NPR News Now: May 15, 2025, 9 AM EDT - Detailed Summary

On the May 15, 2025, episode of "NPR News Now," host Korva Coleman delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news. This summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, providing insights and notable quotes to inform listeners who missed the broadcast.

1. President Trump's UAE Visit and Middle East Diplomacy

Duration: [00:23] - [01:26]

President Donald Trump concluded his four-day Middle East tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates. The trip, primarily focused on securing significant business deals, marked a pivotal moment in US-Gulf relations.

• Major Business Deal: In Qatar, Trump announced a landmark $96 billion order from Qatar for up to 210 Boeing airplanes, reported by NPR's Aya Batrawi. This deal, Boeing’s largest ever, is projected to support approximately one million jobs in the United States.

  "The White House says Qatar's order of up to 210 Boeing airplanes could support a million jobs in the US," (00:44) stated Aya Batrawi.

• Defense and Technology Agreements: The administration also inked substantial defense and tech agreements in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening ties with key Gulf nations.

• Gaza Ceasefire Efforts: A contentious issue overshadowing the trip was Trump's stalled efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to end Israel's offensive and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

  Trump emphasized his intentions in Qatar, stating, "It's not like you're trying to save something, he said he wants to make Gaza a freedom zone," (00:44).

Despite these diplomatic efforts, Arab states have rejected proposals to permanently displace Palestinians, while Israel prepares for a significant ground offensive to reclaim territory and push Palestinians southward.

2. Supreme Court Deliberations on Birthright Citizenship

Duration: [01:26] - [02:24]

The US Supreme Court commenced hearings on the Trump administration's initiative to terminate birthright citizenship, a provision entrenched in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

• Public Opposition: NPR's Joel Rose reported that a recent Ipsos poll reveals that fewer than one-third of Americans support ending birthright citizenship.

  "The NPR Ipsos poll finds that fewer than a third of Americans want to end birthright citizenship," (01:43) noted Joel Rose.

• Immigration Policies: While the birthright citizenship proposal faces substantial opposition, other immigration measures have garnered more public backing. Notably, nearly half of survey respondents support the administration's strategy to expedite the deportation of alleged gang members without allowing them to contest accusations, utilizing the Alien Enemies Act.

  "President Trump's push to quickly deport alleged gang members without giving them a chance to contest those allegations under an 18th century Wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act," (01:43).

Additionally, 40% of Americans favor mass deportations of all individuals residing in the country without legal status, a slight decrease from 44% three months prior.

3. Housing Affordability Crisis for Middle-Income Families

Duration: [02:24] - [03:17]

High housing costs combined with elevated mortgage rates are creating substantial barriers for middle-income families aspiring to homeownership.

• Affordability Metrics: According to NPR's Scott Horsley, a family earning approximately $75,000 annually can afford only one in five homes currently on the market. This represents marginal improvement from the previous year but still signifies a more challenging market compared to the pre-pandemic era, where such families could afford nearly half of available homes.

  "A typical family with income of about $75,000 a year can only afford about one out of five homes on the market," (02:36).

• Inventory and Pricing: Although the number of homes for sale is increasing, a persistent housing shortage continues to drive prices upward. Mortgage rates remain around 6.75%, making monthly payments prohibitively expensive for many prospective buyers.

• Regional Variations: While cities like Austin and Denver have shown improvements in housing affordability, roughly one in four major metropolitan areas have experienced decreased affordability over the past year.

4. Wildfires Ravage Northern Minnesota

Duration: [03:17] - [03:56]

Northern Minnesota is battling severe wildfires that have resulted in significant destruction.

• Impact: Authorities report that approximately 150 structures, including homes and cabins, have been destroyed across three major wildfires covering around 58 square miles of forested land.

• Containment Status: As of the reporting time, none of the wildfires have been contained, posing ongoing threats to the region's residents and environment.

  "Authorities in northern Minnesota say wildfires have destroyed about 150 structures, including homes and cabins," (03:17).

5. Sean "Diddy" Combs' Federal Sex Trafficking Trial

Duration: [03:17] - [04:35]

A high-profile legal battle is unfolding as former girlfriend Cassie Ventura testified in the federal sex trafficking trial against hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

• Testimony Details: Cassie Ventura disclosed the severe abuse she endured over a decade-long relationship with Combs, including physical and sexual assault. Photographic evidence of her injuries was presented by prosecutors.

  "Ventura also testified that Combs raped her in 2018 after she ended the relationship in tears," (03:56).

• Legal Standpoints: Despite acknowledging Combs' violent behavior, the defense argues that it does not substantiate charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

  "The defense concedes that Combs was violent and abusive, but says that doesn't make him guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering," (04:35).

• Current Status: Combs has entered a plea of not guilty to five criminal counts as the trial progresses.

6. Historic Magna Carta Discovery at Harvard University

Duration: [04:35] - [05:03]

An extraordinary historical find has emerged from Harvard University, intensifying the academic and historical community's interest.

• Discovery: Researchers uncovered that a copy of the Magna Carta, acknowledged as an authentic document from the 1200s, is held by Harvard University.

• Significance: This document is a cornerstone for many constitutional frameworks worldwide. Originally acquired decades ago for less than $30, its estimated current value has surged into the millions.

  "A copy of the Magna Carta that's owned by Harvard University is actually real," (04:35) emphasized Korva Coleman.

Market and Environmental Updates

• Stock Market: In premarket trading, Dow futures indicate a lower trend, reflecting investor caution amidst ongoing economic and geopolitical developments.

  "On Wall street in premarket trading, Dow futures are lower," (03:17).

• Wildfire Status: Reiterating the earlier report, wildfires in northern Minnesota remain uncontained, continuing to threaten the region.

Conclusion

The May 15, 2025, episode of "NPR News Now" provided listeners with a thorough overview of critical events ranging from international diplomacy and domestic policy debates to significant legal trials and historic discoveries. Notable quotes and expert reports enriched the narrative, offering a clear and engaging snapshot of the current state of affairs.