NPR News Now – May 31, 2025
Hosted by Giles Snyder | Released on May 31, 2025
The latest episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of critical national and international developments. From significant changes in U.S. trade policies to pivotal moments in domestic politics, the episode delves into topics that shape today's world.
1. President Trump Announces Tariff Increases on Steel and Aluminum
Timestamp: 00:16 – 00:51
In a strategic move to bolster the U.S. steel industry, President Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on foreign steel imports during a speech at a Pittsburgh steel plant. Franco Ordonez reports that Trump's address was highly political, targeting President Biden while emphasizing his strong support for tariffs.
Trump declared his intention to raise the steel tariff to 50% and extended this increase to aluminum imports via social media updates. The focus of his visit was to highlight an agreement between Japan's Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, aimed at preserving American jobs. Notably, Nippon Steel has been attempting to acquire U.S. steel operations since 2023, reflecting ongoing international trade tensions.
2. Senator Joni Ernst Faces Backlash Over 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Timestamp: 00:51 – 01:56
At a town hall meeting in Parkersburg, Iowa, Senator Joni Ernst encountered substantial opposition regarding her support for President Trump's proposed spending plan, colloquially known as the "big beautiful bill." James Kelly from Iowa Public Radio highlights that constituents were particularly concerned about proposed cuts to essential programs, including Medicaid.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill would result in over $700 billion in Medicaid spending reductions. When pressed, Ernst defended the bill by stating it was designed to ensure that benefits are not extended to individuals without legal status. However, concerns among the audience were palpable. An attendee voiced strong opposition, stating, "We all are going to die," reflecting fears that the cuts could have dire consequences for vulnerable populations.
Ernst acknowledged that certain provisions of the House bill might not make it into the Senate's version but refrained from specifying which ones.
3. U.S. Senators Push for Increased Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict
Timestamp: 02:06 – 03:14
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved as the country has yet to confirm its participation in the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul. Senator Lindsey Graham (R) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D) visited Kyiv to discuss imposing new sanctions on Russia, aiming to pressure President Vladimir Putin into serious negotiations. Hannah Palomarenko of NPR reports that President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the U.S. lawmakers for co-sponsoring a bill that proposes 500% tariffs on goods from countries supporting Russian oil products. This legislation has garnered support from over 80 U.S. senators.
Senator Graham conveyed optimism by stating that these sanctions could "break Russia's military machine," while Senator Blumenthal emphasized the global stakes involved: "Russia is playing a game at the expense of the world, not just the United States. We're going to change that game for Russia. The game that Putin's been playing is about to change." The senators underscored that the implementation of these sanctions is contingent upon Russia's willingness to engage in meaningful peace talks.
4. Defense Secretary Hegseth Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Indo-Pacific Allies
Timestamp: 03:14 – 03:53
Addressing concerns over China's military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a statement at the Shangri La Defense Summit in Singapore. He assured allied nations that the United States would not abandon them in the face of Chinese military and economic pressures, particularly concerning Taiwan. Hegseth highlighted that China is "actively training its military to take control of the self-governing island," signaling potential escalations in the region.
5. CDC Revises Covid-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Pregnant Women
Timestamp: 03:53 – 04:38
In a controversial shift, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rescinded its routine recommendation for children to receive annual Covid-19 vaccines. Ping Huang reports that the updated vaccine schedule now advises that vaccinations for children should be determined through "shared clinical decision making" between doctors and patients, removing the blanket endorsement previously in place for individuals aged six months and older. Additionally, there is no longer a recommendation for pregnant women to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
This change directly contradicts the guidance from leading medical experts and professional organizations, which continue to advocate for Covid-19 vaccinations based on substantial scientific evidence supporting their safety and efficacy. Public health professionals have expressed alarm over the decision-making process, citing the closed-door approach as a departure from the transparent, consultative methods historically employed by the CDC.
6. Major Honeybee Loss in Washington State
Timestamp: 04:38 – 04:55
In an environmental setback, a commercial truck carrying an estimated 250 million honeybees overturned near the Canadian border in Washington state. Beekeepers are now tirelessly working to rescue as many bees as possible, emphasizing the crucial role bees play in pollination and ecosystem health. Jael Snyder reports on the efforts to mitigate this significant loss and prevent further decline in bee populations.
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