NPR News: June 3, 2025, 4 PM EDT

U.S. Trade Negotiations Under Deadline

Windsor Johnston opens the episode by reporting on the Trump administration's latest move in international trade negotiations. The administration has issued a letter to U.S. trading partners, setting a Wednesday deadline for them to present their best offers regarding the steep tariffs proposed in April. This urgency comes as the pause on these tariffs is scheduled to expire next month.

Tamara Keith provides further insight, explaining that the tariff pause was initially implemented to mitigate market backlash and to allow time for negotiating tailored deals with each trading partner. However, progress has been sluggish, raising concerns about meeting the impending deadline.

Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary, is quoted at [01:06] stating, “This letter was simply to remind these countries that the deadline is approaching and the president expects good deals, and we are on track for that.” She emphasizes that administration officials are actively engaged in discussions with key trading partners, aiming to finalize agreements before the pause ends on July 8.

FEMA Funding Requests Amid Agency Overhaul

In a surprising development, the White House is seeking additional funds for FEMA, despite previous indications from the Trump administration about dismantling the agency. Rebecca Hersher reports that the administration requests over $26 billion for disaster relief, which is approximately $4 billion more than President Biden had requested in his final budget.

This funding surge contrasts sharply with the administration's plans to eliminate FEMA and transfer more disaster response responsibilities to state governments. President Trump has publicly stated his belief that FEMA should not exist in its current form and has appointed a diverse group of federal officials, governors, and emergency experts to propose significant changes to the agency’s structure and function.

Investigation into Boulder, Colorado Attacker's Family

Windsor Johnston updates listeners on the ongoing investigation following the violent attack on peaceful demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. The attacker, Muhammad Soliman, has been charged with a federal hate crime and 16 counts of attempted murder for using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails against a crowd advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in the U.S. on an expired tourist visa, has had his family detained by immigration officials.

At [02:28], Caroline Levitt states, “We're also investigating to what extent his family knew about this horrific attack, if they had any knowledge of it or if they provided support to it.” This statement underscores the administration's effort to determine any familial involvement or support in the extremist act.

Harvey Weinstein Trial Enters Deliberation Phase

The episode also covers the latest developments in the Harvey Weinstein trial. As closing arguments conclude, the 73-year-old disgraced movie producer, who is already serving a 23-year sentence from his Los Angeles conviction, awaits jury deliberations in his third sex crimes trial. Windsor Johnston notes that jurors are expected to begin their deliberations the following day, bringing this high-profile case another step closer to resolution.

Wall Street Sees Significant Gains

In a positive note for the financial markets, Windsor Johnston reports that Wall Street experienced notable gains with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 214 points and the NASDAQ increasing by 156 points. This surge reflects investor optimism amidst the ongoing economic and political developments.

Air Quality Alert in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Environmental concerns take center stage as Matt Sepik of Minnesota Public Radio highlights that residents across much of Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin woke up to hazy skies due to smoke from major wildfires burning in central Canada. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has declared the air quality in the eastern half of the state and parts of Wisconsin as unhealthy.

Officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and wear N95 masks to protect against the poor air quality. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect across the region through midday Wednesday, emphasizing the ongoing impact of the wildfires on local communities.

Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" Achieves Milestone

Lastly, Chloe Veltman shares a cultural milestone as British pop star Rick Astley's iconic 1987 hit "Never Gonna Give You Up" surpasses 1 billion streams on Spotify. Veltman attributes the song's enduring popularity to the Rickrolling internet phenomenon, where individuals are tricked into clicking hyperlinks that lead to the song's music video instead of the intended content.

Astley's track originally topped the charts in the U.S. and over 20 other countries upon its release. Its resurgence through internet memes has not only introduced the song to new generations but also contributed to its streaming success. Veltman also mentions other 1980s British songs that have reached the 1 billion streams milestone, including Soft Sells' "Tainted Love" and The Police's "Every Breath You Take."

Market Recap

Concluding the financial segment, Windsor Johnston reiterates the day's stock performance, noting substantial gains in both the Dow and the NASDAQ, signaling a robust market environment.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the June 3, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news topics.