NPR News: May 29, 2025, 9 PM EDT – Detailed Summary

In the May 29, 2025, 9 PM EDT episode of NPR News Now, host Jack Spear and correspondent Michelle Kellerman delivered a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing national and international issues. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, structured into clear sections for easy navigation.

1. Trump's Tariff Saga: Legal Battles and Economic Implications

The episode opened with an update on President Donald Trump’s fluctuating stance on tariffs. Jack Spear reported that tariffs are currently paused following a significant legal intervention.

• Legal Hold on Tariffs: A federal appeals court has temporarily halted a ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade that sought to block nearly all of Trump's tariffs. This pause allows affected companies to present their arguments in the upcoming week.

  "Tariffs are, for the moment, back off," noted Jack Spear at [00:21].

• Administration's Response: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant emphasized the administration's commitment to fair trade and criticized the courts for obstructing tariff implementation, stating:

  "This administration is committed to fair trade, and we are striking the best deals for the American people. And anything that the courts do to get in the way both harms the American people in terms of trade and in terms of tariff revenue." ([00:44])

• Economic Impact: Michelle Kellerman highlighted concerns over politicized financial markets reacting to the unpredictability of administration policies, which have been causing volatility.

2. State Department Overhaul: Secretary Rubio's Reorganization Plan

A significant portion of the episode focused on Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s proposed reorganization of the State Department aimed at increasing efficiency and agility.

• Streamlining Efforts: Michelle Kellerman reported that Rubio has submitted a plan to Congress proposing drastic staff cuts in areas such as human rights and democracy. The focus is shifting towards regional bureaus to ensure the State Department can:

  "Move at the speed of relevance." ([01:23])

• Political Reactions:

  • Democrats on Capitol Hill have criticized the cuts, arguing they weaken the U.S.'s stance against adversaries like China.
  • It's noted that the Trump administration has already dismantled the lead U.S. aid agency, with Rubio assuming control over what remains.

• Service Continuity: Assurance has been given that essential services like passports and visas will not face cuts, as they are funded by fees.

3. CPAC in Hungary: A Nexus of American Conservatism and European Politics

American conservatives have increasingly looked towards Hungary as a model, especially during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Budapest.

• Autocratic Trends in Hungary: Michelle Kellerman outlined concerns about Hungary's democratic backslide, citing measures such as:

  • Effective bans on pride celebrations.
  • Proposed laws to blacklist organizations receiving foreign funding.
  • Violations of European Union laws leading to withheld funds.

• American Conservative Support: Despite these issues, figures like CPAC Chair Matt Schlapp have lauded Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his nationalist policies and resistance to global institutional pressures.

  "The EU wants to dictate to these countries how many migrants they take. And what Orban and the people of Hungary are saying is, no, we're going to determine what our immigration policy is." ([02:57])

• Future Outlook: Analysts, including Arzu Rezvani, anticipate more conservative gatherings emulating Hungary’s strategies in the future.

4. Wall Street's Positive Momentum

In contrast to political turbulence, the U.S. stock markets showed gains:

• Market Performance:

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 117 points.
  • NASDAQ rose by 74 points.
  • S&P 500 gained 23 points.

  "Stocks gained ground on Wall Street today." ([03:05])

This uptick suggests resilience despite ongoing economic and political uncertainties.

5. Harvey Weinstein's Retrial: Legal Proceedings Continue

The legal saga of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein remains a focal point:

• Retrial Commencement: Michelle Kellerman reported that defense lawyers have started presenting witnesses in Weinstein’s retrial, which addresses rape and sexual assault charges.

  "His sex crimes retrial in New York" ([03:16])

• Uncertain Stand: It remains unclear if Weinstein will testify, following the overturning of his 2020 conviction on procedural grounds by New York’s highest court.

6. Hamilton's Triumphant Return to the Tony Awards

A highlight of the episode was the celebration of the musical Hamilton's 10th anniversary on Broadway:

• Special Performance: The original cast, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr., reunited to perform a number from the show.

  "I am not throwing away shot. I am not throwing away my shot." – Lin-Manuel Miranda ([03:57])

• Cultural Impact:

  • Jeff London noted that Hamilton remains a top-grossing show with unparalleled popularity.
  • The planned Tony Awards broadcast on June 8th will honor its lasting legacy.

7. Jobless Claims Rise Amid Economic Uncertainty

The episode concluded with a report on the latest employment data:

• Increase in Claims: Michelle Kellerman informed that first-time jobless claims rose by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 240,000 for the week ending May 24th.

  "Labor Department says for the week ending May 24th, weekly applications were up by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 240,000." ([04:42])

• Employment Stability: Despite this uptick, Jack Spear emphasized that employers are generally maintaining their workforce amidst global economic challenges.

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a succinct yet thorough overview of significant developments, from domestic policy shifts and international political dynamics to cultural milestones and economic indicators. The inclusion of direct quotes and precise timestamps offers clarity and depth, ensuring that even those who missed the broadcast can stay informed on the critical issues shaping the day.