NPR News Now: May 3, 2025
On this episode of NPR News Now, host Dale Willman brings listeners a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news. From significant legal settlements and employment trends to high-profile incidents and international conflicts, the episode covers a wide array of topics that shape our world today.
Settlement Reached in Ashley Babbitt's Lawsuit
Lawyers have reportedly reached a settlement in principle to resolve the lawsuit filed by the family of Ashley Babbitt, who was fatally shot by police during the January 6th Capitol riot. Babbitt, an Air Force veteran and avid Trump supporter, was attempting to climb through a broken window inside the Capitol when the incident occurred.
"Lawyers say they've reached a settlement in principle to resolve a lawsuit filed by the family of a woman who was fatally shot by police during the Capitol riot." – Dale Willman [00:16]
The lawsuit, initially seeking $30 million, had been poised for trial until a shift in the Justice Department's stance following President Trump's return to office. Although details of the settlement remain undisclosed and no final agreement has been signed, both parties expressed optimism about the resolution.
"Ashleigh Babbitt was an Air Force veteran and avid Trump supporter. She was shot by a police officer as she tried to climb through a broken window deep inside the Capitol during the January 6th attack." – Ryan Lucas [00:34]
Despite the officer involved not being charged, Babbitt's death has become a symbolic rallying cry for far-right movements.
US Employment Data Shows Strong Job Growth in April
In a positive economic indicator, the Labor Department reported that U.S. employers added 177,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations despite a slight overall slowdown in hiring.
"Employers added more jobs than expected in April, despite overall hiring slowing slightly." – Dale Willman [01:14]
Scott Horsley highlights the surprising sectors contributing to this growth, noting that industries typically resilient to economic fluctuations, such as healthcare, led the charge with the highest job gains.
"Some of the jobs are coming in industries that are pretty well insulated from the ups and downs of the economy, like health care that saw the biggest job gains last month." – Scott Horsley [01:28]
Additionally, the restaurant and bar industry added approximately 17,000 jobs, defying concerns about declining sales among major chains like McDonald's and Domino's Pizza.
"They also added about 17,000 jobs in April. That was not a given, especially after we got some worrisome reports this week about a drop in US sales at restaurants like McDonald's and Domino's Pizza." – Scott Horsley [01:28]
Unemployment Rate Steady; Inglewood School Shooting; Kentucky Derby Preview
The unemployment rate remains unchanged at 4.2%, indicating a stable job market. In other news, a tragic shooting occurred in Inglewood, California, where a man believed to be a former technical college employee fatally shot two school employees on Friday afternoon. One of the victims is in critical condition, and the suspect has been taken into custody.
"The unemployment rate, meanwhile, held steady at 4.2%." – Dale Willman [01:53]
In sports, preparations are underway for the Kentucky Derby, the first race of the Triple Crown. Aminah Elahi from Louisville Public Media provides an overview of the event, highlighting the excitement surrounding the favorite entrant.
"For NPR News, I'm Amena Elahi in Louisville." – Amena Elahi [02:21]
With a $5 million purse and a fleet of 19 horses, the Kentucky Derby promises to draw large crowds and betting enthusiasts to Churchill Downs racetrack.
Tesla Faces Significant Sales Decline in Europe
Tesla is experiencing a substantial decline in sales across several European markets. Recent figures indicate that April sales in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark plummeted by over two-thirds compared to the previous year. Other European countries also saw sales drop by more than a third.
"Tesla sales are down appreciably in several European countries. Figures released on Friday show Tesla's sales collapsed in April by more than two thirds from a year earlier in Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark." – Dale Willman [02:48]
These declines could signify broader challenges for Elon Musk's automotive company on the global stage, raising concerns about Tesla's market position and future growth prospects.
Former Illinois Governor George Ryan Passes Away
Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, renowned for his decisive action to halt the state's death penalty, has passed away. Ryan served as governor from 1999 to 2003 and implemented a moratorium on capital punishment in 2000, commuting over 100 death row sentences.
"Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who put a moratorium on that state's death penalty in 2000, has died." – Dale Willman [03:30]
Ryan was deeply influenced by the case of Anthony Porter, an innocent man who spent 16 years on death row before being exonerated.
"Here's a fellow that spent 16 years on death row waking up every morning saying, and I wonder if today's the day that they're going to stick the needle in and kill me. And I turned to my wife and said, how does that happen in America?" – Unnamed Source [03:44]
Previously, Ryan had served time in prison for his involvement in a scandal involving the illegal issuance of driver's licenses in exchange for bribes, an event that tragically led to the death of six children in 1994.
"Ryan spent more than five years in prison for his role in a scheme offering driver's licenses for bribes while he was secretary of state." – Alex Stegman [03:57]
Ryan's legacy is marked by his commitment to justice reform and his efforts to rectify past mistakes within the legal system.
Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Syria; US Tourists Rescued in Puerto Rico
In international news, Israel's air force launched attacks near Syria's presidential palace, shortly after warning Syria against advancing toward villages in southern Syria inhabited by the Druze minority. The strikes also targeted areas in southern and central Syria, though no injuries have been reported.
"Israel's air force attacked targets near Syria's presidential palace on Friday. The strike came just hours after Israel warned Syria not to move toward villages in southern Syria where members of the Druze minority live." – Dale Willman [04:12]
Meanwhile, in the United States, three US tourists were successfully rescued in Puerto Rico following severe flooding caused by heavy rains. One individual was swept away by strong currents in the Gozolandia River but was later found safe. The region remains a popular destination for recreational activities, despite ongoing flood advisories and flash flood warnings in several areas.
"Three US Tourists were rescued in Puerto Rico on Friday after they became stranded following heavy rains and flood." – Dale Willman [04:12]
These events highlight both the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the challenges posed by natural disasters in vulnerable regions.
This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a wide range of pressing issues, providing listeners with detailed insights and updates on critical events shaping the global and domestic landscape.