NPR News: May 17, 2025, 8 AM EDT

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Severe Storms Devastate Kentucky and Missouri

Kentucky Impact: Multiple fatalities have been reported in Pulaski and Laurel counties following powerful storms that struck southern Kentucky last night. The towns of Somerset and London experienced significant damage, with numerous homes and buildings affected in the early hours. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday morning in anticipation of the severe weather. Stan Ingold reports:

"Tens of thousands of power outages are reported throughout Kentucky. Crews are working to evaluate the situation, with responders searching homes and buildings for survivors."
[00:34]

Missouri Impact: In Missouri, particularly in the St. Louis area, at least seven people have lost their lives due to a potential tornado that struck during the afternoon rush hour. Over 5,000 homes have been affected, and several buildings have collapsed. St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer issued a curfew from Friday evening through Saturday morning for the northern parts of the city, emphasizing the challenges ahead:

"We're going to have a lot of work to do in the coming days. There is no doubt there. But tonight we are focused on saving lives and keeping people safe and allowing our community to grieve."
[01:35]

Additionally, city leaders have requested residents to limit phone usage to ensure cell service remains available for critical communications.

"City leaders requested residents stay off their phones Friday so that cell service could be used for critical needs."
Kara Spencer
[01:46]

Supreme Court Halts Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport a group of Venezuelan migrants in Texas under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act. Sergio Martinez Beltran explains the decision:

"The Supreme Court says the Trump administration did not give the men at a detention center in northern Texas enough time to challenge their deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The unsigned order says detainees are entitled to more notice than the roughly 24 hours the government gave the Venezuelan men at the center of this case."
[02:22]

Conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, arguing against the majority's decision. Importantly, the ruling does not address the legality of invoking the Alien Enemies Act but allows the government to proceed with deportations under other lawful authorities.

Political Developments: President Trump and Budget Legislation

President Donald Trump has returned to the White House from his Middle East trip. Meanwhile, Republicans are gearing up to advance Trump's budget package, dubbed the "big beautiful bill." The proposal previously encountered a roadblock in the House Budget Committee but is set for another attempt tonight.
Giles Snyder updates:

"President Trump is back at the White House from his trip to the Middle East. He returned last night as Republicans plan to try again tomorrow night to advance his budget package."
[02:59]

Louisiana Jail Break: Authorities on the Hunt

Seven inmates remain at large following an escape from a New Orleans jail. Initially, ten inmates broke out by creating a hole behind a toilet and scaling a wall. So far, three have been apprehended, and three jail employees are suspended pending an investigation.

"Authorities in Louisiana are searching for seven inmates who remain on the loose after escaping from a New Orleans jail. Three have been caught so far, and three jail employees have been placed on suspension pending an investigation."
[02:59]

Science Spotlight: Scientists at Work Photo Contest Winners

Nature Magazine has unveiled the winners of this year's "Scientists at Work" photo contest, showcasing intimate and dramatic portraits of scientific research. Ari Daniel describes some of the winning images:

"In one, a scientist kneels in a forest, beaming at eight tiny frogs in her hands. In another, a researcher crouches atop a foggy mountain as he measures the cloud forming around him."
[03:47]

Emma Vogel, a spatial ecologist, shared her captivating photo:

"In the center of the photo, you see my supervisor, and he's in this bright yellow survival suit... Out a killer whale surfacing. It gives me a feeling of a dreamlike state."
[04:12]

Vogel's work highlights the patient intensity of field research, particularly in studying whale interactions with fisheries.

Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final

The Eurovision Song Contest's grand final concluded today at an arena in Switzerland, featuring performances from over two dozen countries. A standout favorite among bookmakers is a Swedish trio performing an unconventional song about saunas, capturing the audience's attention with their unique style.

"Acts from more than two dozen countries will take the stage. And a trio from Sweden who perform an offbeat song about saunas is a favorite of bookmakers."
Jael Snyder
[04:37]

This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest news covered in the NPR News Now episode released on May 17, 2025.