NPR News Now: May 31, 2025

Host: Jack Spear
Produced by: NPR
Duration: 5 Minutes
Release Date: May 31, 2025

1. Supreme Court Ruling on Temporary Legal Status for Immigrants

Time Stamp: [00:18]

Jack Spear opens the episode with a significant Supreme Court decision impacting immigration policy in the United States. The Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's move to revoke temporary legal status for individuals who fled unstable countries, a program initially established under the Biden administration.

Key Points:

• Impact on Immigrants: Up to half a million people now face deportation due to this ruling.
• CHNV Program: The program, known as CHNV, provided temporary status to individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who had a U.S. sponsor.

Notable Quote: Guerleen Joseph, Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance and Advocacy Group, expressed her concerns:

"This is a group of people who followed every single rule and came here with that status and now it is taken away from them. Today they have come for people here in CHNV. Tomorrow they will come for all of us."
[00:36]

Ongoing Legal Battle: Guerleen Joseph emphasized that the legal fight to protect CHNV would continue despite the ruling. The decision allows the Trump administration to begin deportations even as the cancellation of the program is still under litigation.

2. Israeli Government Approves New Settlements in the West Bank

Time Stamp: [01:20]

The Israeli government's approval of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank marks a contentious development in the Middle East.

Key Points:

• Government's Stance: Defense Minister Israel Katz described the move as a "once in a generation decision" aimed at strengthening Israel's hold on the West Bank.
• Historical Context: Israel has maintained control over the West Bank since the 1967 Mideast War and has established over 100 Jewish settlements in the area.
• International Reaction: The international community largely views these settlements as illegal and illegitimate.
• Political Climate: Finance Minister Betsal El Smoltric, identified as a far-right settler, has advocated for the complete annexation of the West Bank, believing it is divinely ordained for the Jewish people.

Notable Quote: Hadil Al Shalchi from NPR reports:

"Rights groups say the recent move by the government deepens the Israeli occupation and hinders prospects of a two-state solution."
[01:35]

Implications: The expansion of settlements is seen by many as a barrier to peace negotiations and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.

3. U.S. Companies and Higher Tariffs: Legal Challenges Ahead

Time Stamp: [02:15]

U.S. businesses grappling with increased tariffs are now contemplating legal action against the federal government.

Key Points:

• Legal Overreach: Recent court rulings have determined that the White House exceeded its legal authority by imposing sweeping worldwide tariffs.
• Current Status: These rulings are currently on hold pending appeals, leaving companies in a state of uncertainty.

Small Business Impact: Alina Selyuk of NPR delves into the emotional and financial turmoil experienced by American small business owners due to tariff changes.

Notable Quotes:

• Alina Selyuk:

"Many American small business owners have been on a rollercoaster of tariff related feelings, worry, confusion, anxiety. Now there are new emotions."
[02:30]

• Sarah Wells, Small Business Owner:

"I feel a lot of relief and hope."
[02:39]

Case Study: Sarah Wells, from Virginia, who sells breast pump backpacks and maternity accessories, shared her experience:

"We still have some work going on in the court system in terms of the appeal, so I'm very cautiously optimistic at this point."
[02:45]

She detailed her financial strain due to unexpected costs from tariffs, leading her to cancel orders from China and relocate operations to Cambodia.

4. Stock Market Update: Mixed Performance

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The stock market concluded the trading week with mixed results.

Key Points:

• Dow Jones: Increased by 54 points.
• Nasdaq: Decreased by 62 points.

Market Sentiment: The fluctuations reflect ongoing economic uncertainties, particularly in sectors affected by international policies and trade tensions.

5. Taylor Swift Acquires Ownership of Her Masters

Time Stamp: [03:09]

In a significant move within the music industry, pop superstar Taylor Swift has finally acquired the masters of her first six albums, a long-sought goal for the artist.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: Taylor Swift had not owned the masters to her initial albums, including the hit "Love Story" from 2008.
• Motivation: The acquisition was partly fueled by her dispute with music executive Scooter Braun, who initially acquired the masters in 2019.
• Re-recording Strategy: Swift previously released re-recorded versions of her music to regain control over her work.

Notable Quote: Hazel Sills of NPR highlights:

"Taylor Swift writes her songs like one of her biggest hits, 2008's Love Story. And she sang it, but she didn't own it. But now Swift has announced she finally owns her masters."
[03:28]

Financial Details: Taylor Swift has not disclosed the financial terms of the acquisition.

6. Bees Release in Washington State Causes Local Commotion

Time Stamp: [04:08]

A tractor trailer accident near Lynden, Washington, resulted in the escape of 250 million bees, prompting urgent attempts to contain the situation.

Key Points:

• Accident Details: A tractor trailer carrying £70,000 worth of pollinator hives overturned on a country road.
• Safety Measures: The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office issued an all-caps warning advising the public to avoid the affected area.
• Recovery Efforts: Authorities are endeavoring to guide the bees back to their queens in the hives.

7. Crude Oil Futures Prices Fluctuate Amid Cartel Uncertainty

Time Stamp: [04:35]

Crude oil futures continue to exhibit volatility as market participants navigate uncertainties surrounding the oil industry cartel.

Key Points:

• Price Movement: OPEC oil prices decreased by 15 cents a barrel.
• Closing Rate: Ended the session at $60.79 per barrel.

Closing Remarks: Jack Spear signs off, reminding listeners to stay informed with NPR News for the latest updates.

Stay Informed with NPR: For comprehensive news coverage and in-depth analysis, visit NPR.org.