NPR News: May 27, 2025, 12 PM EDT – Detailed Summary

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Podcast: NPR News Now
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Federal Funding Cuts Target Harvard University

At the outset of today’s episode, Lakshmi Singh reported that the Trump administration is moving to terminate approximately $100 million in remaining federal contracts with Harvard University. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the administration and the prestigious Ivy League institution.

Harvard University President Alan Garber voiced strong objections to the funding cuts, emphasizing the broader implications for national research priorities:

• Alan Garber (00:45): "Why cut off research funding? Sure, it hurts Harvard, but it hurts the country because after all, the research funding is not a gift. The research funding is given to universities and other research institutions to carry out work that the federal government designates as high priority work. It is work that they want done."

Garber highlighted that the withdrawal of research funds not only impacts Harvard but also undermines significant federal research initiatives deemed essential by the government.

Legal Action Against Funding Restrictions for NPR and PBS

In a related development, NPR alongside three Colorado Public Radio stations filed a lawsuit earlier today against the Trump White House. The suit challenges an executive order that ostensibly prohibits the use of congressionally appropriated funds for NPR and PBS, potentially threatening the financial stability of these vital public broadcasting entities.

Changes in COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Shifting focus to public health, significant updates were announced regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., then HHS Secretary, declared a revision in the vaccination guidelines:

• Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (01:58): "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."

Kennedy was joined by Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health, and Martin Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, during the announcement. He further commented on the decision-making process:

• Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (02:11): "The decision was made without the usual input from independent advisors."

Rob Stein provided additional context, noting the implications of this policy shift, although details on the rationale behind the decision were sparse in the transcript.

Tragic Incident at Liverpool Premier League Championship Parade

A distressing event unfolded in England today as a minivan rammed into crowds celebrating Liverpool Football Club's Premier League Championship victory. Fatima Al Kassab reported that four individuals remain hospitalized, including several children. The incident, while horrific, is not being treated as an act of terrorism at this time.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation, offering solidarity and expressing profound concern:

• Keir Starmer (02:33): "The whole country stands with the city of Liverpool after a car rammed into crowds at Liverpool Football Club's victory parade."

Alan Garber echoed the national sentiment, reflecting on the sudden shift from celebration to tragedy:

• Alan Garber (02:43): "Well, scenes of joy turn to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected."

Authorities have apprehended a 53-year-old white British man suspected to be the driver, and investigations are ongoing.

Support for Evacuees Following San Diego Jet Crash

In San Diego, a deadly jet plane crash has displaced dozens of military families. Lakshmi Singh reported on the community’s response, highlighting the efforts of a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding those affected.

Tony Taravanen, CEO of the Support the Enlisted Project, explained the organization’s role:

• Alan Garber (03:39): "What we're able to do with those families is have our social workers work with each of those families and kind of help them start to put together a game plan to move forward."

The nonprofit is actively connecting social workers with evacuees to help them navigate the aftermath of the tragedy, which included extensive property damage from a large fire.

Rising Homeowners Insurance Costs Due to Hail Storms

Homeowners in states experiencing frequent severe weather are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums, primarily driven by the increasing frequency and intensity of hail storms. Michael Copley provided an in-depth analysis of this trend:

• Michael Copley (04:09): "When tornadoes tear through communities, the destruction is staggering, but the damage is pretty confined. Hail storms hit much larger areas, breaking windows, tearing off siding, and damaging roofs. Industry analysts say hail accounts for up to 80% of insurance claims from severe thunderstorms each year."

Copley noted that while hail damage is extensive and widespread, there are preventive measures homeowners can take, such as investing in fortified roofs. However, increasing tornado occurrences present challenges that go beyond what strengthened structures can mitigate.

U.S. Stock Market Update

Concluding the episode, an update on the U.S. stock market was provided:

• Lakshmi Singh (04:48): "Higher with the Dow up 1.5%. Same with the S and P and the Nasdaq has climbed more than 2%. This is NPR."

The markets showed positive movement across major indices, indicating a day of gains amid the various national and international news developments.

This episode of NPR News Now offers a comprehensive overview of pressing issues ranging from federal funding disputes and public health policy changes to tragic events and economic updates. Each segment provides listeners with timely information and authoritative insights, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of current affairs.