NPR News: 05-14-2025 6AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 14, 2025, 6 AM EDT

Live from Washington, NPR brings you the latest updates covering international relations, domestic developments, and significant events shaping our world today.

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President Trump Engages with Gulf Leaders on Iran Deal

Korva Coleman introduces the day's first major story, highlighting President Donald Trump's recent engagement with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Saudi Arabia. The primary focus of the meeting was Trump's pursuit of a deal with Iran, contingent upon significant concessions from Tehran.

Trump emphasized his conditions for the deal:

“I want to do something if it's possible. But for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
(00:26)

In addition to the Iran discussions, Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria. Following the overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad last fall, Syrian rebel leader Abd al Shahra now holds power. Trump met with Shahra during his Saudi visit and indicated that his administration is considering normalizing relations with Syria's new government. Future trips to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are also on the agenda.

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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire Talks in Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed his upcoming visit to Turkey, aiming to facilitate direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions hinge on Russia agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire to commence peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stated:

“If Putin does not show up in Turkey, it will send a clear signal Russia is not ready for any kind of negotiation.”
(01:27)

He further elaborated that he plans to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara and may relocate to Istanbul should Putin insist on that venue. Zelenskyy expressed optimism that Putin’s participation would pave the way for meaningful dialogue to resolve the war.

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Air Traffic Control Shortages Disrupt Newark Liberty International Airport

Korva Coleman reports ongoing issues at Newark Liberty International Airport caused by staffing shortages at the Philadelphia radar facility responsible for directing Newark's airspace.

NPR's Joe Hernandez details the situation:

“The FAA confirmed that at least three controllers were scheduled each hour at the Philadelphia radar facility that directs traffic in Newark's airspace. The New York Times said an agreement between the FAA and the Air traffic controllers Union dictates that 14 controllers should have been working during most of that time.”
(02:25)

The discrepancy between the required and actual number of controllers has led to significant delays and cancellations, exacerbated by technical problems and runway construction. In response, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a comprehensive overhaul of the national air traffic control system, a project estimated to cost billions.

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Historic Election: Omaha Elects Its First Black Mayor

In a landmark development, Omaha voters have elected John Ewing as the city's first Black mayor, defeating incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert. NPR's Giles Snyder covers the significance of this upset victory, which, while officially non-partisan, is perceived as a win for Democrats amid local and national political currents.

“The race initially turned on local issues. The Trump administration loomed over voters late in the campaign.”
(03:21)

Ewing's election reflects a shifting political landscape in Nebraska's capital, signaling voters' desire for change and a break from the previous administration.

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Menendez Brothers Re-Sentenced, Opening Path to Parole

A significant legal development emerged as a Los Angeles judge re-sentenced the Menendez brothers to 50 years to life in prison. Originally convicted for the brutal 1989 murders of their parents, the new sentencing decision paves the way for potential parole opportunities.

Frank Stoltz from LAist News reports:

“In re-sentencing Eric and Lyle Menendez, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jessick said the two had done amazing work behind bars, rehabilitating themselves and helping others.”
(03:58)

Both brothers, now 57, addressed the court, referencing the alleged sexual abuse endured at their father's hands while asserting there was no justification for their actions. This parole eligibility marks a pivotal moment in a case that has captivated public attention for decades.

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Wildfires Ravage Northeastern Minnesota

Korva Coleman updates listeners on two devastating wildfires in northeastern Minnesota, near Duluth, which have consumed approximately 30 square miles. The fires have resulted in the destruction of dozens of homes and cabins, displacing residents and prompting emergency responses.

“Two wildfires in northeastern Minnesota have scorched 30 square miles. Not far from Duluth. Dozens of homes and cabins have been destroyed.”
(04:39)

Authorities are actively working to contain the fires and support affected communities during this crisis.

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Stay informed with NPR News for comprehensive coverage of the events shaping our world.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. President Trump addressed Arab leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council today. Meeting in Saudi Arabia. He told them he wants to reach a deal with Iran. But Trump has conditions.

[Donald Trump]

I want to do something if it's possible. But but for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.

[Korva Coleman]

Trump also says he's dropping US Sanctions on Syria. Syrian rebels came to power last fall after toppling Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad. Trump met Syrian transitional leader Abd al Shahra on the sidelines of his Saudi Arabian visit. Trump says his administration is also considering normalizing relations with Syria's new government. Next, Trump will visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms that he will be in Turkey tomorrow and he'll be prepared for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It's not clear if the Russian leader will make the trip. Ukraine is pushing Russia to agree to a 30 day ceasefire so so that talks to stop the war in Ukraine can begin. NPR's Joanna Kakissis has more.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky said that if Putin does not show up in Turkey, it will send a clear.

Signal Russia is not ready for any kind of negotiation.

Zelenskyy says he will be in Turkey's capital, Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and would move to Istanbul if Putin insists on meeting there. If Putin makes this step and says he's ready for a cease fire, zelensky said, then this opens the way to discussions on ending the war. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kyiv.

[Korva Coleman]

President Trump says that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend tomorrow's talks in Turkey. There are continued concerns about air traffic control issues at Newark Liberty International Airport. NPR's Joe Hernandez reports that on Monday night, the radar facility that serves the New Jersey airport only had three air traffic controllers on duty.

[Joe Hernandez]

The FAA confirmed that at least three controllers were scheduled each hour at the Philadelphia radar facility that directs traffic in Newark's airspace. The New York Times said an agreement between the FAA and the Air traffic controllers Union dictates that 14 controllers should have been working during most of that time. Neither the FAA nor the union responded to questions about that agreement. Delays and cancellations have plagued Newark's airport in recent staffing shortages, technical problems and Runway construction. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a plan last week to overhaul the national air traffic control system, which some estimates say could cost billions. Joe Hernandez, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Voters in Nebraska's capital, Omaha, have made history. The city will soon have its first Black mayor, as NPR's Giles Snyder reports.

[Giles Snyder]

The Omaha mayor's office is ostensibly non partisan, but the results from Tuesday's election are seen as an upset victory for Democrats. Omaha voters chose challenger John Ewing over incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert, the city's first woman to occupy the office. The race initially turned on local issues. The Trump administration loomed over voters late in the campaign.

[Korva Coleman]

NPR's Giles Snyder reporting. A Los Angeles judge has re sentenced the Menendez Brothers to 50 years to life in prison. They were originally given life terms for the murders of their parents. From Laist News, Frank Stoltz reports. This could create a way for them to be released on parole.

[Frank Stoltz]

In re sentencing Eric and Lyle Menendez, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jessick said the two had done amazing work behind bars, rehabilitating themselves and helping others. The brothers were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the shotgun murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. The new sentence makes them immediately eligible for parole. Both brothers addressed the court with the now 57 year old Lyle Menendez, alluding to the alleged sexual abuse the two suffered at the hands of their father, but saying there was no excuse for the killings. For NPR News, I'm Frank Stoltz in Los Angeles.

[Korva Coleman]

Two wildfires in northeastern Minnesota have scorched 30 square miles. Not far from Duluth. Dozens of homes and cabins have been destroyed. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News, in Washington.

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