NPR News Now: May 17, 2025, 12 PM EDT – Detailed Summary

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on various national and international issues in its May 17, 2025, episode. Hosted by Douah Alisai Kowtow, the episode covered a range of topics from natural disasters and governmental policies to international relations and entertainment. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

1. Devastating Tornadoes Hit Kentucky

[00:19 – 00:58]

The episode opened with distressing news from Kentucky, where suspected tornadoes swept through the southern and southeastern regions of the state, resulting in a rising death toll and extensive property damage.

Reporter Douah Alisai Kowtow reported:
"The death toll continues to climb in Kentucky after suspected tornadoes swept through the south and southeastern parts of the state." (00:19)

Stan Engold from member station Weku provided a detailed account:
"Tornado reports came in overnight. Hundreds of homes and buildings have been damaged. The city of London in southeastern Kentucky took a serious hit." (00:35)

Residents like Kristen Moseley shared their experiences:
"Total devastation. I mean, trees ripped up, houses ripped apart. I mean, you can't really put it in words how tragic it is." (00:50)

Despite the tornado threat subsiding by Saturday morning, concerns shifted to potential flooding in affected areas.
"While the tornado risk had passed by Saturday morning, a flood risk persisted in parts of the state." – Stan Engold (00:58)

2. Governmental Policies and Legal Decisions

a. Trump's Executive Order on Federal Union Rights

[01:07 – 02:01]

A significant legal development was discussed regarding President Donald Trump's executive order, which aimed to terminate union rights for most federal workers.

Douah Alisai Kowtow introduced the topic:
"A panel of appellate judges says President Trump's executive order ending union rights for most federal workers can go forward for now. As NPR's Andrea Hsu reports, the decision reverses a lower court decision." (01:07)

Andrea Hsu elaborated on the issue:
"Back in late March, President Trump signed an executive order ending collective bargaining rights at agencies including the IRS, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and many, many more. The White House argued Trump had the power to do so. These agencies have national security as a primary mission." (01:21)

The controversy stems from the National Treasury Employees Union's lawsuit, which challenged the breadth of the executive order's definition of national security, arguing it was excessively broad. Initially, a lower court had blocked the order, but the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 ruling allowing the order to proceed, citing that the lower court's intervention was detrimental to presidential national security prerogatives.
"Now, in a 2 to 1 ruling, a panel of judges at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals says the lower court's pause harms the president by impeding his national security prerogatives." – Andrea Hsu (02:01)

b. President Trump's Planned Conversation with Vladimir Putin

[03:01 – 03:34]

The episode also touched upon international relations, highlighting President Trump's planned dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Douah Alisai Kowtow reported:
"President Trump plans to speak Monday to Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The subject, Trump writes, will be stopping the bloodbath, killing both Ukrainians and Russians." (03:01)

This upcoming conversation is part of ongoing efforts to address the violent conflict affecting Ukraine and Russia, aiming to de-escalate the situation and prevent further casualties.

3. Advancements and Challenges in Maternal Mental Health

[02:01 – 03:01]

Maternal mental health was another critical topic discussed, focusing on the progress and ongoing challenges in addressing mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women across the United States.

Douah Alisai Kowtow introduced the segment:
"A new report finds that states across the country have made some progress in addressing the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal health conditions like postpartum depression affect about one in five U.S. mothers every year. NPR's Ritu Chatterjee reports." (02:01)

Ritu Chatterjee provided detailed analysis:
"Researchers at the Policy Center on Maternal Mental Health put out a report card that graded states for their level of access to care for mental health problems in pregnant women and new moms. They found that while overall the country is still failing to adequately address maternal mental health needs, there were incremental improvements since the year before." (02:19)

Five states—California, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington—received a top grade of B for the first time, with Michigan notably advancing from a D to a B through measures such as implementing screening for maternal mental health conditions. However, challenges remain as Alabama and Mississippi received failing grades, highlighting disparities in access to mental health services for mothers.
"About three quarters never get treatment." – Ritu Chatterjee (02:19)

4. International Affairs: Iranian Espionage in Britain

[04:21 – 04:56]

The episode also delved into international security concerns, specifically allegations against Iranian nationals operating in Britain.

Douah Alisai Kowtow reported:
"Three Iranian men in Britain are accused of spying on behalf of Iran. The men are charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service. The trio are believed to have lived in London and are among the eight people investigated by British Counter Terrorism Police earlier this month. Seven are Iranian nationals." (04:21)

Britain's Interior Minister Yvette Cooper stated:
"Iran must be held accountable for its actions." (04:21)

A preliminary hearing for the accused men is scheduled for June 6, as authorities intensify efforts to curb foreign espionage activities within the UK.

5. Entertainment Spotlight: Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland

[03:01 – 04:21]

Shifting to lighter news, the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, was featured, focusing on the United Kingdom's participation prospects.

Douah Alisai Kowtow introduced the segment:
"That annual exercise in camp and strobe lighting, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Basel, Switzerland, today. And if this year is like past years, British hopes of victory will be resolutely dashed. Vicky Barker reports from London." (03:01)

Vicky Barker provided insights:
"The UK hasn't won Eurovision since 1997, and last year's entrant scored zero points in the public vote. Cue this year's entry, country pop trio Remember Monday, stripping off their poofy skirts to their single 'What the Hell Just Happened?' which The Telegraph reports basically summed up the nonplussed reaction in the room during the semifinals." (03:34)

Despite low expectations, the UK maintains a notable record of achieving second place more frequently than any other nation, offering a sliver of hope amidst prevailing skepticism.
"The betting consolidator odds checker has Britain the favorites to place last, but the UK does boast one distinction. It holds the record for taking second place more than any other nation." – Vicky Barker (03:34)

Conclusion

The May 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a rich and engaging overview of pressing events ranging from severe weather impacts and significant legal rulings to advancements in mental health care and international espionage cases. Additionally, the inclusion of entertainment news like the Eurovision Song Contest offered a well-rounded perspective on current happenings. Through insightful reporting and notable quotes with precise timestamps, the episode ensured that both regular listeners and those who missed the broadcast could stay informed on key developments.