NPR News Now: May 17, 2025, 7 AM EDT

Hosted by Giles Snyder

Severe Storms Devastate St. Louis and Kentucky

St. Louis, Missouri experienced severe storms yesterday afternoon, including a tornado, during the rush hour. These storms tragically resulted in at least five fatalities. Among the deceased was a member of a local church, as stated by Pastor Derek Perkins.

"Our hearts are good about all of this, the neighbors, the homes, the residents, the members of the church."
— Derek Perkins, Pastor ([00:44])

In Kentucky, the storms brought high winds, torrential rain, golf ball-sized hail, and tornadoes, particularly affecting areas like Lexington and Somerset. The mayor confirmed fatalities in London, Kentucky, though official numbers are yet to be released. The severe weather left thousands without power, and flooding has become a significant concern.

A poignant moment captured by Garrett Likens highlighted the suddenness of the danger:

"It's right there. It's right there. A rope. It's right there."
— Garrett Likens ([01:28])

His father, Shawn Likens, urgently called him to safety:

"Dad, we gotta go."
— Shawn Likens ([01:36])

For NPR News, Karen Zar reported from Lexington, Kentucky.

Federal Judge Dismisses Trespassing Charges for Migrants in New Mexico

In a significant legal development, a federal judge in New Mexico dismissed trespassing charges against dozens of migrants who were apprehended in a newly established military buffer zone along the southern border. This buffer zone was part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to intensify immigration enforcement.

"The Trump administration imposed this military zone without transparency, and to this day, we still don't know where it begins or where it ends. It's not clear to the public, not to local officials, and certainly it's not clear to the people who are being arrested."
— Gabe Vasquez, Democratic Congressman ([02:20])

Federal Magistrate Judge Gregory B. Warmuth ruled that the original criminal complaint lacked probable cause, leading to the dismissal of the charges.

Despite the dismissal, the detained migrants remain in custody and face potential deportation. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a temporary block preventing the Trump administration from utilizing the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport a group of migrants alleged to be part of a Venezuelan gang. This move has been criticized for bypassing adequate due process.

For NPR News, Johnny Coker provided updates from Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Sean Combs Trial Concludes First Week Amid Serious Allegations

The high-profile trial of Sean Combs, the renowned hip-hop mogul, concluded its first week in New York City. Combs faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The trial has garnered significant attention, with testimonies shedding light on Combs' personal conduct.

Cassie Ventura, the star witness for the prosecution, detailed her tumultuous relationship with Combs:

"I loved Combs, but he was often violent and forced me to have sex with male escorts."
— Cassie Ventura ([03:35])

During cross-examination, an agent from Homeland Security Investigations testified, laying the groundwork for the sex trafficking charges. Additionally, singer Dawn Richard testified, recounting instances where Combs was physically abusive towards Ventura:

"I saw Combs hit Ventura more than once."
— Dawn Richard

The trial is set to continue, with more witness testimonies expected to unfold in the coming days. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento reported on these developments for NPR News.

International Affairs: Israel and Ukraine Face Escalating Conflicts

Israel's Operation in Gaza

Israel has announced extensive airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential expansion of their military operations. The stated objectives are to defeat Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages. Health officials in Gaza report that Israeli attacks have resulted in approximately 250 deaths since Thursday.

"The operation is aimed at defeating Hamas and freeing remaining hostages."
— Giles Snyder ([04:24])

Ukraine's Struggle Against Russian Drone Strikes

In Ukraine's Sumy region, a Russian drone strike has been condemned for killing nine civilians and injuring four others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the victims were non-combatants. Police released images of a nearly destroyed passenger van, underscoring the brutality of the attack.

This incident occurred shortly after failed ceasefire talks between Moscow and Kyiv in Istanbul, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.

"The dead are civilians."
— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine ([04:42])

For NPR News, Jael Snyder provided the latest updates on these international conflicts.

This summary captures the key news stories from the NPR News Now episode released on May 17, 2025. For more detailed coverage, please listen to the full episode.