NPR News Now: May 28, 2025 – Detailed Summary

1. Enhanced Screening for Foreign Student Visas

Timestamp: 00:18 – 01:04

In a significant move to bolster national security, the U.S. State Department is implementing more rigorous screenings of social media posts for foreign students applying for visas. Shea Stevens introduces this development, highlighting that NPR’s Michelle Kellerman reports the State Department advises consulates to halt the addition of new student visa appointments until clear guidelines for the new social media scrutiny are established.

Michelle Kellerman elaborates, stating, “Consulates should not add any additional student visa appointments until they get further guidance on how the new social media screening will work” [00:34]. This directive stems from a diplomatic cable advocating for “extra vigilance in the student visa process.”

When questioned, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on the leaked cable. Senator Marco Rubio reinforced the administration’s stance, emphasizing, “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that's coming here, whether they are students or otherwise” [00:55].

Further intensifying the situation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed that thousands of student visas have been canceled, including those of students who participated in protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza [01:04]. This stringent approach underscores the administration’s focus on national security and careful vetting of international students.

2. Federal Judge Blocks Termination of NYC Congestion Pricing

Timestamp: 01:17 – 03:06

NPR’s Brian Mann reports on a pivotal legal victory for New York City as a federal judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the city’s congestion pricing program. Shea Stevens introduces the story, noting that the congestion pricing initiative aims to reduce traffic gridlock, promote mass transit, and improve air quality in Manhattan’s most congested areas [01:17].

Brian Mann explains, “State officials in New York say the congestion pricing program launched earlier this year incentivizes mass transit, reduces gridlock and improves air quality” [01:29]. The Trump administration had been opposing the program since February, threatening to withhold federal transportation funds and labeling the initiative as a “cash grab” [01:29].

The temporary restraining order issued by the federal court halts the administration’s efforts, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul calling it “a massive victory for New York commuters” [01:29]. State officials are now seeking to extend this order as the legal battle over congestion pricing continues in federal court, aiming to secure the program’s future amid ongoing political opposition.

3. European Commission Investigates Pornographic Websites for Child Protection Violations

Timestamp: 02:06 – 04:35

The European Commission has launched investigations into several pornographic websites suspected of violating EU regulations designed to protect children online. Terry Schultz reports for NPR that platforms like Pornhub and Stripchat are under scrutiny for failing to implement adequate age verification measures as mandated by the EU’s Digital Services Act [02:21].

Commission spokesperson Thomas Renier stated, “We suspect that these pornographic platforms are not properly assessing and mitigating risks stemming from the services and not effectively preventing kids from accessing adult content” [02:38]. The investigation focuses on whether these sites merely require users to click a box confirming they are over 18, which the Commission deems insufficient [02:21].

Potential fines for these violations could reach up to 6% of the companies’ annual global turnover. Concurrently, nineteen U.S. states have enacted similar laws requiring age verification for online platforms. This legislative trend has led some websites to block access entirely rather than comply with the new regulations. The issue is set to reach the Supreme Court next week, where a challenge will be heard regarding whether these age verification laws infringe upon free speech rights [02:50].

4. Legislative Actions in Texas and Security Concerns in Pakistan

Timestamp: 03:06 – 04:35

a. Texas Mandates Age Verification for App Stores and Social Media Restrictions

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation requiring major app platforms, including Apple and Google’s parent companies, to verify the ages of users accessing their app stores. This law necessitates parental consent for minors to download or purchase applications [03:06]. Additionally, another bill restricting social media app usage to individuals over 18 has passed the Texas House and is now awaiting consideration in the state Senate [03:06]. These measures aim to enhance online safety for minors and reduce exposure to potentially harmful content.

b. Violence Against Polio Vaccination Teams in Pakistan

NPR’s Omkar Khandekar reports alarming developments in Pakistan, where unidentified gunmen have attacked polio vaccination teams. In separate incidents, a police escort was killed while protecting a vaccination team in Balochistan, and two vaccination workers were kidnapped in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province [03:56]. Although the kidnapped individuals were released after intervention by a local tribal council, two others remain missing since their abduction earlier this year [03:56].

Analysts suggest that these violent acts may represent a growing resistance to vaccination efforts in the region. Health workers express concerns that misinformation, particularly beliefs that vaccines contain ingredients prohibited in Islam, are fueling hesitancy among local populations to vaccinate their children [03:56]. This resistance poses significant challenges to public health initiatives aimed at eradicating polio in Pakistan.

5. SpaceX’s Starship Rocket Explodes During Test Flight

Timestamp: 04:35 – 04:56

In space exploration news, SpaceX experienced a setback as its massive Base X rocket, Starship, exploded during a test flight on Tuesday. Shea Stevens reports that while the initial launch from Texas proceeded without issues, the rocket soon lost fuel and went out of control, ultimately breaking apart upon reentry over the Indian Ocean [04:35].

Despite the explosion, SpaceX noted that Starship had achieved greater distance during this test flight compared to its two previous attempts. The company is analyzing the incident to understand the failure points and enhance the safety and reliability of future missions [04:35].

This comprehensive summary captures all key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on May 28, 2025, providing detailed insights and notable quotes to inform those who haven't listened to the original broadcast.