NPR News Now: May 17, 2025, 10 PM EDT

The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Supreme Court Blocks Deportation of Migrants in Texas

[00:18 - 02:05]

Host Introduction: Jack Spear opens the episode by highlighting a significant Supreme Court decision impacting immigration enforcement.

Detailed Report: Sergio Martinez Beltran reports that the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily halted the Trump administration's efforts to deport a group of Venezuelan migrants in Texas under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act. The administration had rapidly initiated deportations, labeling the individuals as gang members.

Key Points:

• The Court ruled that the administration failed to provide sufficient notice to the detainees, granting them more time to contest their deportation than the approximately 24-hour window initially given.
• Notable Quote: “[The] detainees are entitled to more notice than the roughly 24 hours the government gave the Venezuelan men at the center of this case,” stated Beltran at [00:40].
• Conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, arguing against the temporary block.
• The ruling does not address the legality of invoking the Alien Enemies Act itself but allows the government to pursue deportations under other lawful authorities.

Texas House Votes to Repeal Law Banning Homosexual Conduct

[01:17 - 02:15]

Host Introduction: Jack Spear transitions to a landmark legislative development in Texas concerning LGBTQ+ rights.

Detailed Report: Andrew Schneider reports that the Texas House of Representatives has successfully voted to repeal a longstanding law that criminalizes consensual homosexual conduct. Although the law has been unenforceable since the 2003 Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, it remained technically on the books due to persistent conservative opposition.

Key Points:

• The repeal bill was authored by Democratic state Representative Venton Jones, one of the first Black gay members of the Texas Legislature.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Representative Jones emphasized the importance of voting based on rights rather than personal agreement, stating, "I'm not asking you to vote based on whether or not you agree with the Lawrence v. Texas ruling. Instead, I'm asking you to vote on a law that strengthens the fundamental civil liberties and individual freedoms that all Texans deserve" [01:54 - 02:02].
• The bill passed the House by a narrow margin of 59 to 56, with several Republicans joining Democrats to secure the vote.
• Schneider adds, "The bill passed the House on its final reading by a vote of 59 to 56, with a handful of Republicans joining forces with Democrats" [02:05 - 02:15].
• Despite the House approval, the bill faces significant challenges in the state Senate.

Major Cable Companies Announce Multi-Billion Dollar Merger

[02:15 - 03:02]

Host Introduction: Jack Spear introduces a major development in the telecommunications industry, setting the stage for Marlon Hyde’s in-depth coverage.

Detailed Report: Marlon Hyde reports that Cox Communications and Charter Communications are set to merge in a deal valued at over $34 billion, aiming to create one of the largest TV and Internet providers in the United States.

Key Points:

• Cox Communications is the third-largest cable television company in the U.S., serving over 6.5 million customers with digital cable, Internet, telephone, and home security services.
• Charter Communications, known as Spectrum, boasts more than 32 million customers across 41 states.
• If approved by regulators, the merged entity will operate under the Cox Communications name within a year of closing.
• Hyde notes the industry's struggle to compete with cheaper streaming services as a driving factor behind the merger.

Severe Storms and Tornado Cause Fatalities Near St. Louis

[03:02 - 03:54]

Host Introduction: Jack Spear briefs listeners on severe weather events affecting the St. Louis area, highlighting ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Detailed Report: At least four fatalities have been reported following severe storms and a possible tornado that struck near St. Louis. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Clayton, Missouri, between 2:30 and 2:50 PM.

Key Points:

• The storms caused significant property damage, including ripped-off roofs, siding, and downed trees and power lines.
• St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer confirmed the deaths during a media briefing.
• Authorities are actively searching for additional victims as recovery efforts continue.

Pope Leo XIV’s First Address to Diplomats

[03:54 - 04:37]

Host Introduction: Jack Spear transitions to international news, focusing on Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural speech to global diplomats.

Detailed Report: Ruth Sherlock reports on Pope Leo XIV’s address to ambassadors at the Vatican, where he articulated the Church’s stance on various social issues and highlighted a compassionate approach toward migrants.

Key Points:

• Support for Migrants: “The dignity must be respected,” the Pope declared, emphasizing his background as a descendant of immigrants and advocating for compassion and solidarity with displaced individuals [03:54 - 04:02].
• Social Issues: The Pope reaffirmed the Church’s traditional views on marriage as a union between a man and a woman and maintained the Church’s position against abortion.
• He called for “respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike” [03:58 - 04:37].

Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Sovereign Credit Rating

[04:37 - 04:56]

Host Introduction: Jack Spear highlights a significant change in the United States' financial standing as assessed by major credit rating agencies.

Detailed Report: Moody’s has downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from AAA to AA1, citing rising national debt levels. This move follows similar actions by other agencies, including Fitch's downgrade in August 2023 and Standard & Poor’s downgrade in 2011.

Key Points:

• The downgrade reflects concerns over the sustainability of the U.S. debt amidst increasing fiscal challenges.
• This marks a continued trend of reassessment by credit rating agencies regarding the U.S. economy's long-term stability.

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