NPR News Now: May 14, 2025, 10 AM EDT

Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Gaza

Korva Coleman opens the episode with a somber report from Washington, highlighting the escalation of conflict in Gaza. A new series of Israeli airstrikes has resulted in the deaths of at least 64 Palestinians, according to Gaza hospital officials. Daniel Estrin provides further details from Tel Aviv, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a group of Israeli soldiers. Netanyahu stated, “Israel would, quote, complete the course in Gaza and would pause the war” [00:36]. He articulated that Israel is willing to hold ceasefire talks but remains firm in not ending the war unless certain conditions are met, including the release of hostages by Hamas.

In ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israeli officials are currently in Qatar for the second day of talks aimed at negotiating a ceasefire. Despite these negotiations, Israeli airstrikes continue unabated. The human cost of the conflict is poignantly captured in a personal account from ISRA Maqbeel at a Gaza morgue, who mourned her brothers and their children killed in a strike on their home. She expressed her anguish by saying, “Why Trump? Why are you doing this to us?” [00:36]. Estrin concludes his report from Tel Aviv, underscoring the complex and tragic nature of the ongoing violence.

Stock Markets and Oil Industry Developments

Transitioning to economic news, Korva Coleman introduces Scott Horsley's analysis on the financial markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 40 points in early trading [01:22].

Scott Horsley delves into OPEC's outlook, noting that the organization anticipates reduced investments from the U.S. and other major oil producers in drilling new wells for the year, a response to lower oil prices [01:28]. Despite this, OPEC expects the U.S. to enhance oil production in 2025, albeit not as aggressively as previously forecasted. Current crude oil prices in the U.S. are around $63 a barrel, which remains below the threshold necessary to justify new drilling according to surveys conducted by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank.

In related news, retail gasoline prices experienced an overnight increase of over 2 cents per gallon, although they remain lower compared to last year. Additionally, Asian stock markets mostly closed higher, with gains in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul, while Tokyo's stocks saw slight increases [01:28]. Horsley’s comprehensive overview provides insight into the interconnectedness of global oil markets and stock performance.

Extreme Heat Warning in Texas and MLB Hall of Fame Reinstatements

Korva Coleman reports on the National Weather Service issuing extreme heat warnings for parts of southern and central Texas. This morning, temperatures in San Antonio reached 74 degrees, with forecasts predicting triple-digit temperatures by the afternoon [02:09].

In sports news, a significant development unfolded as Major League Baseball (MLB) decided to posthumously reinstate two banned players, Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, along with more than a dozen others [02:09]. Becky Sullivan elaborates on this decision, explaining that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred opted for reinstatements of deceased players, reasoning that “players who have died are no longer a threat to the integrity of the game” [02:44].

Pete Rose, MLB's all-time hits leader, was permanently banned in 1989 due to revelations of his involvement in betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. Similarly, Shoeless Joe Jackson, renowned for his exceptional performance, was among the 1919 Chicago White Sox players banned for allegedly accepting bribes to throw the World Series. These reinstatements mark a controversial shift in MLB’s stance on past violations, particularly affecting those whose contributions to the sport were significant but marred by misconduct.

NFL Halts Diversity Hiring Program

In a notable move within professional sports, Korva Coleman reports that the National Football League (NFL) is pausing its accelerator program designed to promote diversity in hiring practices for head coaching and front office positions [03:22]. The upcoming event in Minnesota, which was scheduled for the following week, would have provided coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to engage directly with team owners during league meetings.

The NFL has stated that the accelerator program requires a revamp to better meet its objectives and has announced that it will resume next year. This suspension reflects ongoing challenges and the league’s reassessment of its strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion within its ranks.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivers comprehensive coverage of critical international conflicts, economic shifts, significant developments in professional sports, and societal issues. From the tragic escalation in Gaza and its global implications to the nuanced movements in global oil markets and stock indices, the news is both diverse and impactful. The reinstatement of iconic MLB players and the NFL's strategic pause on its diversity program further underscore the complexities and evolving nature of these institutions. Whether addressing extreme weather conditions or high-profile decisions in sports, NPR ensures listeners are well-informed on the multifaceted events shaping our world.

Notable Quotes:

• Netanyahu on Gaza operations: “Israel would, quote, complete the course in Gaza and would pause the war” [00:36].
• ISRA Maqbeel expressing grief: “Why Trump? Why are you doing this to us?” [00:36].
• MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on reinstatements: “players who have died are no longer a threat to the integrity of the game” [02:44].