NPR News Now: May 10, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman

1. Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Government Overhaul

At the outset of the episode, Dale Willman reports on a significant legal decision affecting the Trump administration's efforts to restructure the federal government. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the administration's comprehensive overhaul for at least 14 days.

Key Highlights:

• Judge's Ruling: U.S. District Judge Susan Ilston, appointed by President Clinton, determined that President Trump's executive order, which directed federal agencies to implement mass layoffs and shut down various programs, likely exceeds constitutional bounds.

  "A temporary restraining order is necessary to protect the power of the legislative branch." – Shannon Bond, [00:32]

• Legal Basis: The coalition comprising labor unions, nonprofits, and local governments contended that the administration's unilateral restructuring measures violate the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.

• Implications: While acknowledging the president's authority to seek administrative changes, Judge Ilston emphasized the necessity of collaboration with Congress to enact such significant modifications. This ruling adds to a series of legal challenges that are testing the limits of Trump's executive authority.

Conclusion: The administration now faces a legal hurdle that temporarily halts its planned government restructuring, pending further judicial review and potential legislative involvement.

2. Release of International Student Rumesk Ozturk from Federal Custody

Dale Willman continues with the story of Rumesk Ozturk, a Tufts University international student who was detained by the Trump administration due to her pro-Palestinian activism. After months of legal battles, Ozturk has been released from federal custody.

Key Highlights:

• Circumstances of Arrest: In March, immigration agents apprehended Ozturk in suburban Boston, transporting her to a detention center in rural Louisiana under the allegation of aligning with Hamas.

• Legal Proceedings: Federal Judge William K. Sessions ruled that the detention lacked constitutional support, primarily hinging on an op-ed Ozturk authored criticizing the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

  "The only evidence the government provided to justify her detention was an op ed she wrote critical of the Israel Hamas war in Gaza." – Adrienne Florido, [01:24]

• Current Status: Although Ozturk has been released, she remains at risk of deportation. Her legal team argues that her detention was an act of retaliation against her protected free speech.

Conclusion: Ozturk's release marks a notable victory for her legal team and raises critical questions about the administration's use of executive power to target individuals based on their political activism.

3. Death of Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter and Newark Mayor's Arrest

The episode also covers significant local and national news, including the passing of a notable Supreme Court Justice and the arrest of a city mayor.

a. Passing of Justice David Souter

• Biographical Overview: Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, appointed by a Republican president, was widely respected for his moderate stance and judicial temperament over his 19-year tenure.

  "Souter brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service." – Chief Justice Roberts, as cited by Nina Totenberg, [02:28]

• Judicial Legacy: Initially seen as a conservative appointee, Souter gradually aligned more closely with the court's liberal justices, earning admiration across political spectrums despite criticism from conservative circles.

b. Arrest of Newark Mayor Ross Baraka

• Incident Details: Mayor Ross Baraka was arrested while protesting the inauguration of a federal detention center in Newark, New Jersey. According to a federal prosecutor's social media statement, Baraka committed trespass and disregarded multiple warnings to vacate the facility.

Conclusion: Justice Souter's death marks the loss of a respected figure in the judiciary, while the arrest of Mayor Baraka highlights ongoing tensions surrounding federal detention policies and local governance.

4. Air Traffic Control Disruption at Newark Airport

In a report on transportation, Dale Willman informs listeners about a technical glitch that momentarily grounded air traffic operations in Newark.

Key Highlights:

• Incident Overview: Early Friday morning, air traffic controllers at Newark Airport experienced a 90-second loss of radar capabilities, leading to temporary flight disruptions.

  "The incident was caused by poor staffing and modern technology." – FAA officials, [03:11]

• Previous Occurrence: A similar radar failure on April 28 had resulted in the cancellation or delay of hundreds of flights, with United Airlines alone canceling 10% of its departures from the airport.

Conclusion: The recurring technical issues at Newark Airport underscore ongoing challenges in airport infrastructure management and the critical need for reliable air traffic control systems.

5. Most Popular Baby Names in the United States

Shifting to lighter news, Nita Ulugy presents the latest data from the Social Security Administration regarding baby name trends.

Key Highlights:

• Top Names: Liam and Olivia have retained their positions as the most popular names for boys and girls, respectively, for the sixth consecutive year.

  "For the sixth year in a row, the girl's name, Luna, is no longer in the top 10. It's been replaced by Sophia." – Nita Ulugy, [03:54]

• Consistent Favorites: Emma and Noah continue to hold their ranks as the second most popular names for girls and boys.

• Rising Names: Names such as Truce and Halo for boys, and Ailani and Annale for girls, have seen significant increases in popularity, despite not breaking into the top 10.

Conclusion: The enduring popularity of traditional names like Liam and Olivia contrasts with the emergence of more unique choices, reflecting evolving parental preferences in the United States.

6. Google to Pay $1.4 Billion Settlement to Texas

In a major corporate news segment, Dale Willman reports on Google's hefty settlement with the state of Texas over data privacy concerns.

Key Highlights:

• Settlement Details: Google has agreed to pay $1.4 billion to Texas to resolve allegations that it collected user data without explicit consent.

• Legal Claims: The Texas Attorney General asserted that Google unlawfully tracked users through geolocation during incognito searches and harvested biometric data without permission.

Conclusion: This settlement represents one of the most substantial penalties for data privacy violations, highlighting the increasing scrutiny tech giants face regarding user data protection and privacy practices.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the May 10, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For a comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.