NPR News: May 29, 2025 - Detailed Summary

Host: Korva Coleman

1. Federal Court Rules Against President Trump's Tariffs

Timestamp: [00:17]

In a significant legal development, a specialized trade court has invalidated President Trump's order imposing tariffs on imports from nearly every country globally. Scott Horsley reports that a panel of three judges determined that the 1977 emergency law invoked by Trump does not grant the president the extensive authority required to enforce such widespread tariffs.

Key Points:

• The court's decision affects all tariffs enacted on April 2, including additional levies on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China.
• The Trump administration has announced its intention to appeal the ruling.
• Concurrently, revised GDP figures indicate a slightly better-than-expected economic contraction of 0.2% in the first quarter, down from the initial estimate of 0.3%.

Quote:

"The 1977 emergency law that Trump relied on does not give the president that kind of power." — Scott Horsley, [00:27]

2. Harvard University Challenges Visa Restrictions on International Students

Timestamp: [01:07]

Harvard University is set to contest the Trump administration's directive that revokes its ability to enroll international students. Windsor Johnston explains that a federal court hearing is imminent, following a judge's temporary block on the order. The State Department has also suspended new visa interviews for prospective foreign students.

Impact on Universities:

• Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the President's Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warns that prolonged suspensions could financially strain universities. International tuition often subsidizes financial aid, funds research, and supports academic programs.

  Quote:

  "International tuition helps subsidize financial aid, fund research and keep academic programs afloat." — Miriam Feldblum, [01:34]

• The reduction in international student enrollment threatens the viability of various programs and scholarships that benefit all students.

  Quote:

  "Without international students, programs, courses, scholarships that American students benefit from may no longer be available." — Miriam Feldblum, [01:53]

• Education leaders express concern that these measures could drive students to seek education opportunities abroad, potentially diminishing America's standing in global higher education.

3. Russia Seeks Renewed Peace Talks with Ukraine Amid Tensions

Timestamp: [02:19]

Amid escalating tensions and a series of attacks on Ukraine, Russia has proposed another round of peace negotiations set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey. Charles Maynes details the context of this development, noting President Trump's increased criticism of Russia.

Key Points:

• Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, announced Moscow's intention to present a written memorandum outlining proposals for a future peace accord, expressing hope that Ukraine will engage in negotiations.

  Quote:

  "Moscow would present a written memorandum with proposals for a future peace accord and hoped Ukraine would embrace the negotiations." — Charles Maynes, [02:34]

• President Trump indicated a willingness to ease sanctions on Russia if it would facilitate a peace deal. However, Lavrov reiterated that any agreement must address the "root causes of the conflict," widely interpreted as Russia seeking influence over Ukraine's future sovereignty.

4. Economic Updates: Wall Street and GDP Figures

Timestamp: [03:06]

The stock market showed positive movement with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising over 90 points and the NASDAQ increasing by nearly 166 points. Korva Coleman provides a brief overview of these economic indicators.

Additional Economic Insight:

• Revised GDP data from the Commerce Department revealed a smaller contraction of 0.2% in the first quarter, slightly better than the previously reported 0.3%. This suggests a marginal improvement in economic performance amid ongoing challenges.

5. Ongoing Violence and Limited Aid Efforts in Gaza

Timestamp: [03:06]

Reports indicate increasing violence in southern Gaza, coinciding with constrained efforts to deliver food aid to Palestinians. The aid plan, endorsed by Israel and the U.S., faces opposition from the UN and other relief agencies. For nearly three months, Israel has blocked all aid to Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

Key Points:

• Incidents of shootings and chaos have been reported, with some aid supplies being stolen from trucks.
• The limited aid reaches only certain populations, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness and safety of relief operations.

6. Drag Artists Enhance Security Ahead of Pride Month

Timestamp: [03:50]

As Pride Month approaches, drag performers express concerns over personal security amidst a volatile political climate. Chloe Veltman reports on initiatives aimed at safeguarding the community.

Initiatives:

• The Drag Defence Handbook has been released, compiling safety guidelines developed with input from lawyers and experts. This handbook addresses threats such as online doxxing, bomb threats, and physical attacks.

  Quote:

  "There are steps to be had making sure that you screen, capture everything, make sure everything is documented, making sure you have security around you, knowing your First Amendment protections." — Veranda Lanai, [04:06]

• Veranda Lanai, a Cleveland-based drag performer, contributed to the handbook, emphasizing the importance of documentation and understanding legal protections.

Impact:

• The GLAAD organization notes a significant decrease in both online and physical attacks targeting drag performers, attributing this decline to the community's proactive measures in enhancing safety and security.

  Quote:

  "The number of online and physical attacks specifically targeting drag performers in the US has fallen by more than half this year." — GLAAD, [04:16]

7. Glacier Collapse in Switzerland Causes Devastation

Timestamp: [04:34]

A massive glacier in Switzerland has collapsed, resulting in the burial of a mountainside village under tons of rock and ice. Authorities had previously evacuated residents as a precaution, though at least one person remains missing. Swiss officials describe this event as one of the largest mass movements of Earth recorded in the country.

Key Points:

• The scale of the glacier's collapse underscores the immediate impact of climate change on mountainous regions.
• Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities assessing the full extent of the devastation.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on May 29, 2025. For comprehensive coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.