NPR News Now: Summary of May 24, 2025, 8 AM EDT Episode

Hosted by Giles Snyder, NPR News Now delivered the latest updates across various topics, including higher education policies, geopolitical developments, consumer safety, public health, and travel trends. Below is a detailed summary of the key points discussed in the episode.

Harvard's Ability to Enroll International Students Protected by Federal Judge

Timestamp: [00:14] – [01:15]

NPR's Giles Snyder reported from Washington that Harvard University can continue enrolling international students after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to revoke the institution's authorization. The Department of Homeland Security had argued that Harvard failed to provide disciplinary records related to campus protests, thereby justifying the halt in enrolling foreign students.

Kurt Carapezza of GBH in Boston further explained the broader implications, noting, “Governments are using narrow grounds to target selective universities.” Geraldo Blanco, Director of the Center for International Higher Education at Boston College, emphasized the uncertainty facing U.S. universities: “Universities in the United States are under this cloud of uncertainty that their ability to enroll international students could be revoked just by a signature.” Blanco warned that such actions could have "lasting effects on US higher education."

Trump Administration Restructures National Security Council Amid US-China Communications

Timestamp: [01:25] – [02:26]

Giles Snyder transitioned to national security, highlighting significant shifts within the Trump administration. Dozens of policy experts were reportedly dismissed from the National Security Council, though the exact number remains unclear.

Simultaneously, NPR's Charisse Pham reported on the first official call between U.S. and Chinese senior officials since a high-level meeting in Geneva established a temporary truce on trade tariffs earlier in the month. Both the U.S. State Department and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued statements underscoring ongoing communication efforts. However, tensions persist as the U.S. introduced new guidelines discouraging the use of advanced Chinese-made semiconductors. In retaliation, China warned that any enforcement of these U.S. rules could lead to legal consequences, indicating a continued brinkmanship between the two largest global economies.

Toyota Recalls Over 400,000 Tundra Pickups Due to Backup Light Defect

Timestamp: [02:26] – [03:12]

Automaker Toyota announced a recall affecting more than 400,000 Tundra pickup trucks from model years 2020-22. Camila Domonosky reported that the issue involves water damage and corrosion in the backup lights, leading to potential failures. This defect poses safety risks as it hinders other drivers' ability to see a truck reversing and impairs the driver's visibility.

The problem originates from a specific type of glue used in certain reverse lamp assemblies. Due to the inability to determine the exact number of affected vehicles, Toyota is proactively replacing the backup lights on all units involved in the recall. The repairs will be conducted free of charge, with recall notices scheduled to be sent out by mid-July.

Second Day of Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Timestamp: [03:12] – [03:46]

Giles Snyder reported on the continued efforts towards de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine. On the second day of a prisoner swap agreement reached in Istanbul, each side exchanged 307 individuals, totaling 614 prisoners. This exchange occurs despite the failure to secure a broader ceasefire.

Shortly after the swap, Kyiv experienced a significant Russian drone and missile offensive, resulting in at least 15 injuries. The attack underscores the fragility of the negotiated agreements and the persistent volatility in the region.

Surge in Tick Bites Signals Potential Public Health Concern

Timestamp: [03:46] – [04:32]

As warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, there are early indicators of a particularly severe tick season. Ping Huang reported that emergency rooms are seeing an uptick in tick bite cases, based on recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Allison Hinkley, an epidemiologist at the CDC, advised the public on preventive measures: “Taking showers within two hours of coming outside really has shown to be a good way to prevent tick-borne diseases.” This practice helps wash off ticks and allows individuals to inspect their bodies for any ticks that may have attached.

Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Heartland virus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are of particular concern, although transmission typically requires several hours of tick feeding.

Memorial Day Weekend Set to Break Domestic Travel Records

Timestamp: [04:32] – [04:54]

Giles Snyder concluded the episode with a travel forecast from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Memorial Day weekend is expected to witness record-breaking travel, with over 45 million people planning to journey at least 50 miles from their homes. This projected figure surpasses the existing domestic travel record set in 2005, highlighting a robust desire for early summer vacations.

This summary encapsulates the primary discussions and insights presented in NPR News Now's May 24, 2025, episode, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the latest developments across multiple sectors.