NPR News: May 27, 2025 | Summary

Host: NPR

On the May 27, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, a range of critical topics were discussed, spanning immigration policies, public health updates, local tragedies, financial market shifts, scientific discoveries, and unique cultural events. This summary captures the essential points, notable quotes, and insightful discussions from the episode.

Immigration Policy and Supreme Court Appeal

Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Amanda Bastille and Ximena Bustillo

The episode opened with a significant development in U.S. immigration policy. The Trump administration has appealed another immigration-related decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to uphold the deportation of migrants to South Sudan.

• Amanda Bastille reported that the administration aims for the Supreme Court to allow deportations to South Sudan, a country noted for its political instability.

• Ximena Bustillo elaborated on the legal challenges, stating, "The administration arranged for South Sudan, a politically unstable country in Africa, to take them in. But a Massachusetts federal judge ruled anyone deported to anywhere that's not their country of origin needs more time to contest their deportation." (00:37)

The ruling mandates that migrants must receive an interview to express if they might face violence or persecution in the designated country. The Trump administration contends that this pause on third-party deportations undermines foreign policy and national security, arguing that it encroaches upon the executive branch's immigration authority.

Public Health Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Rob Stein

In health news, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a pivotal change in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. Healthy pregnant women and children are no longer advised to receive routine COVID-19 vaccinations.

• Rob Stein detailed the announcement, noting that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., alongside NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, declared the removal of COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for these groups. (01:51)

• Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated, "I couldn't be more pleased to announce that as of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule." (01:51)

This decision was made without the typical consultation with independent advisors, raising questions about the process behind the policy change. The implications of this shift are expected to influence public health strategies moving forward.

Tragic Loss in Kansas City: The Death of Sarah Milgram

Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Celisa Kalakol

A heartbreaking story emerged from Kansas City as family and friends mourned the death of Sarah Milgram, who was shot and killed outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., last week.

• Celisa Kalakol provided background on Sarah Milgram, highlighting her deep commitment to her Jewish faith and her role in fostering community ties. (02:23)

• Reflecting on Milgram's legacy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. remarked, "At her core Sarah dedicated her life personally and professionally to strengthening her community, to building bridges and to bring people closer together." (02:47)

Sarah and her partner, Jaron Lisciski, whom she met through their work at the Israeli Embassy and who were planning to become engaged, were both tragically killed. The accused assailant faces first-degree murder charges, adding to the community's grief and raising concerns about safety and hate crimes.

Financial Markets and Automotive Industry Update

Host: Jack Speier

The financial markets saw a significant uplift as the delay of threatened European Union tariffs led to a surge in stock values, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 740 points. However, not all sectors shared in this optimism.

• Jack Speier reported that electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla experienced a substantial decline in sales across Europe, with a 49% drop in April compared to the previous year. This downturn is attributed to mounting backlash against CEO Elon Musk's controversial far-right views and his involvement in cost-cutting measures during the Trump administration. The slump in Tesla's European sales underscores the broader challenges the company faces in maintaining its market position amid political and social pressures.

Scientific Discovery: Evolution of California Hummingbirds

Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Kat Lonsdorf
Expert: Alejandro Rico Guevara

In a fascinating look at evolutionary biology, a new study revealed that a species of hummingbirds in California has adapted to readily available backyard feeders.

• Kat Lonsdorf explained that Anna's hummingbirds have developed longer and more tapered beaks over several generations. This morphological change allows them to efficiently extract the homemade sugared water from hummingbird feeders, which have become widespread. (03:51)

• Alejandro Rico Guevara, a biology professor at the University of Washington and senior author of the study, commented, "You know, it's a demonstration of how evolution happens, like literally in front of our eyes, and we just need to pay attention to it." (04:19)

Additionally, the study noted that the hummingbirds' range has expanded from a concentrated area in Southern California up the coast into Canada, correlating with the increasing popularity of feeders. This real-time observation of evolutionary processes provides valuable insights into how species adapt to human-altered environments.

Cultural Event: Manhattanhenge

Host: Jack Speier

Concluding the episode, a spotlight was placed on the unique cultural phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge. This event occurs twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid, creating a stunning visual spectacle as the sun sinks below the horizon amidst the city's skyscrapers.

• Jack Speier informed listeners that the next Manhattanhenge will take place the following day, with a slight variation occurring again on July 11th and 12th. The term was coined by astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson in a 1997 article, highlighting the blend of urban planning and astronomical alignment that defines this event.

Manhattanhenge serves as a testament to the intersection of natural phenomena and human-designed environments, offering residents and visitors alike a moment of awe amidst the bustling cityscape.

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with comprehensive updates on pressing national and local issues, scientific advancements, and cultural events, ensuring a well-rounded overview of the day's news.