NPR News Now – June 3, 2025, 6PM EDT
Your comprehensive update on today’s most pressing news, delivered by NPR.
1. U.S. Trade Negotiations and Tariffs
Deadline Approaches for Trade Deals
The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to negotiate favorable trade deals by sending a letter to U.S. trading partners, urging them to present their best offers by Wednesday. This move comes amid ongoing negotiations over the steep tariffs initially proposed in April.
Tamara Keith reports:
"Facing market backlash, President Trump paused the bulk of the tariffs, saying that would allow time to negotiate bespoke deals with each trading partner."
(00:45)
Despite the pause, progress has been slower than anticipated. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt remains optimistic:
"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."
(01:04)
The administration is actively engaging in talks with key trading partners, with the current tariff pause set to expire on July 8. Levitt emphasizes that negotiations are in active stages and successful outcomes are expected shortly.
2. President Trump’s Request to Reclaim Public Broadcasting Funds
Clawback Attempt Threatens NPR and PBS
In a controversial move, President Trump has formally requested Congress to reclaim over $1 billion allocated to public broadcasting for the next two fiscal years. This request aims to strip federal support from NPR and PBS, stoking fears about the future of public media.
David Folkenflick explains:
"The money was just approved by the Republican-led Congress and Trump himself earlier this year. It predominantly goes to local stations, three quarters of which is for television, a quarter for radio."
(01:39)
The funds currently support NPR and PBS through fees that enable the production of national shows. Without federal funding, local stations may face dire choices, including:
- Foregoing national programming
- Laying off journalists
- Shutting down local shows
NPR and PBS have responded by suing the president, challenging his attempts to direct the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and local media outlets to cease funding the networks. Folkenflick adds:
"The president's new request to take back funds from public broadcasting is part of a larger package that Congress must pass within 45 days for it to take effect."
(01:39)
The outcome of this legislative maneuver could have significant implications for public broadcasting across the nation.
3. Meta’s Strategic Move to Secure Nuclear Energy for AI Development
Powering AI with Emissions-Free Nuclear Energy
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, is making strategic investments to support its burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. The company has signed a deal to purchase nuclear energy from Constellation Energy’s Clinton Clean Energy center in Illinois, ensuring a stable and emissions-free power supply for the next two decades.
John Ruich reports:
"Meta says nuclear power from Constellation Energy's Clinton Clean Energy center will support its operations in the region starting in 2027. The facility is about halfway between St. Louis and Chicago."
(02:34)
This agreement provides Meta with over 1,100 megawatts of clean energy, crucial for sustaining its rapidly expanding data centers. The AI boom is driving unprecedented energy demand, significantly higher than traditional internet uses such as search and cloud storage. Ruich further notes:
"AI consumes far more power than traditional Internet uses like search and cloud storage, and tech companies have been scrambling to lock in sources of power."
(02:34)
Meta’s initiative not only secures necessary energy resources but also aims to encourage the construction of new nuclear power plants in America, aligning with sustainability goals while meeting the intensive energy needs of advanced AI technologies.
4. Financial Markets and Health Initiatives
Stock Markets Rebound Towards Record Levels
Today's trading session saw the stock markets close higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average advancing by 214 points, edging closer to record highs. This positive movement reflects investor optimism amidst current economic developments.
Comprehensive Review of Baby Formula Initiated
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has called for an extensive review of baby formula under an initiative named "Operation Stork Speed." This marks the first comprehensive evaluation since 1998, addressing growing concerns about the safety of infant formula.
Key Points:
- 75% of U.S. infants consume formula within the first six months of life.
- 40% rely solely on formula for nutrition during this period.
- Recent findings have raised alarms over the presence of heavy metals and other potentially unsafe ingredients in some formulas.
Kennedy emphasizes the importance of ensuring safe and reliable nutrition sources for millions of American babies, potentially leading to significant reforms in the infant formula industry.
5. Broadway’s Beloved Musicals Return
"Beetlejuice" and "Mamma Mia" to Grace Broadway Stages Again
Broadway enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as two iconic musicals announce their return to New York’s famed theater district.
"Beetlejuice" Musical Revival
Based on the Tim Burton film, "Beetlejuice" is set to return to Broadway for the third time this October, with a limited 13-week run at the Palace Theater.
Jeff London reports:
"[Beetlejuice] the national tour of the show, currently playing in San Francisco, will move to the Palace Theater this fall for a limited run."
(04:33)
A cast member humorously states:
"Hey, folks, begging your pardon, excuse me. Sorry to barge in now. Let's skip the tears and start on the whole, you know, being dead thing."
(04:21)
"Mamma Mia" Makes a Comeback
The beloved ABBA musical, "Mamma Mia," which has enjoyed a 26-year continuous run in London, is returning to Broadway in August for a six-month engagement at the Winter Garden Theater. Fans can look forward to reliving the timeless tunes and vibrant performances that have made the show a long-standing favorite.
Jeff London adds:
"For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York."
(04:33)
These revivals promise to bring joy and entertainment to theatergoers, reaffirming Broadway’s role as a hub for celebrated musical productions.
6. Energy Sector Update
Oil Prices Surge to $63.41 per Barrel
In the energy markets, oil prices experienced a significant uptick, climbing 89 cents to reach $63.41 per barrel. This increase reflects ongoing market dynamics and influences a wide range of economic activities.
Jack Spear concludes:
"Oil was up 89 cents a barrel to $63.41 a barrel."
(04:55)
The rise in oil prices can have various implications, including higher transportation and production costs, which may ripple through the broader economy.
Conclusion
Today's episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical developments across trade negotiations, public broadcasting funding, technological advancements in AI, financial markets, health initiatives, cultural revivals on Broadway, and fluctuations in the energy sector. Each segment offered valuable insights into the factors shaping the national and global landscape, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the issues that matter most.
For more detailed coverage and ongoing updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.