NPR News Now: May 29, 2025, 2 PM EDT - Detailed Summary

On the May 29, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Lakshmi Singh delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news. This summary captures the key topics discussed, notable quotes, and insights provided during the broadcast.

1. Legal Challenges to President Trump's Tariff Policies

The episode opens with an update on the ongoing legal battles surrounding President Trump's tariff imposition strategies. Lakshmi Singh reports that a second federal court has ruled against Trump's authority to unilaterally impose tariffs, siding with two Illinois toy importers. This decision follows a recent ruling by the Court of International Trade, which also negated the administration's tariffs policy.

Notable Quote:

• Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary (00:54):
  "The president's rationale for imposing these powerful tariffs was legally sound and grounded in common sense. President Trump correctly believes that America cannot function safely long term if we are unable to scale advanced domestic manufacturing capacity, have our own secure critical supply chains, and our defense industrial base is dependent on foreign adversaries."

Despite these setbacks, the Trump administration has signaled its intention to appeal the decisions further, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.

2. Government Standoff with Harvard Over International Students

Lakshmi Singh continues with the Trump administration's legal confrontation with Harvard University regarding the enrollment of international students. Coupled with the administration’s tightening visa restrictions, these measures are poised to impact hundreds of thousands of Chinese students pursuing education in the United States.

Key Insights:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio (01:39): Emphasizes that the focus is on students tied to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in critical fields.
• Simon Hankinson, Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and Former Foreign Service Officer (02:01):
  "In my career over 23 years, I saw us go from one sheet of paper front and back to multiple forms online. And I think the more information we have about people that we let into the country, the better."

However, international education advocates argue that these restrictions may be counterproductive and self-defeating. Kirk Carapezza from GBH in Boston highlights the divide in perspectives, noting that supporters view the restrictions as vital for national security, while critics fear negative repercussions on academic institutions and international relations.

3. US Census Bureau Faces Workforce Reductions

The episode sheds light on significant staffing challenges within the US Census Bureau. Lakshmi Singh reports that over 1,000 employees have left the agency, a move attributed to the administration's broader effort to reduce federal government size. This exodus threatens the bureau's capacity to deliver accurate statistics for the upcoming 2030 census.

Notable Quote:

• Ron Jarman, Acting Director of the Census Bureau (02:38):
  "Speaking at a Data Users conference, the Census Bureau's acting director, Ron Jarman, compared over 1,000 employees around the country taking early retirement or voluntary separation offers to a pivotal Marvel movie scene with the supervillain Thanos."

Jarman elaborates on the impact of these departures, stating, "For those of us who are still here, it feels a little bit like Sam snapped his finger and a lot of your friends and colleagues went away. But fortunately they didn't turn into death. They just retired. But this is going to have an impact." Concerns are mounting among census advocates regarding the bureau's ability to produce reliable data necessary for redrawing voting maps and informing economic policies.

4. Economic Impact of Trade Wars

Amid ongoing trade tensions, the US economy experienced a contraction in the first quarter of the year. Lakshmi Singh highlights a 0.2% decline in GDP from January to March, a period marked by US companies striving to import foreign goods before new tariffs took effect. Retail giant Best Buy has responded by reducing its annual profit outlook and increasing prices on select items, reflecting the broader economic strain caused by fluctuating tariff policies.

Key Points:

• The administration's tariffs have led to uncertainty and increased costs for businesses.
• Federal court rulings against tariffs contribute to market instability.

5. Global Health Initiative Targets Snakebite Awareness

Shifting focus to global health, Singh reports on the alarming statistics of snakebite fatalities, with approximately 140,000 deaths annually. During the World Health Assembly in Geneva, experts addressed the often-overlooked issue of venomous snake bites, which frequently occur in regions with limited access to antivenom treatment.

Initiative Highlight:

• A new campaign titled Strike Out Snakebite features human-sized snake statues scattered throughout Geneva to raise awareness.

Notable Quote:

• David Lalou, Vice Chancellor of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (04:31):
  "They certainly, I think, attracted lots of attention. That's David Lalou, vice chancellor of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine."

The initiative aims to secure increased funding for antivenom research and strengthen health systems to ensure timely treatment for snakebite victims.

6. Stock Market Updates

Concluding the episode, Lakshmi Singh provides a brief update on the US stock market, noting a positive trend in trading:

• Nasdaq: Up 51 points
• S&P 500: Climbed 13 points
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Increased by 10 points

This uptick suggests cautious optimism among investors despite ongoing economic and political challenges.

Conclusion

The May 29, 2025, episode of NPR News Now offers a multifaceted overview of pressing issues, from legal battles over trade policies and shifts in international education to workforce reductions in federal agencies and global health initiatives. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, the podcast provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping the current socio-economic landscape.