NPR News Now – May 13, 2025, 6 AM EDT
Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
President Trump's Middle East Trip and U.S. Spending Bill Developments
International Diplomacy: President Donald Trump has embarked on a significant four-day diplomatic mission to the Middle East, starting with his arrival in Saudi Arabia. He was warmly received on the tarmac by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marked by a ceremonial 21-gun salute. This trip includes subsequent visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the administration's focus on strengthening ties in the region.
Domestic Legislative Efforts: Meanwhile, House Republicans are intensifying their efforts to finalize a substantial spending bill within the week. The process involves three key committees:
- House Energy and Commerce Committee
- Ways and Means Committee
- Committee on Agriculture
Internal Divisions: Despite holding a slim majority, Republicans face internal challenges in reconciling demands for significant spending cuts with the interests of members from competitive districts who seek the protection of expensive programs and tax incentives. A critical point of contention is the cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions. In districts such as New York, New Jersey, and California, GOP members have stated that their support hinges on increasing the SALT deduction cap.
Elena Moore, NPR:
"It's crucial for GOP leaders to get these folks on board." [00:49]
The necessity for near-unanimous party approval makes these negotiations pivotal for the bill's passage.
Judicial Ruling on IRS and ICE Data Sharing
A significant legal decision has emerged concerning the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A federal judge has declined to block the IRS from sharing tax data with ICE, a move that could facilitate the identification and deportation of individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status.
Legal Context: Despite existing restrictions on the type of information ICE can request, the ruling by U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, appointed by former President Trump, allows this data sharing to proceed.
Controversy and Privacy Concerns: The decision follows the resignation of IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause, who stepped down over an agreement permitting ICE access to IRS tax records. ICE has maintained that the data sharing is limited to major criminal cases. However, nonprofit organizations argue that this practice infringes on the privacy rights of all taxpayers, regardless of their immigration status, posing a broader threat to American privacy.
Jasmine Garsd, NPR:
"To do otherwise threatens the privacy of all Americans." [01:43]
The ruling has sparked a debate over the balance between law enforcement needs and individual privacy rights.
Air Traffic Control Issues at Newark International Airport
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that federal officials will engage with major airlines in Washington to address persistent air traffic control problems in the Northeast, particularly those originating from Newark International Airport.
Aviation Concerns: The inefficiencies have led to extensive flight delays, with families enduring wait times of four to five hours for flights that fail to take off promptly.
Secretary Duffy:
"The goal is to have a manageable number of flights land at Newark. Families shouldn't have to wait four or five hours for a flight that never takes off." [02:52]
In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established an emergency task force to evaluate and enhance air traffic control safety measures at Newark, aiming to streamline operations and reduce delays.
Legal Proceedings: Gerard Depardieu and Texas Supreme Court Appeals
French Judicial Verdict: Renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu has been convicted of sexual assault in a French court. The charges stem from allegations of repeatedly groping two women on a film set in 2021. The court has sentenced Depardieu to an 18-month suspended prison term, a decision he has vowed to appeal.
Texas Supreme Court Appeal: In the United States, a notable legal battle is unfolding as lawyers representing Kern and former foster children in Texas seek to overturn a recent appeals court decision. Their goal is to have the removal of Judge Janice Jack from their case reinstated by the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Jack, a long-standing jurist in the case, was ousted by the conservative Fifth Circuit Appeals Court, which cited perceived bias in her handling of the case.
Paul Flav, Texas Public Radio:
"The conservative Fifth Circuit Appeals court misapplied key legal standards when it ordered Judge Janice Jack removed from the case." [03:52]
The plaintiffs argue that navigating the judicial process should respect the integrity of longstanding judges and that the contempt fines levied against the Texas Health and Human Services Commission were unjustly nullified.
Public Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Foods
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that ten individuals have been hospitalized due to infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterial pathogen. Investigations have traced the outbreak to prepared food products manufactured by Fresh and Ready Foods, a company specializing in sandwiches and snacks.
Affected Regions and Response: The contaminated products were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington state towards the end of the previous month. In response, a comprehensive recall of all implicated Fresh and Ready Foods products has been initiated to prevent further cases.
Public Health Advisory: Consumers are urged to check their purchases and heed recall notices to avoid exposure to the bacteria, which can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
Stay informed with NPR News Now for the latest updates on these and other pressing stories.