NPR News Now: May 29, 2025, 8AM EDT – Comprehensive Summary

NPR News Now delivered a dynamic episode on May 29, 2025, covering a spectrum of pressing national and international issues. Hosted by Korva Coleman, the episode delved into judicial rulings affecting immigration policies, legal battles for accessibility, transportation challenges, international trade disputes, the resurgence of Broadway, and the excitement surrounding the national spelling bee. Below is a detailed exploration of each segment, enriched with key quotes and timestamps for clarity.

1. Federal Judiciary Blocks Trump Administration's Immigration Orders

[00:19]
Korva Coleman opened the episode addressing a significant legal development in Washington D.C., where a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the Trump administration's order that aimed to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students.

[00:19 - 01:31]
The discussion expanded to cover a separate case involving Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (referred to as Rubio in the transcript), who was found to have likely violated the Constitution by stripping Mahmoud Khalil of his green card due to Khalil's pro-Palestinian activism.

Adrian Florido's Report:

[00:49]
NPR's Adrian Florido reported from Columbia University, highlighting that Judge Michael Farbiar concluded Secretary Rubio "likely overstepped when he relied on an obscure statute that allows him to personally order someone deported who he thinks threatens U.S. foreign policy goals."

[01:10]
Florido detailed that Rubio alleged Khalil's protests were anti-Semitic, undermining government efforts to combat antisemitism globally. However, the judge noted that Rubio "claimed, without offering evidence" to support these allegations.

[01:20]
Judge Farbiar indicated that using such authority against Khalil for his protests would "probably be proven unconstitutional at trial," though he refrained from ordering Khalil's release from custody, citing the need for more evidence on the harms caused by his detention.

Conclusion:
The ruling marks a significant check on executive power in immigration matters, emphasizing the necessity for concrete evidence when such drastic actions are taken against individuals based on their political activism.

2. National Association of the Deaf Sues White House Over Accessibility Issues

[01:31 - 02:37]
Korva Coleman introduced a lawsuit filed by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) against the White House. NPR's Kristen Wright provided in-depth coverage, explaining that the lawsuit contends the abrupt cessation of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during White House press briefings has marginalized the deaf community.

Key Points:

• Affected Individuals: The lawsuit is on behalf of two deaf men who have difficulty relying solely on closed captioning to understand televised press briefings.

• Critical Information Loss: The suit emphasizes that vital information regarding the economy, Social Security, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is inaccessible to the deaf community without proper ASL interpretation.

Joy Banister's Statement:

[02:16]
Joy Banister, representing NAD, stated, "It's really at the detriment to our deaf community. So we want to make sure that they're able still to be a part of the community and have the accesses that they need."

Historical Context:

[02:27]
Kristen Wright noted that in 2020, NAD secured a federal settlement requiring the Trump White House to provide ASL interpreters for virus-related public briefings. The current lawsuit suggests a regression in these accessibility standards.

Implications:
This legal action underscores the ongoing struggle for accessibility and equal access to information for the deaf community, advocating for the reinstatement of ASL interpreters to ensure comprehensive communication during official briefings.

3. Transportation Secretary Addresses Newark Airport Delays

[02:37 - 03:06]
Korva Coleman reported on transportation issues affecting Newark Liberty International Airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy provided updates on recent air traffic delays caused by equipment failures.

Secretary Duffy's Update:

[02:52]
Duffy announced, "Verizon has laid a brand new fiber line between Philadelphia and New York. That was the troubled portion of the line that's been laid. We're doing some of the connections right now and then we have to test it."

[03:06]
He further explained that officials have "limited the number of planes that can take off or arrive at Newark," a measure that has effectively "eased the air traffic load."

Analysis:
Secretary Duffy's comments indicate proactive steps being taken to resolve technical issues affecting air traffic, aiming to minimize travel disruptions and enhance airport security and efficiency.

4. U.S. Court Overturns Nearly All Trump-Era Global Tariffs

[03:06 - 03:52]
Korva Coleman shifted focus to international trade, highlighting a pivotal court decision where the U.S. Court of International Trade invalidated nearly all global tariffs imposed by President Trump. The three-judge federal panel ruled that Trump "cannot use a 1977 law to declare an emergency and impose the tariffs."

Key Points:

• Legal Basis: The court determined that only Congress holds the "exclusive authority to regulate trade and impose tariffs," thereby nullifying the administration's use of executive power in this context.

• Government Response: The Trump administration has announced plans to appeal the decision, indicating ongoing legal battles over trade policies.

Implications:
This ruling reasserts the legislative branch's role in trade regulation, potentially reshaping the administration's approach to international tariffs and trade agreements.

5. Broadway's Remarkable Recovery from the Pandemic

[03:52 - 04:39]
Jeff London reported from New York, celebrating Broadway's triumphant comeback following pandemic-induced closures. This season marked a record-breaking $1.9 billion in box office revenue.

Highlights:

• Attendance Rebound: After five years of challenges, including an 18-month COVID-19 shutdown, Broadway has seen a "10% increase" in attendance, nearing pre-pandemic levels.

• High-Profile Productions: The surge is partly attributed to successful plays featuring major Hollywood stars such as Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, George Clooney, and Kieran Culkin. These productions have outperformed traditional blockbusters like Wicked, Hamilton, and The Lion King, generating substantial weekly revenues.

Quote from Jeff London:

[03:52]
"For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York."

Conclusion:
Broadway's revival signifies a robust return to cultural vibrancy and economic resilience in the performing arts sector, driven by star power and high-quality productions attracting diverse audiences.

6. Final Round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Announced

[04:39 - 04:58]
Korva Coleman concluded the episode by spotlighting the excitement surrounding the final round of this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. With nine spellers advancing from the previous day's 99 quarterfinalists, the competition is poised to crown a champion who will receive the Scripps cup and a $50,000 prize.

Details:

• Participants: Nine contestants remain, each showcasing exceptional spelling prowess.

• Prize: The winner stands to gain significant recognition and a substantial monetary reward.

Significance:
The national spelling bee continues to inspire academic excellence and celebrate linguistic talent among young competitors across the nation.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with concise yet comprehensive coverage of critical issues ranging from judicial decisions impacting immigration and accessibility rights, transportation infrastructure challenges, international trade law, the arts' resurgence, to the celebration of academic competition. Through engaging reporting and authoritative voices, NPR ensured that audiences are well-informed on matters shaping the national and cultural landscape.