NPR News Now: May 14, 2025, 6 PM EDT Episode Summary
Released on May 14, 2025
Immigration Detention Release of Badar Khan Surya Suri
Reporter: Sergio Martinez Beltran
Timestamp: [00:23] - [01:23]
Federal Judge Jack Spear announced the release of Badar Khan Surya Suri from immigration detention after eight weeks of confinement following his March arrest in Virginia. Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is now returning to Virginia from Texas as his legal challenge against his detention proceeds in court.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Suri of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting anti-Semitism on social media" ([00:44]). DHS further claimed that his father-in-law is a senior advisor to Hamas, though multiple news outlets have referred to him as a "former adviser." Despite having his visa revoked, Suri has not been formally charged with any crime and has consistently denied the allegations. This case marks the latest instance of a scholar being released by a federal judge amid increased scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activists.
President Trump's Mideast Visit and Syrian Leadership
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [01:23] - [02:13]
During President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Middle East, a significant yet brief moment captured Trump's handshake with Syria's newly appointed president, Ahmed Al Shara. Notably, Al Shara previously served as an al Qaeda fighter in Iraq and was detained by the U.S. military due to his leadership role in a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., with a bounty of $10 million placed on his head.
Following the meeting, President Trump described Al Shara as "a young, attractive guy, albeit one with a very strong past" ([01:23]). In a strategic move, Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria, aiming to foster relations with the new Syrian government.
Escalation of Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
Reporter: Daniel Estrin
Timestamp: [02:13] - [03:00]
A series of intensive Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 64 Palestinians in Gaza, according to hospital officials on the ground. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is open to ceasefire negotiations but remains committed to continuing military operations. In a meeting with Israeli soldiers, Netanyahu asserted that Israel would "complete the course in Gaza and would pause the war if Hamas releases around 10 of the 20 hostages believed to be alive" ([01:23]).
Israel is currently engaged in its second day of ceasefire talks in Qatar, insisting that negotiations can only proceed under active conflict conditions. Meanwhile, airstrikes remain ongoing. The human cost of the conflict is evident, as illustrated by ISRA Maqbil's heartfelt mourning in a Gaza morgue, where she questioned, "Why Trump? Why are you doing this to us?" ([02:13]).
Potential Strike Threat on New Jersey Transit
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [03:00] - [04:01]
New Jersey Transit engineers are threatening to strike, potentially disrupting services for up to 350,000 commuters in New York and New Jersey. The strike could commence on Friday morning if a labor agreement is not reached, forcing commuters to seek alternative transportation options. This development poses significant challenges for daily travelers and the regional economy.
Rescinding of U.S. AI Export Limits
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [03:00] - [04:01]
A Biden-era rule that intended to limit the export of computer chips for artificial intelligence (AI) applications is being rescinded. The decision comes after considerable pushback from the tech sector, including major companies like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. These firms argued that the export restrictions could inadvertently drive nations such as China to develop AI technologies using American alternatives, thereby undermining U.S. technological leadership.
Treasure Hunt in San Francisco Uncovers Buried Loot
Reporter: Chloe Veltman
Timestamp: [04:01] - [04:47]
A group of San Francisco residents embarked on a high-stakes treasure hunt following an enigmatic Reddit post that provided cryptic clues. The search led participants to Sutro Baths, a historic swimming complex by the Pacific Ocean. While Eamonn McLachlan and his friends were unable to locate the treasure, another team comprising Austintario TJ Lee and Eric Barry successfully unearthed a chest. The discovery included valuable items such as a large gold nugget in a corked bottle filled with sand, a Panama Pacific Exposition bronze coin, and rare Barry Bonds baseball cards, all buried beneath a bush near a hiking trail intersection over five miles from Sutro Baths ([04:01]).
NASA's Perseverance Rover Detects Mars Aurora
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:47] - [05:04]
In a groundbreaking observation, NASA's Perseverance rover has detected a Mars aurora, the first of its kind visible to the human eye. European and U.S. scientists reported that the green aurora in the Martian sky was generated by a solar storm, offering new insights into the planet's atmospheric and magnetic interactions. This discovery provides valuable data for future manned missions to Mars, showcasing the dynamic celestial phenomena occurring on the Red Planet.
Market and Transportation Updates
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [03:00] - [04:01]
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 89 points today, reflecting investor concerns amidst ongoing economic uncertainties. Additionally, Amazon Music is highlighted as a podcast sponsor, offering free listening options for subscribers with a Prime membership or through any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now at npr.org.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key news points covered in the May 14, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with detailed insights and notable quotations to keep abreast of current events.