NPR News Now: May 15, 2025, 6PM EDT - Detailed Summary

On the May 15, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Jack Spear, a diverse range of pressing national and international issues were discussed. The episode provided in-depth coverage of legal battles over birthright citizenship, political maneuvers surrounding abortion rights in Missouri, groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy, challenges in air traffic control systems, economic impacts of tariffs on major retailers, and fluctuations in crude oil prices. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics covered.

1. Supreme Court Reviews Challenges to Birthright Citizenship

Timestamp: [00:24] – [00:47]

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating on lawsuits that contest President Donald Trump's initiative to reinterpret the 14th Amendment concerning birthright citizenship. The central issue revolves around the extent of presidential authority and whether individual judges possess the power to universally block presidential policies.

Amanda Bestillo reported:

"President Trump has long maintained that the Constitution does not guarantee birthright citizenship. So on day one of his presidential term, he issued an executive order barring automatic citizenship for any baby born in the US whose parents entered the country illegally or who are here legally but on temporary visas."
[00:47]

The administration contends that judges should not have the authority to universally prevent the president from revoking birthright citizenship. Conversely, legal representatives from 22 states and immigration advocates argue that, despite the challenges posed by universal injunctions, such measures are essential due to the widespread applicability of citizenship benefits. A verdict on this pivotal case is anticipated later in the summer.

2. Missouri Republicans Challenge Abortion Protections

Timestamp: [01:28] – [02:03]

In Missouri, recent constitutional amendments have enshrined protections for abortion rights. In response, Republican lawmakers, including Senator Adam Schnelting, are strategizing to propose voter referendums that may repeal these protections, sparking contentious debates ahead of the 2026 elections.

Jason Rosenbaum detailed:

"Missouri Republicans like Senator Adam Schnelting want to repeal a measure that legalized abortion up to fetal viability and replace it with a ban with exceptions for medical emergencies and rape and incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy."
[01:42]

However, this move has ignited backlash from supporters of existing protections. Nancy O'Brien emphasized the importance of maintaining these rights:

"Missouri's women need the protections that are contained in this bill. Missouri's babies, Missouri's children."
[01:57]

At a rally on the Missouri Capitol steps, advocates like O’Brien affirmed their commitment to defending voter-supported protections, asserting:

"Every Missourian deserves to have agency and control over their own body."
[02:03]

The outcome of these proposed changes will significantly impact Missouri voters in the upcoming 2026 elections, determining whether to uphold abortion rights or impose stricter bans.

3. Pioneering Gene Editing Therapy Saves Baby's Life

Timestamp: [02:28] – [02:37]

In a groundbreaking medical advancement, doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully administered a bespoke gene editing therapy to a baby born with a rare genetic disorder. This innovative treatment addresses a condition that leads to the accumulation of toxic ammonia in the body, posing severe risks of brain damage and death.

Rob Stein reported:

"The baby was born at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in August with a genetic disorder that causes toxic ammonia to build up in his body that can cause brain damage and even death. So doctors raced to make a gene editing treatment to correct his genetic defect."
[02:37]

After receiving three infusions starting in February, the infant has shown significant improvement. While ongoing monitoring is essential to assess the long-term efficacy of the treatment, medical professionals are optimistic that this case marks the beginning of tailored gene editing therapies for children afflicted with extremely rare genetic conditions.

4. Air Traffic Control Systems Experience Failures in Denver and Newark

Timestamp: [03:18] – [03:37]

The episode highlighted recent disruptions in air traffic control systems, emphasizing concerns over aviation safety. Earlier this week, Denver air traffic controllers had to rapidly switch to backup communication frequencies after their main system failed for 90 seconds. This incident adds to a series of recent failures, including similar issues at Newark Airport in New Jersey.

Frank McIntosh, head of air traffic control at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), testified during a House hearing:

"The outage took place Monday, though officials say radar at the airport remained online."
[03:37]

While radar systems remained operational, the failure of primary communication channels underscores the vulnerabilities within the national air traffic control infrastructure. These repeated incidents raise critical questions about the reliability and resilience of current aviation communication systems.

5. Walmart to Increase Prices Due to Tariff Pressures

Timestamp: [04:10] – [04:37]

Walmart, the world's largest retailer, announced plans to raise prices in response to heightened tariffs, particularly those imposed on imports from China. The company's CFO, Doug McMillan, conveyed that approximately two-thirds of Walmart's U.S. products are domestically produced or assembled. Nevertheless, the sweeping tariffs have created significant financial strain.

Nancy O'Brien reported:

"Walmart CEO Doug McMillan says the company will focus on protecting food prices as much as possible, and he hopes the Trump administration lifts tariffs on foods like bananas and avocados that don't grow in large numbers in the U.S."
[04:10]

McMillan also expressed appreciation for a recent deal with China that temporarily reduced tariffs from 145% to 30%. However, he candidly addressed investors:

"Even at the reduced levels, the higher tariffs will result in higher prices."
[04:34]

Following this, Walmart's finance chief noted that price hikes will become evident later in the month and into the summer. The company, along with others facing similar challenges, finds it difficult to forecast future economic conditions due to the unpredictable nature of tariff policies.

6. Crude Oil Prices Decline on NYMEX

Timestamp: [04:51] – [05:03]

In financial markets, crude oil futures experienced a downturn, with prices dropping by $1.53 to settle at $61.62 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

Jack Spear summarized:

"Crude oil futures prices lost ground today. Oil down at $1.53 a barrel to $61.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange."
[04:51]

This decline reflects ongoing market volatility influenced by various global economic factors and domestic policy changes.

Conclusion

The May 15, 2025, episode of NPR News Now offered listeners a comprehensive overview of significant legal, political, medical, infrastructural, and economic developments shaping the nation and the world. From pivotal Supreme Court cases and state-level political battles to revolutionary medical treatments and economic adjustments by major corporations, the episode underscored the dynamic and interconnected nature of current events.