NPR News Now

Episode: NPR News: 05-18-2025 1AM EDT
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host: Dale Willman

1. Mexican Navy Sailboat Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

At the outset of the episode, Dale Willman reports a dramatic incident in New York City.

Dale Willman [00:16]: "A sailboat operated by the Mexican Navy as a training vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York Saturday night. At least 19 people were injured. The ship's three masts hit the bridge and were damaged."

This unexpected collision has raised concerns about maritime safety and the protocols followed by military-operated vessels in civilian areas.

2. Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies

The next major story covers a significant Supreme Court decision impacting immigration enforcement.

Dale Willman [00:16]: "The Supreme Court Friday ruled against the Trump administration when it ordered lower courts to decide how much time immigrants must be given to challenge their removal from the country. President Trump has been using a 1798 wartime law as justification for rapid deportations, but the court said the Constitution requires due process, even for immigrants."

Samantha Bustillo provides further insights into President Trump's reaction:

Samantha Bustillo [00:52]: "In a post to his social media site, Trump said, 'the Supreme Court will not allow us to get criminals out of our country,' adding, 'One of the biggest, strongest rebukes of the Supreme Court.' He explicitly stated his belief that the court is hindering his administration's immigration objectives by enforcing a 'long, protracted and expensive legal process to deport migrants.'"

3. Executive Order on Federal Workers’ Union Rights Upheld

Dale Willman transitions to labor and administrative law issues:

Dale Willman [01:20]: "A panel of appellate judges says President Trump's executive order ending union rights for most federal workers can go forward, at least for now. And NPR's Andrea Hsu has more."

Andrea Hsu explains the background and implications:

Andrea Hsu [01:32]: "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 more. The White House argued Trump had the power to do so because these agencies have national security as a primary mission. However, the National Treasury Employees Union sued, arguing Trump's interpretation of national security was too broad. Last month, a lower court halted the order. 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."

4. Israeli Military Expands Operations in Gaza

The focus shifts to international conflict in the Middle East.

Dale Willman [02:13]: "The Israeli military says it's begun a massive expansion of its operations inside Gaza. Over the past week, Israeli airstrikes have dramatically intensified all over the territory. Health officials in Gaza say that more than 150 Palestinians have now been killed in the past 24 hours. NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi reports."

Hadil Al Shalchi provides detailed coverage:

Hadil Al Shalchi [02:32]: "Israel is calling this new expansion of its military operations in Gaza Gideon's Chariots. The military gave Hamas an ultimatum before launching operations: surrender or face increased strikes. Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists were called up, and the plan includes displacing a large majority of Gaza's population. South Israel stated it would wait to launch Gideon's Chariots until after President Trump ended his Middle East trip this week. Trump's visit included stops in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar but did not include Israel. He departed the region on Friday. There was hope that his visit would lead to a breakthrough in the long-stalled ceasefire talks."

5. Bombing at Palm Springs Fertility Clinic

A tragic event unfolds in the United States.

Dale Willman [03:12]: "One person is dead and four others were injured when a bomb exploded Saturday at a fertility clinic in the California city of Palm Springs. The building was also heavily damaged by the blast. The FBI says the bombing was an intentional act of terrorism and is continuing to identify the victim. The FBI has not confirmed if the deceased was the bomber but has identified a person of interest."

6. Innovative Smoke Exposure Testing Developed

Advancements in health technology offer new preventive measures.

Dale Willman [03:48]: "Researchers say they found a way to test your exposure to smoke before health problems crop up. The study was supported by the CDC. Northwest Public Broadcasting's Courtney Flett explains the development."

Courtney Flett details the technology:

Courtney Flatt [03:48]: "Sensors were developed by a team including Washington State University and the University of Georgia. They're similar to a pregnancy test, using a paper strip with more sensitive measurements. Users snap a 3D-printed reader and a magnifying lens onto their smartphone, slide the strip in, and an app displays exact smoke exposure levels, akin to a glucose monitor."

Annie Du [04:14]: "With the early diagnostic, you can take rest or use oxygen to help you recover."

Courtney Flatt [04:21]: "Wildland firefighters are field testing the sensors this summer. For NPR News, I'm Courtney Flatt in Richland, Washington."

7. Preakness Stakes Update

A brief sports update concludes the episode.

Dale Willman [04:29]: "The horse journalism has won the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes. The heavy favorite placed second to Sovereignty at the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Sovereignty did not run in the Preakness as his owners and trainer decided the turnaround was too short. He will be entered in the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs, New York, on June 7th."

This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode aired on May 18, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t listened.