NPR News Now: May 31, 2025

Hosted by Dale Willman

1. U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Announced by President Trump

[00:14] President Donald Trump made a significant economic announcement on Friday, declaring his intention to double the existing tariffs on imported steel to 50%. This move is poised to escalate costs for steel-dependent industries, including automotive manufacturing, construction, and household appliance production.

[00:32] In his speech, Trump delivered a highly political message, directly critiquing President Biden’s policies while emphasizing his support for tariffs. Franco Ordonez of NPR reports that Trump not only highlighted his affinity for protective tariffs but also unveiled another substantial policy shift: doubling tariffs on foreign steel imports.

[00:54] Extending his tariff strategy, Trump also announced the doubling of tariffs on aluminum imports, signaling a broader protectionist approach to fortify American industries against foreign competition.

2. Supreme Court Permits Revocation of Biden-Era Migrant Status

[01:15] In a pivotal decision, the Supreme Court has temporarily authorized the Trump administration to revoke a Biden-era program that granted temporary legal status to migrants from unstable countries. NPR’s Adrian Florido explains that this ruling puts approximately 500,000 individuals from nations such as Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua at risk of deportation.

[01:15] Florido notes, "The court's order was brief and unsigned, but its ramifications were clear." This decision allows the government to proceed with expelling those who benefited from the humanitarian parole program, which had previously provided relief as long as migrants had a private sponsor.

[01:15] The program's future remains uncertain as litigation continues. Notably, Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor dissented, highlighting the severe impact of potential deportations: "the devastating consequences of allowing the government to precipitously upend the lives of close to half a million people."

3. Bipartisan U.S. Senators Engage with Ukrainian Leadership on Sanctions Against Russia

[02:00] Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) are actively engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev. NPR’s Hannah Palamorenko reports that the discussions centered on implementing new sanctions against Russia, alongside enhancing trade and defense cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine.

[02:18] Senator Graham emphasized the impact of proposed sanctions, stating, "These sanctions could break Russia's military machine," underscoring the bipartisan effort to support Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions.

[02:39] President Zelensky echoed this sentiment, declaring, "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."

[02:50] The senators added that should President Putin refuse to engage in meaningful peace negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, these stringent sanctions would be enforced. This unified stance by both Republican and Democrat senators highlights a strong U.S. commitment to countering Russian aggression.

4. U.S. Stock Markets Close Mixed Amid Economic Uncertainties

[03:03] The U.S. stock markets exhibited mixed results on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 54 points, while the Nasdaq experienced a decline of 62 points. The S&P 500 remained largely unchanged. These fluctuations reflect ongoing economic uncertainties and investor responses to recent policy changes and global events.

5. Devastating Floods in Central Nigeria Claim Over 100 Lives

[03:15] Central Nigeria is grappling with severe flooding, resulting in a tragic death toll exceeding 100 individuals, with many others still missing. NPR’s Michael Koloki reports that rescue operations are intensifying in Niger State, where torrential rains have submerged roads and displaced thousands.

[03:27] Koloki highlights the challenges faced during Nigeria’s rainy season, which spans from April to October. This year has been particularly harsh, with authorities predicting heavy downpours across at least 15 of the country's 36 states. Reflecting on past disasters, Koloki notes, "Three years ago, more than 600 people were killed and over a million others displaced following severe flooding in various parts of the country."

Efforts are ongoing to assist those affected, but the destruction of infrastructure and homes poses significant hurdles to effective relief operations.

6. UN Security Council Prolongs Arms Embargo on South Sudan

[04:08] The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend its arms embargo on South Sudan until June 2026. This decision comes in response to escalating political tensions within the nation, raising alarms that South Sudan may be on the brink of another civil war.

[04:08] The embargo, coupled with travel bans and the freezing of assets for certain South Sudanese individuals, aims to stabilize the region and deter further conflict. As the world's newest country, South Sudan faces unique challenges in maintaining peace and security, making this extension a critical measure for international observers.

7. Mio Saigo Leads US Women's Golf Open

[04:08] In sports news, Mio Saigo has taken the lead at the US Women's Golf Open held at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Saigo shot an impressive six under 66 on Friday, culminating in a two-day total of eight under 136, which secures her a three-stroke advantage heading into the weekend's play.

[04:08] Following closely is Nellie Corder, who posted a 67 and currently holds the position of the world's top-ranked player. The competition is heating up as both athletes vie for the championship title in what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion.

This summary provides an overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on May 31, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.