NPR News Now: May 30, 2025

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Producer: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Tariffs and Economic Concerns

Host Introduction:
Shea Stevens opens the episode by addressing a significant development in U.S. trade policy. A federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump's authority to impose new tariffs, a move that has stirred volatility in the financial markets and raised economic alarms.

Goldman Sachs on Recession Risks:
Maria Aspen reports on a recent gathering of top executives at Goldman Sachs, where discussions centered on market stability, the financial industry, and the broader economic outlook. Jan Hatzias, Goldman Sachs' chief economist, expressed continued concern about the potential damage to the U.S. economy due to the renewed tariff threats.

"Goldman currently predicts that the country has a 35% chance of tipping into a recession within the next year." [00:38]

Hatzias goes on to emphasize the persistent anxiety among economists despite the court's initial blockage of the tariffs. He anticipates that President Trump is likely to pursue alternative avenues to implement these tariffs, reflecting the administration's ongoing commitment to protectionist trade measures.

"The president loves tariffs." [01:07]

Despite the appellate court's temporary approval of the tariffs, Hatzias remains skeptical about the decision's long-term impact.

"We don't think this court decision really makes a major difference." [01:02]

Supreme Court Ruling on Environmental Regulations

Nina Totenberg's Analysis:
The Supreme Court has delivered a transformative decision affecting the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a pivotal environmental statute enacted in 1970. Nina Totenberg provides an in-depth analysis of the ruling, which significantly narrows NEPA's scope, thereby simplifying the approval process for infrastructure projects.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, underscored the statute's original intent:

"The goal of the law is to inform how projects are built, not hamstring them." [01:34]

This landmark decision marks the first time the Supreme Court has directed that courts should defer to agency determinations provided they reside within a "broad zone of reasonableness." The ruling is expected to expedite infrastructure development by reducing the regulatory hurdles previously imposed by NEPA.

Department of Health and Human Services' Vaccine Policy Shift

Rob Stein Reports:
Shea Stevens introduces a critical update from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced significant changes to the government's vaccination policies, stating that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for pregnant women and healthy individuals under 65 years of age. Additionally, the department has canceled a $766 million contract aimed at developing a vaccine against bird flu.

Rob Stein elaborates on the potential implications of these changes:

"These are just the latest steps that Kennedy has taken that affect vaccines, especially the MRNA vaccines." [02:47]

Public health experts are voicing concerns that these policy shifts may undermine public confidence in vaccines. They point to the ongoing measles outbreak and increases in other childhood diseases like whooping cough as tangible consequences of reduced vaccine uptake.

"They worry that this is part of an over strategy to just undermine public confidence and the use of the vaccines." [02:47]

Presidential Rally and U.S.-Japan Steel Agreement

Shea Stevens' Update:
President Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Pennsylvania to announce a significant agreement between Japan-based Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel. The deal involves a substantial $14 billion investment from Nippon, although specific details remain undisclosed at this time. This move is part of the administration's broader strategy to bolster domestic manufacturing and reinforce international trade relationships.

Legal Troubles of Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik

Bruce Kahnweiser Reports:
Bernard Kerik, once celebrated for his leadership as New York City’s police commissioner during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, now faces scrutiny for his past legal issues. Bruce Kahnweiser delves into Kerik's complex history, highlighting both his contributions and his eventual downfall.

Kerik gained national recognition for his swift response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, working alongside then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani. His tenure saw a continued decline in crime rates, a trend established by his predecessors. However, Kerik's career took a dramatic turn in 2004 when President George W. Bush nominated him to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Subsequent background checks revealed questionable behavior, leading Kerik to plead guilty to multiple federal charges, including tax fraud. He served three years in prison and has since become a controversial figure.

"During the 16 months he led the NYPD, crime in the city continued to drop, as it had under his two immediate predecessors." [03:34]

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Proposal and Hostage Situation

Shea Stevens' Briefing:
The White House has announced that Israel has accepted a new proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. However, the response from Hamas leaders has been lukewarm, as they indicate the need for further study of the proposal. Complicating matters, Hamas has refused to release the remaining 58 hostages unless Israel agrees to release more Palestinian prisoners and withdraw from Gaza. This stalemate continues to exacerbate tensions in the region.

Wall Street Futures and Market Reaction

Shea Stevens Concludes:
In after-hours trading, U.S. futures are trending lower, reflecting investor anxiety amid the latest developments in trade policies and geopolitical tensions.

Notable Quotes

• Jan Hatzias, Goldman Sachs Chief Economist:

  "Goldman currently predicts that the country has a 35% chance of tipping into a recession within the next year." [00:38]

• Jan Hatzias on Tariffs:

  "The president loves tariffs." [01:07]

• Justice Brett Kavanaugh on NEPA:

  "The goal of the law is to inform how projects are built, not hamstring them." [01:34]

• Rob Stein on Vaccine Policy Concerns:

  "They worry that this is part of an over strategy to just undermine public confidence and the use of the vaccines." [02:47]

• Bernard Kerik's Impact on NYPD Crime Rates:

  "During the 16 months he led the NYPD, crime in the city continued to drop, as it had under his two immediate predecessors." [03:34]

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of several critical issues affecting the United States and the international community. From economic uncertainties driven by trade policies to significant legal rulings impacting environmental regulations, the segment also touches on public health policy changes and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, the personal saga of Bernard Kerik serves as a reminder of the complexities within public service roles. Listeners gain valuable insights into the interplay between policy decisions and their broader societal impacts.