NPR News Now – May 28, 2025

Hosted by NPR

Harvard University Faces Federal Funding Cuts and Student Protests

Rally Against Funding Cuts

On Tuesday, students and faculty at Harvard University convened a rally to protest the Trump administration's decision to cut funding to the prestigious institution. The demonstration also aimed to support international students who fear deportation following their participation in recent protests.

Voices of Concern

Loxi Lam, a graduate student, expressed deep worry over the administration's actions, stating, "Our learning, or the freedom of learning, is under attack, essentially. And so it's worrying, really worrying." ([00:43])

Jacob Miller, former president of the Harvard Hillel organization, criticized the administration's rationale, asserting, "The administration's excuse for these policies, that they somehow address antisemitism, are so absurd. Let's be clear, this has nothing to do with combating anti-Semitism." ([00:57])

Administrative Actions

The Trump administration has frozen over $2 billion in contracts and grants to Harvard and revoked the university's ability to recruit foreign students, citing concerns over antisemitism on campus. These measures represent a significant financial and reputational blow to the Ivy League school.

Washington, D.C. Implements Major Budget Cuts Amid Economic Downturn

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Financial Strategy

In response to a projected loss of 40,000 jobs over the next three years and a strained economy, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to slash nearly $2 billion in city spending over the forthcoming four years. This includes reductions to critical programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, and paid family leave, as well as scaling back on new initiatives supported by lawmakers.

Economic Impact and Future Plans

Giles Snyder reports Mayor Bowser highlighted the significant impact of these cuts, stating, "Bowser says the impact of that change is $1.1 billion. I also firmly believe that the decisions that we make together can change that trajectory." ([01:53])

Despite the austerity measures, Bowser is advocating for substantial new projects to stimulate economic growth. A notable proposal is the construction of a new football stadium for the Washington Commanders, aiming to bolster the local economy and create jobs. The proposed budget is now under review by the D.C. Council, which has a two-month window to suggest modifications. ([02:05])

Alex Koma from WAMU provides further details on these initiatives and the broader financial strategy. ([01:37])

Waterbury, Connecticut Mall Shooting: Suspect Detained

Incident Overview

A tragic shooting occurred at the Brass Mill Center Mall in Waterbury, Connecticut, resulting in several injuries but no fatalities. Washington, D.C. police have detained a person of interest in connection with the incident.

Details from Authorities

Fernando Spagnolo, Waterbury Police Chief, indicated that the gunman likely knew the victims and that the attack was not random but stemmed from an escalated dispute. He noted, "Waterbury police say there is no ongoing threat to the public and that the five adults who were wounded have non-life-threatening injuries." ([02:58])

Giles Snyder adds that the suspect was armed with a semiautomatic pistol, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. The mall was promptly evacuated, and a substantial police presence was established to ensure public safety. ([02:35], [02:51])

Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Intervention on Migrant Deportations

Legal Maneuvers

The Trump administration is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to expedite the deportation of migrants to countries that are not their countries of origin. This move aims to overturn a lower court order that has been blocking such deportations, arguing that migrants have not been given sufficient notice or time to present their cases in court.

Impact on Migrant Rights

This legal battle highlights the administration's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, potentially affecting thousands of migrants awaiting deportation proceedings. The outcome could set significant precedents for future immigration policies and the rights of deportees.

NPR and Colorado Public Radio Sue Trump Over Funding Ban

Legal Action Against Executive Order

NPR, alongside three Colorado public radio stations—Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KSUt—has filed a lawsuit against President Trump. They contest his executive order issued on May 1, which directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease funding NPR and PBS and instructs local stations to stop using federal funds for NPR’s programming.

Allegations and Reactions

David Folkenflick reports that the public broadcasters argue this order constitutes "clear cut unlawful retaliation against protected speech." The White House has criticized the networks for alleged liberal bias, but CPB has so far ignored the directive, maintaining its role as a private corporation that distributes approximately half a billion dollars in federal funds annually to public broadcasters.

PBS is currently evaluating its options in response to the order, while the White House defends the president's actions as within his lawful authority. Folkenflick elaborates, "The three radio stations joining NPR in the lawsuit reflect the disparate audiences served... They are Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KSUt, which serves Native American tribes in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest." ([03:56])

CDC Revises COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations

New Guidelines Issued

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines, no longer recommending routine COVID-19 vaccinations for children and healthy pregnant women. This shift comes as the administration accumulates data to assess the continued benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for these populations.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Vinay Prasad, who oversees the FDA's vaccine program, indicated that while routine vaccination is not currently recommended for these groups, COVID-19 vaccines will remain available for those who choose to receive them. This approach allows for flexibility as new data becomes available, ensuring that vaccination strategies can be adapted to evolving public health needs. ([04:38])

Market Brief

U.S. Futures Trading

U.S. futures remain flat in after-hours trading, reflecting a period of market uncertainty amid the ongoing political and economic developments. ([03:12])

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news covered in the NPR News Now podcast episode released on May 28, 2025. For more detailed updates, listeners are encouraged to tune in to NPR.