NPR News Now: May 5, 2025 - 3AM EDT

Released on May 5, 2025

1. Political Insights: President Trump's Stance on the Constitution and Tariffs

Host: Dale Wilman

NPR's Dale Wilman opens the episode by discussing recent statements by former President Donald Trump. During a Sunday interview aired by NBC, Trump was questioned about his commitment to upholding the Constitution. His response, “I don't know” ([00:17]), raised eyebrows among political analysts. However, he affirmed his respect for judicial authority by stating he would "follow whatever the Supreme Court says."

The conversation shifts to Trump's ongoing tariff policies. Asma Khalid from NPR provides an in-depth analysis, highlighting the economic anxiety reflected in recent polls and Commerce Department data indicating a contraction of the U.S. economy in the first quarter of the year ([00:40]). Khalid notes that Trump believes economists underestimated the positive impacts of tariffs during his presidency and is now implementing even steeper tariffs than those introduced in 2018. This strategy appears aimed at countering current economic forecasts that predict negative outcomes from these trade measures.

2. Security Alert: Foiled Bomb Plot at Lady Gaga Concert in Rio de Janeiro

Reporter: Julia Carneiro

Julia Carneiro reports on a significant security achievement in Brazil, where authorities successfully thwarted a planned bomb attack targeting an open-air Lady Gaga concert in Rio de Janeiro ([01:10]). The Brazilian police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, uncovered a plot orchestrated via social media. A recruitment group was actively seeking participants to execute attacks using improvised explosives, specifically aiming at LGBTQ fans attending the event. The attackers had set a "collective challenge to gain notoriety online."

Law enforcement acted swiftly, arresting two individuals and executing 15 search warrants, thereby neutralizing the threat without causing public panic or disruption. The concert, held on Copacabana Beach, witnessed an unprecedented attendance of over 2 million people, making it a historic event for Lady Gaga and echoing the scale of Madonna's concerts from the previous year. Lady Gaga expressed her astonishment at the massive turnout, stating, “seeing the crowd of more than 2 million people, her biggest ever, took her breath away” ([01:20]). Carneiro concludes by commending the effective police work that ensured the safety of the attendees.

3. Aviation Crisis: United Airlines Cancels Flights Amid Air Traffic Control Issues

Reporter: Amy Held

Amy Held delivers an update on United Airlines' recent decision to cancel approximately 35 round-trip flights daily from Newark Airport ([02:04]). This move comes in the wake of significant air traffic control disruptions at one of the nation's busiest airports, compounded by longstanding staffing shortages.

United Airlines attributed the cancellations to "the technology air traffic controllers rely on has, quote, failed" ([02:26]). CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “at Newark, it's really awful.” Affected passengers, like Odette Fortier, shared their frustrations, recounting how they were stranded on the tarmac while awaiting connections, with Fortier lamenting, “We can't go another day” ([02:48]).

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the urgent need for an overhaul of the air traffic control system, warning that without substantial upgrades—potentially including replacing outdated technology like floppy disks—there could be catastrophic consequences. Funding for such significant upgrades is currently under consideration by Congress. Held underscores the widespread impact of these cancellations, noting that the issue extends beyond Newark, affecting numerous travelers across the network.

4. Tragic Incident: Shooting at Glendale Restaurant Leaves Nine Injured

Reporter: Dale Wilman

In a somber report, Dale Wilman covers a violent incident that occurred in Glendale, Arizona. On Sunday night, at least nine individuals were injured when gunshots were fired inside the El Camron Gigante restaurant near Grand Avenue ([03:12]). Authorities believe multiple shooters were involved, though details remain sparse as investigations continue. While several suspects are being held for questioning, no arrests have been made at this time. The community remains shaken as police work diligently to uncover the motives and identities of those responsible for this tragic event.

5. Entertainment Spotlight: Marvel's "Thunderbolts" Surpasses Expectations at the Box Office

Reporter: Bob Mondello

Bob Mondello provides a positive outlook on Marvel's latest cinematic endeavor, "Thunderbolts," describing it as a successful venture for the studio despite featuring relatively minor characters within the Marvel Universe ([03:49]). By the end of its opening weekend, the film grossed approximately $76 million in North America and an additional $86 million overseas, totaling $162 million in just three days. While these numbers may seem modest compared to blockbuster standards, Mondello points out that "Thunderbolts" was produced on a relatively modest budget, making its financial performance commendable.

Interwoven into the discussion, comments from Odette Fortier add a lighter note to the segment. When asked about her feelings on the film's success, Fortier responds with enthusiasm: “We gonna kill every last one of” ([04:21]), followed by a playful “You feel fulfilled?” ([04:53]) and a spirited agreement from Asma Khalid, saying, “Yeah, soulful soul, filled” ([04:23]). Mondello concludes by anticipating continued strong performance, noting that "Thunderbolts" is expected to maintain its box office presence throughout the summer. Additionally, he highlights the ongoing success of the vampire-themed film "Sinners," which has amassed nearly $180 million in North America alone ([04:23]).

6. International Conflict: Renewed Violence in Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Talks

Reporter: Dale Wilman

Dale Wilman returns to international affairs, reporting that despite ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, conflict persists in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials confirmed that an overnight drone attack by Russian forces targeted Kyiv, resulting in injuries to 11 individuals, including two children ([03:12]). Concurrently, Russia's defense ministry reported the interception and downing of 13 Ukrainian drones by its air defense systems. This exchange underscores the fragile state of peace negotiations and the continuing volatility in the region. Wilman emphasizes the human cost of these hostilities, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further loss of life.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from HomeTap and Carvana were omitted in accordance with the summary guidelines.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on May 5, 2025. From political dynamics and international security to aviation challenges and entertainment successes, the episode offers listeners a broad spectrum of current events and analyses.