NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-13-2025 4AM EDT

Episode Date: May 13, 2025

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Does the idea of listening to political news freak you out? Well, don't sweat it. The NPR Politics Podcast makes politics a breeze. Every episode will break down the day's headlines into totally normal language and make sure that you walk away understanding what the day's news might mean for you. Take a deep breath and give politics another chance with the NPR Politics Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. Asian shares are mixed in Tuesday trading after initially following Wall Street higher. US stocks advanced on Monday after China and

the US announced a 90-day truce in their trade war. But there is still a cloud of uncertainty over what happens next, and and NPR Scott Horsley says the damage could already be done. Forecasters at the Yale Budget Lab say even with the temporary reduction in tariffs, the US is still looking at higher inflation and slower economic growth than it was before the trade war began. Ironically, though, the lower tariff actually brings in more money for the government. That's because more businesses will grit their teeth and pay this tax, whereas the higher levy just brought commerce to a standstill.

The US said in a joint statement with China that it will cut tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from as high as 145%. China said its tariffs on US products will fall to 10%. The move is intended to allow for more time for trade talks. President Trump now on the first leg of his four-day trip to the Middle East. He is in Saudi Arabia, where he was greeted in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two are to hold talks on Iran's nuclear program, the war in Gaza, and oil prices from Riyadh. Trump will travel on to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Fifty-nine Afrikaners landed at Dulles International Airport

on Monday. They're the first group of white South Africans to be granted refugee status in the U.S. and Pierce Humana-Bastille has the story. Children held American flags and stuffed animals. They gathered in one blocked off corner of the airport hangar, decorated with red, white and blue balloons.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau greeted them. Makes me so happy to see you with our flag. The administration says these families, who are descendants of Dutch settlers, faced the threat of violence because of their race. They granted the families an expedited process to seek refuge. The broader refugee program effectively remains paused,

but the administration says more Africaners are set to arrive in the coming months. Ximena Bustillo, NPR News, Washington. The Energy Department wants to eliminate or weaken 47 regulations, including some energy efficiency standards for appliances. Jeff Brady reports that advocates for those standards say some of the proposed rule changes violate the law. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says the Trump administration is slashing regulations that he claims restrict consumer

choice. He plans to rescind conservation standards for kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, and more. Andrew Dulaski of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project says that will increase energy costs. And he says the law bars backsliding on such standards. They can only become more efficient. That was to provide regulatory certainty for manufacturers As the law bars backsliding on such standards, they can only become more efficient.

That was to provide regulatory certainty for manufacturers and to ensure that consumers would see consistent improvement in energy efficiency over time. Dalaski says if the proposals are finalized, they likely will be challenged in court. Jeff Brady, NPR News. This is NPR. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he will be in Istanbul on Thursday, but there's been no response from the Kremlin to Zelensky's offer to meet face-to-face with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

And it remains unclear who Putin, rather, who will represent Russia at possible peace talks on Monday. President Trump offered to join the potential negotiations. Los Angeles today, a much anticipated re-sentencing hearing is set to take place involving the Menendez brothers. They were found guilty in 1996 of first degree murder and a high profile trial for the killing of their parents

and were given a life sentence. Steve Utterman reports. The brothers have served more than 35 years in prison. Their lead attorney Mark Garagos says they are no longer a threat to commit a serious crime. The key issue is, is there a likelihood of a super strike? Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Huckman opposes resentencing. The issue with the Menendez brothers is not never.

They should never qualify for resentencing. We said it was not yet. He says the brothers have never fully acknowledged responsibility for their actions. Even if the sentence is reduced to 50 years to life, a parole board would have to approve their release. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles. Local media in Minnesota reporting on a wildfire burning near the community of Brimson. The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office being quoted as saying that the Camp House fire

has destroyed at least 40 structures and that residents of the area are being asked to evacuate. I'm Giles Snyder. This is NPR News. You're listening to the NPR Network. Live from NPR News. I'm Giles Snyder. This is NPR News. You're listening to the NPR Network. Live from NPR News. A living breathing record of your neighborhood, the country, the world. Told by thousands of local journalists who live in the places where stories unfold. Backed by a national newsroom that puts it all in perspective. Hear the whole country's story. Hear ways of thinking that