to shift disaster recovery responsibilities away from the federal level, could severely hamper the state's ability to respond to future natural disasters.

Notable Quote:
"Cuts to FEMA and the Trump administration's move to shift disaster recovery away from the federal government could cripple the state's ability to respond to damaging storms and other natural disasters." — Andy Beshear (04:21)

Market Update

Throughout the episode, Lakshmi Singh briefly mentions the stock market's performance, noting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down nearly 100 points at 41,759, and the Nasdaq has also fallen by 100 points. This downturn is contextualized amidst the various economic and political tensions discussed earlier in the episode.

Conclusion

NPR News Now's May 23, 2025, episode delivers a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, ranging from legal battles affecting higher education and international trade tensions to significant developments in the Ukraine conflict and high-profile criminal cases. Additionally, it underscores concerns about disaster response capabilities in the face of potential federal budget cuts. The episode effectively weaves together diverse topics, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of current events.