NPR News: May 28, 2025, 10 PM EDT

Host: Jack Speer
Publisher: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

International Relations: U.S.-Russia Tensions Over Ukraine

Timestamp: [00:18 - 00:50]

Overview:
President Donald Trump has expressed a strong stance regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He anticipates receiving definitive information from Russian President Vladimir Putin about Russia's commitment to ending the war.

Key Points:

• Trump's Position: President Trump believes a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war is achievable but seeks a clear commitment from Putin within the next two weeks.

  Quote:
  "We're going to find out whether or not he's tapping us along or not. And if he is, we'll respond a little bit differently."
  — Donald Trump [00:42]

• Criticism of Putin: Trump has been vocally critical of Putin, particularly condemning the recent heavy airstrikes conducted by Russia in Ukraine.

• Sanctions Threat: The U.S. President has threatened additional sanctions against Russia, although no specific actions have been taken thus far.

• Russian Response: Russia has proposed initiating a new round of ceasefire talks in Turkey next week, signaling a potential move towards diplomacy amidst the conflict.

• Ukrainian Perspective: Ukraine accuses Russia of stalling tactics, asserting that there is no genuine intention to agree to a truce.

Reporter: Greg Myre

Political Appointments: Elon Musk Exits Trump Administration

Timestamp: [01:13 - 01:40]

Overview:
Elon Musk, the world's richest individual and a former top adviser to President Trump, has announced his departure from the administration. His exit marks the end of his efforts to implement cost-cutting measures within the federal government.

Key Points:

• Musk's Announcement: Elon Musk stated on social media, "As my scheduled time as a special government employee comes to an end, I'd like to thank President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending."

• White House Confirmation: The White House has officially confirmed Musk's departure.

• Context: Musk's exit follows a day after he publicly criticized the administration's budget for insufficiently addressing the federal deficit.

Additional News:
Native American voters in North Dakota are pursuing a federal appeals court review of a decision that critics argue hampers the enforcement of protections against racial discrimination in elections across seven states. This case is poised to escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially impacting the federal Voting Rights Act.

Reporter: Jack Speer and Hansi Luong

Voting Rights Act Challenges: Native American Voters Seek Supreme Court Review

Timestamp: [01:13 - 02:52]

Overview:
A significant legal battle is unfolding as Native American voters in North Dakota, led by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, seek to overturn a ruling that they argue undermines the Voting Rights Act's protections against racial discrimination in elections.

Key Points:

• 8th Circuit Court Ruling: The court determined that Section 1983 of the Voting Rights Act does not permit private individuals or groups to sue because they are not explicitly named in the statute. This decision affects seven largely Midwestern states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

  Quote:
  "Private individuals and groups have brought most of the lawsuits focused on enforcing the Voting Rights Act Section 2..."
  — Hansi Luong [02:06]

• Impact: The ruling restricts the ability of individuals and organizations to challenge discriminatory voting practices, potentially weakening the enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.

• Current Efforts: Native American voters are petitioning all eight circuit judges for a review, aiming to advance the case to the Supreme Court. A favorable decision could reinforce federal protections ensuring that voters of color have equal opportunities in elections.

Reporter: Hansi Luong

Cryptocurrency Legislation: Vance Advocates for Pro-Crypto Policies

Timestamp: [02:52 - 03:30]

Overview:
Senator Vance is intensifying efforts to promote cryptocurrency-friendly legislation. Speaking at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, he urged industry leaders to lobby Congress for the passage of pro-crypto laws supported by the White House.

Key Points:

• Legislative Push: Vance emphasized the need for sustained pressure on Congress to establish a regulatory framework that supports the growth of the cryptocurrency sector.

  Quote:
  "Crypto execs and others to keep up the pressure on Congress to put pass pro crypto legislation backed by the White House."
  — Jack Speer [02:52]

• Historical Context: President Trump addressed the same conference the previous year, expressing his vision to position the United States as the "crypto capital of the planet."

• Market Reaction: Following these developments, Wall Street experienced a downturn with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 244 points.

Reporter: Jack Speer

Health Policy: RFK Jr. Targets Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals

Timestamp: [03:30 - 04:03]

Overview:
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is proposing significant changes to the landscape of medical publishing. He aims to restrict government scientists from publishing in established peer-reviewed journals, instead advocating for the creation of in-house publications managed by his agency.

Key Points:

• Proposed Changes: RFK Jr. suggests barring government scientists from contributing to leading medical journals such as The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, and JAMA.

  Quote:
  "Accusing the journals... without evidence of being under the control of pharmaceutical companies."
  — Jack Speer [03:50]

• Motivation: Kennedy alleges that these prestigious journals are influenced by pharmaceutical companies, despite lacking evidence to support these claims.

• Implications: This move could have far-reaching effects on the dissemination of medical research and the credibility of established journals.

Entertainment: Broadway Revival of "Chess" Announced

Timestamp: [04:03 - 04:47]

Overview:
The first Broadway revival of the musical Chess is slated to open in the fall. The production brings together notable talents from the Broadway community, promising a fresh take on the Cold War-themed story.

Key Points:

• Cast: The revival will feature Tony winner Aaron Tveit, Emmy nominee Lea Michele, and Broadway veteran Nicholas Christopher.

• Creative Team: Directed by Michael Mayer, who has previously collaborated with Lea Michele on productions like Spring Awakening and Funny Girl.

• Production Details: While no specific theaters or dates have been announced, the revival is highly anticipated given the original production's mixed reception and the enduring popularity of its score.

  Quote:
  "The Cold War story about American and Soviet chess grandmasters who fall in love with the same woman..."
  — Jeff London [04:03]

Reporter: Jeff London

Financial Markets: Crude Oil Prices Rise

Timestamp: [04:47 - 04:56]

Overview:
Crude oil futures experienced an increase today, reflecting market optimism or responding to global events influencing oil supply and demand.

Key Points:

• Price Movement: Oil prices climbed by 95 cents, reaching $61.84 per barrel.

  Quote:
  "Crude oil futures prices moved higher today. Oil up 95 cents a barrel to 61.84 a barrel."
  — Jack Speer [04:47]

Reporter: Jack Speer

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments covered in the NPR "News Now" episode released on May 29, 2025. From international diplomacy and political shifts to legislative battles and cultural updates, the episode provides listeners with a broad overview of pertinent national and global issues.