NPR News Now: May 28, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh
The latest news in five minutes.
1. Trump Administration Suspends Visa Interviews for International Students
Lakshmi Singh reported that the Trump administration has suspended visa interviews for international students aiming to study in the United States. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the State Department plans to expand its review of applicants' social media activity (00:17). These measures are part of a series of widely controversial actions targeting student protests against the Gaza war and illegal immigration. As a result, many international students currently holding visas are reconsidering whether it's safe to travel out of the U.S. or even within the country (00:17).
2. President Trump Pardons Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
In a significant move, President Trump has announced full pardons for reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who have been serving prison sentences for tax evasion and bank fraud (01:00). Rachel Treisman detailed that the Chrisleys gained fame through the show "Chrisley Knows Best," which showcased the family's lavish Southern lifestyle. The couple was convicted of defrauding the community to secure over $36 million in personal loans, which they spent on luxury goods and to avoid taxes for several years. Since their conviction in 2023, the Chrisleys have been in prison. Their daughter, Savannah, who spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, claims they were unfairly targeted due to their conservative beliefs (01:07). Trump personally called Savannah to notify her of their pardon (01:50).
3. Ukraine Seeks Increased Support in Berlin Talks to End Russian War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently in Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to explore ways to end the Russian war (01:50). Esme Nicholson reports that Ukraine is seeking increased support as Russia's bombing campaign intensifies. Following a one-on-one meeting, Merz announced that Germany and Ukraine have agreed to start the joint production of long-range missiles (02:05). He emphasized that this industrial cooperation will take place both in Ukraine and Germany. Although Merz hinted at the possibility of delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine, he stressed that such decisions won't be discussed publicly. Nevertheless, he assured the continuation and expansion of Germany's military support for Ukraine (02:05).
4. Violence Erupts at Humanitarian Aid Distribution in Gaza
A troubling incident unfolded in Gaza as a crowd was fired upon while rushing to a humanitarian aid distribution point operated by a U.S.-backed group (02:42). The Associated Press, citing Gaza's health ministry, reported that at least one Palestinian was killed and 48 others wounded (02:42). This event highlights the fragility of efforts to provide aid amidst a severe hunger crisis exacerbated by Israel's ongoing military operations targeting Hamas in Gaza (02:42).
5. Retail Sector Earnings: Macy's Outperforms Expectations
Investors received some encouraging news from major retailers today. Scott Horsley reports that Macy's, the department store giant, delivered better-than-expected results for the most recent quarter (03:26). While sales and profits were down compared to the previous year, the decline was less severe than forecasted. Macy's attributed this to cautious shopper behavior but reaffirmed its sales forecast for the year. However, the company is projecting lower profits, partly due to the president's trade war (03:26). Additionally, investors are anticipating Nvidia's latest earnings report later today. As a barometer of demand for artificial intelligence, Nvidia's performance is closely watched as a darling of the tech sector (03:26).
6. Potential Cuts to After School Programs in Low-Income Areas
After school programs, which provide free child care and help students achieve both academic and non-academic goals, are facing potential cuts under the Trump administration (03:57). NPR's Janaki Mehta reports that advocates are concerned these programs could be defunded following President Trump's initial budget proposal released earlier this month (04:11). In a rural school district in central Maine, students participate in activities like cooking clubs, where they learn about multicultural cuisine and apply math and science through measuring and mixing ingredients (04:11). These after school programs, funded by federal grants, are crucial in low-income areas, helping children stay engaged and supported during the school day. The potential cuts threaten to dismantle these beneficial initiatives (04:29).
For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News.
Timestamps
- 00:17 – Suspension of Visa Interviews
- 01:00 – Pardoning of Todd and Julie Chrisley
- 01:07 – Savannah Chrisley's Statement
- 01:50 – Notification of Pardon
- 02:05 – Berlin Talks on Missile Production
- 02:42 – Violence at Gaza Aid Distribution
- 03:26 – Macy's Earnings and Nvidia Report
- 03:57 – Threat to After School Programs
- 04:11 – Details on After School Programs
- 04:29 – Funding Concerns for Programs
(Timestamps correspond to moments within the podcast episode.)