NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on May 26, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Title: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 05-25-2025 10PM EDT
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
1. U.S.-European Union Trade Negotiations
Timestamp: [00:18] - [00:34]
In the opening segment, Jeanine Herbst reports significant developments in U.S.-EU trade relations. President Donald Trump announced a delay in implementing his previously stated 50% tariffs on European Union imports, pushing the date from June 1st to July 9th. This postponement follows discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aiming to provide both parties ample time to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal.
Donald Trump stated, “[00:34] We had a very nice call and I agreed to move it. I believe June 9th would be July 9th would be the date. That was the date she requested. Could we move it from June 1st to July 9th? And I agreed to do that and that she said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.”
This move comes amid growing frustrations from President Trump regarding the sluggish pace of trade negotiations with the EU.
2. Arrest Over Planned Attack on U.S. Embassy in Israel
Timestamp: [00:51] - [02:12]
Jeanine Herbst updates listeners on national security concerns as Jennifer Ludden reports on the arrest of a 28-year-old American citizen, Joseph Neumeyer, who faces charges for plotting a firebomb attack on the U.S. Embassy in Israel. Neumeyer, a dual U.S.-German citizen from Colorado, was deported by Israel and appeared in a Brooklyn courtroom, where he is being held without bond.
Jennifer Ludden highlights the broader context of rising anti-Semitic sentiment:
“In a joint statement, the group say tragedies like the one in D.C. are a direct result of rising levels of anti Jewish incitement in City council meetings, schools and social media. And they say it's not right that the institutions being targeted should bear the increasing cost of this threat.”
(Timestamp: [01:44])
President Trump responded to calls for increased security measures, emphasizing the necessity of enhanced protection:
Donald Trump:
“[02:03] It is the cost of the security guards and the off duty police, all of whom we need more of. We have to protect our perimeters. We have to have more events covered, more hours covered.”
The Jewish organizations are urging the federal government to allocate more funding to local police and the FBI while also pressing for stricter regulations against anti-Semitic hate speech on online platforms.
3. Reopening of Pacific Coast Highway Post-Fire
Timestamp: [02:24] - [03:00]
Jeanine Herbst brings attention to the reopening of a section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, which had been closed since the January Palisades fire. Liz Baker reports from the Malibu Country Mart, where local businesses are cautiously optimistic about the influx of holiday weekend shoppers.
Donald Trump, commenting from the reopened highway, expressed his sentiments:
Donald Trump:
“[02:44] It's just been kind of a ghost town.”
However, Liz Baker notes that not all local business owners share this optimism.
Liz Baker:
“[02:55] A lot of that traffic is going to be people just taking in the terrible devastation. And it's gonna be like a parking lot probably for a little bit. Rebuilding from the fires won't be done in a weekend, even a long one.”
Local merchants are hopeful but recognize that recovery and rebuilding efforts will be ongoing and not swiftly resolved.
4. Pope Leo's Declaration as Roman Bishop
Timestamp: [03:09] - [04:08]
In a notable religious development, Jeanine Herbst reports on Pope Leo's recent declaration of himself as a Roman, reinforcing his role as the Bishop of Rome. Claire Marie Schneider provides insights from the Vatican.
Pope Leo declared, “[03:28] I can say in a special that I am a Roman with and for you.”
Donald Trump offers his perspective on the significance of this statement:
Donald Trump:
“[03:42] Not a whole lot. I don't think he will be particularly involved in the day to day governing or administrative responsibility.”
Margaret Susan Thompson, a history professor at Syracuse University, explains that the declaration underscores the Pope's pastoral responsibilities to the people of Rome rather than implying an administrative overhaul.
Claire Marie Schneider:
“That’s Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor of history at Syracuse University. She says his declaration speaks more to his responsibility to the people of Rome...”
Donald Trump:
“[04:01] It's an important, important symbolic statement and pastoral statement, if not governing statement.”
The declaration highlights the ceremonial and symbolic aspects of the Pope’s role, delegating daily administrative duties to auxiliary positions such as vicars.
5. Weekend Box Office Highlights
Timestamp: [04:17] - [04:56]
Wrapping up the news cycle, Jeanine Herbst reports on the latest trends in the weekend box office. Disney’s rendition of Lilo and Stitch dominated the charts, grossing an estimated $145 million and securing the position as the second-biggest opening of the year, following a Minecraft movie.
Jeanine Herbst:
“In the second place, Paramount Pictures’ Mission Impossible the final reckoning with $63 million.”
Lilo and Stitch has captivated audiences by faithfully remaking the beloved 2002 original, which tells the story of a six-legged alien and a Hawaiian girl, fostering a substantial cult following over the years.
The strong performance of Mission Impossible indicates sustained interest in action-packed franchises with dedicated fan bases.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pivotal events ranging from international trade negotiations and national security concerns to cultural milestones and entertainment news. By highlighting key statements from influential figures and offering in-depth analysis, the episode ensures listeners are well-informed on pressing global and domestic issues.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the newsworthy material.