NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 28, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: May 28, 2025
1. President Trump Targets Harvard's Federal Funding
Timestamp: 00:17
President Donald Trump has announced a controversial plan to redirect $3 billion in federal grants away from Harvard University. He aims to reallocate these funds to bolster vocational and technical training programs, emphasizing the necessity for such investments in the United States.
Windsor Johnston of NPR explains, "The Trump administration's ongoing disputes with Harvard include allegations of anti-Semitism, racism in its admissions process, and non-compliance with federal requests for information on international students." The administration is not only freezing parts of Harvard's federal funding but is also urging federal agencies to cancel existing contracts with the prestigious institution.
In response, Harvard has filed lawsuits claiming that these funding cuts are unconstitutional, challenging the administration's authority and motives behind the decision.
Notable Quote:
"He [President Trump] described the move as a great investment for the US and badly needed."
— Windsor Johnston, 00:30
2. Homeland Security’s Kristi Noem Backs Polish Presidential Candidate
Timestamp: 01:14
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly endorsed a conservative presidential candidate in Poland. Speaking at a conference in Warsaw, Noem emphasized the importance of strong leadership aligned with President Trump's values.
Notable Quote:
"If you elected a leader that will work with President Donald J. Trump, the Polish people will have an ally strong that will ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values."
— Kristi Noem, 01:27
This endorsement comes ahead of Poland's presidential runoff scheduled for Sunday, highlighting the geopolitical ties and influence the U.S. seeks to maintain in Eastern Europe.
3. Tragic Loss in Kansas City: Sarah Milgram and Jaron Lisciski
Timestamp: 01:43
Kansas City mourns the loss of Sarah Milgram and her partner, Jaron Lisciski, who were fatally shot outside the Capitol Jewish Museum. The couple had recently attended an event for the American Jewish Committee and were reportedly preparing for their engagement.
Celisa Kalakol reports, "Sarah dedicated her life personally and professionally to strengthening her community, to building bridges, and to bringing people closer together." Jay Lewis, president of Kansas City's Jewish Federation, remembered Sarah as a dedicated and bright individual deeply committed to her faith.
The accused perpetrator faces charges of first-degree murder, adding a somber note to the community’s collective grief.
Notable Quote:
"Sarah dedicated her life personally and professionally to strengthening her community, to building bridges, and to bringing people closer together."
— Jay Lewis, 02:22
4. Trump Administration Sues North Carolina Over Voter ID Requirements
Timestamp: 02:42
The Trump administration has initiated a lawsuit against North Carolina's election board, alleging that the state failed to mandate government-issued IDs for voter registration. This legal action targets the lack of identifying numbers from driver's licenses or other official IDs during the voter registration process.
A state appeals court previously criticized the election board's management of voter registration records but refrained from mandating changes due to the proximity of the November 2024 election.
Additionally, the administration highlighted recent presidential pardons granted to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud, as well as Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of fraud and bribery.
5. Presidential Pardons for the Chrisleys and Scott Jenkins
Timestamp: 03:14
In a move that has garnered significant attention, President Trump has pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, the Tennessee couple known for their reality TV show. The Chrisleys were sentenced to federal prison in 2022 for tax evasion and bank fraud related to their business activities in Georgia.
Furthermore, Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of accepting over $75,000 in bribes to deputize individuals trained by him, received a presidential pardon. Jenkins was sentenced in March, and his release has sparked discussions about presidential pardons and accountability.
6. WNBA Investigates Alleged Racist Fan Behavior at Indiana Fever Game
Timestamp: 03:14
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has concluded its investigation into claims of racist behavior by fans during the Indiana Fever's season opener against the Chicago Sky. The league reported that, after a thorough review—including interviews with fans, team and arena staff, and analysis of audio and video recordings—they could not substantiate the allegations.
The investigation was prompted by reports that comments were directed at Chicago Sky star Angel Reese following a confrontation with Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark. While Reese has not confirmed the specific comments, Clark stated, "There is no place for racism in the WNBA, and I trust the league will do the right thing."
Notable Quote:
"She [Caitlin Clark] has said there is no place for racism in the WNBA and that she trusted the league would do the right thing."
— Caitlin Clark, as reported by Jael Snyder, 03:14
7. Market Update
Timestamp: 04:46
U.S. futures remain flat in after-hours trading, indicating indecision ahead of upcoming economic developments. In the Asia-Pacific region, market shares show mixed results, with a slight downturn observed in Hong Kong.
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, ranging from high-stakes political maneuvers and legal battles to local tragedies and sports controversies. Through concise reporting and impactful quotes, listeners remain informed about the pressing issues shaping the current landscape.