NPR News: June 1, 2025, 11 PM EDT

Host: Dale Willman

1. White House Withdraws NASA Administrator Nomination

In a surprising move, the White House has retracted its nomination of Jared Isaacman for the position of NASA Administrator just days before the Senate was scheduled to vote on his appointment. NPR's Franco Ordonez reports:

“It's essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump's America first agenda.” (00:34)

Isaacman, known for piloting his own fighter jet and his close ties with billionaire Elon Musk—who recently stepped down as a senior advisor to President Trump—was a prominent candidate. Although the White House did not provide specific reasons for polling his nomination, spokesperson Liz Husden indicated that a replacement would be announced shortly. The incoming administrator is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at advancing human space exploration, including President Trump's ambitious plan to "plant the American flag on the planet Mars." (00:34)

2. State Department Cracks Down on Chinese Student Visas

The U.S. State Department has announced plans to intensify the revocation of visas for Chinese students associated with the Chinese Communist Party or those pursuing studies in critical fields, as highlighted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. NPR’s Emily Fang delves into the potential impact on the nearly 270,000 Chinese students currently enrolled in U.S. institutions.

Tomu Rothschild, who operates a consulting firm assisting Chinese students with U.S. university applications, expressed deep concern over the announcement:

“Many families are beside themselves.” (01:56)

An unnamed Chinese student echoed this anxiety:

“Many of them are losing their mind.” (01:58)

China stands as the second-largest source of international students in the United States, with a significant majority enrolled in science and technology disciplines. Data from the U.S. National Science Foundation reveals that over 80% of these students remain in the U.S. workforce after graduation, underscoring the potential long-term implications of the visa crackdown. (01:43)

3. National Hurricane Center Urges Preparation for Active Season

As the hurricane season commences this Sunday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare accordingly. Julia Cooper of WLRN reports on the latest forecasts and safety recommendations.

Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, provided insights into the expected activity:

“We've been in a very active period, more or less, for about the last 30 years in the Atlantic.” (02:34)

An unnamed NOAA official emphasized the perennial risks associated with hurricanes:

“It doesn't really matter what the seasonal forecast says. There are risks of impacts every year.” (02:44)

Brennan further stressed the importance of residents being aware of their evacuation zones and relying on credible sources such as local meteorologists and emergency management officials for updates and instructions. (02:57)

4. PSG Achieves Historic Victory in Champions League

Celebrations erupted in Paris as the city's soccer team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan with a commanding score of 5-0. Eleanor Beardsley of NPR News provides an overview of the jubilant scenes:

“Parisians chanted and shot off fireworks late into the night, with tens of thousands celebrating on the Avenue Champs Elysees.” (03:34)

The spotlight shone brightly on 19-year-old sensation Désirée Douay, who not only scored two goals but also assisted another, playing a pivotal role in the historic 5-0 victory. This achievement marks PSG as only the second French club to win Europe's premier football tournament since Marseille in 1993. The triumph has galvanized the city's soccer fervor, reinforcing PSG's status in European football. (03:34)

5. Additional Sports Highlights

• Golf: Scotty Scheffler maintains a one-stroke lead at the Muirfield Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, after shooting a 68 on Saturday. This performance has propelled him ahead of Ben Griffin, who shot a 72. Scheffler is aiming for his third win in the past four starts, following his recent victory at Colonial last week. (04:22)

• College Baseball: LSU Shreveport has made history as the first college baseball team to complete an entire season unbeaten. The Pilots concluded their season with a flawless 59-0 record after winning the NAIA championship in Lewiston, Idaho. This remarkable achievement comes after years of consistent participation in the national tournament, having appeared annually since 2005 and reaching the tournament World Series three times. (04:22)

For more detailed coverage and updates, visit NPR News Now.

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