NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 28, 2025
Released on May 29, 2025
NPR News Now's latest episode, hosted by NPR, delivers a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news topics. This detailed summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
Federal Court Blocks President Trump’s Tariffs
Timestamps: 00:18 – 01:15
Host: Jack Spear
The episode opens with significant developments in U.S. trade policy. Jack Spear reports that a federal court has decisively blocked President Donald Trump's imposition of worldwide tariffs. NPR's Scott Horsley provides in-depth coverage of the ruling.
Scott Horsley explains, “In a unanimous ruling, the three-judge panel stated that the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive authority to regulate trade and impose tariffs” (00:34). The court criticized the 1977 emergency law Trump relied upon, asserting it does not permit the president to impose tariffs indiscriminately on imports from nearly every country. This decision threatens to nullify the tariffs announced on April 2, including those targeting China, Canada, and Mexico.
The tariffs were legally challenged by a coalition of a dozen states and five businesses. The judges who ruled against Trump were appointed by Presidents Reagan, Obama, and Trump himself, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the decision.
President Trump Issues Pardon List
Timestamps: 01:15 – 02:01
Host: Jack Spear
In a significant move, President Trump is executing a series of pardons. Among those pardoned are:
- Michael Grimm: A former Republican Representative who served seven months for tax fraud a decade ago.
- Kentrell Gaulden: A rapper sentenced two years prior for federal gun offenses.
- Larry Hoover: A Chicago gang member whose multiple life sentences for crimes, including murder, have been commuted.
- John Rowland: Former Connecticut Governor who resigned amid a federal corruption investigation and later pled guilty to tax fraud.
Spear also touches on a critical decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
HHS Cancels Moderna’s Vaccine Contract
Timestamps: 01:15 – 02:32
Host: Rob Stein
Rob Stein reports that the HHS has terminated its contract with Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine targeting flu strains like the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has been affecting U.S. dairy cows. Despite Moderna’s optimistic study results involving 300 healthy adults, the HHS cited safety concerns regarding mRNA vaccines as the reason for cancellation.
Rob Stein states, “The contract was canceled because of concerns about the safety of mRNA vaccines” (02:01). This decision halts the only federal effort to develop a protective vaccine against a potential avian flu pandemic.
Germany Enhances Support for Ukraine Amid Prolonged Conflict
Timestamps: 02:32 – 03:28
Host: Jack Spear
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues without substantial progress, Germany is stepping up its support. German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz has pledged to aid Ukraine in developing its own long-range missile systems, free from Western-imposed restrictions. This initiative aims to fill the gap left by limited Western assistance.
Meanwhile, President Trump has downplayed the likelihood of new sanctions against Russia. He expressed optimism about Russia’s commitment to ending the war, stating, “I expect to know in a week or two whether President Putin is committed to ending the war” (02:32).
Additionally, the episode covers a brief update on the stock market, noting significant losses:
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 244 points to 42,098.
- The NASDAQ declined by 98 points.
- The S&P 500 dropped by 32 points.
Smokey Robinson Files Countersuit Amid Assault Allegations
Timestamps: 03:28 – 04:12
Host: Neta Ulubi
Singer Smokey Robinson has initiated a countersuit against former employees who accused him of sexual assault earlier this month. Filed in California Superior Court, Robinson and his wife Frances allege that the four women are defaming them and attempting to extort $100 million before taking legal action. The couple seeks $500 million in damages.
Neta Ulubi reports, “The Robinsons argue that the accusers, who filed anonymously as Jane Doe, lacked the legal standing to conceal their identities” (03:28). A criminal investigation into the allegations remains ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to the high-profile case.
Astronomers Discover Mysterious Object Emitting X-rays and Radio Waves
Timestamps: 04:12 – 04:56
Host: Jack Spear
Astronomers are intrigued by the discovery of a new celestial object within the Milky Way that exhibits unusual emissions. Detected by NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory, this object is emitting X-rays and radio waves simultaneously, located approximately 15,000 light-years away.
The nature of the object remains unclear—whether it is a single star, a binary star system, or an entirely different phenomenon. The hyperactive phase of this object lasted about a month, and the findings have been detailed in the journal Nature.
Crude Oil Futures Prices Rise
Timestamps: 04:12 – 04:56
Host: Jack Spear
In the commodities market, crude oil futures saw an increase, with prices rising by 95 cents to reach $61.84 per barrel. This uptick reflects ongoing market dynamics and investor responses to global events.
Note: Advertisements for Mint Mobile were present at the beginning and end of the episode but have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the news content.
This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a succinct yet thorough briefing on crucial national and international issues, from legal battles and political actions to scientific discoveries and market movements. The inclusion of direct quotes and specific timestamps allows for easy reference and underscores the importance of each topic discussed.