NPR News Now: Summary of May 19, 2025, 11 AM EDT Episode

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: May 19, 2025

1. Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration for FOIA Violations

Timestamp: [00:17]

A significant legal battle has emerged as the watchdog group American Oversight initiates a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The group accuses multiple federal agencies of violating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by withholding public records.

Key Points:

• Executive Director Chiomo of American Oversight stated, “[Our lawsuit] seeks to compel the IRS, the Department of Treasury, and Department of Education to release records that they're unlawfully withholding from the public” ([00:40]).
• The lawsuit specifically targets communications related to President Trump's criticisms of Harvard University. The administration has reportedly lambasted Harvard for perceived inadequacies in protecting Jewish students and has seized control of billions in grants to the institution.
• Chiomo emphasized the broader implications: “Today is Harvard. Tomorrow it could be any university” ([01:02]).
• The White House has yet to respond to these accusations.

Conclusion: Lou Garrett of NPR highlights the potential widespread impact of this lawsuit, suggesting that if successful, it could set a precedent for greater transparency across various federal agencies.

2. Israel's Partial Approval of Food Aid into Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

Timestamp: [01:11]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel will permit some food aid into Gaza, a significant shift after previously blocking all relief efforts. This decision emerges amidst fears of famine in the Palestinian territory, where severe restrictions have compounded humanitarian crises.

Key Points:

• Daniel Estrin reports that Netanyahu faces internal criticism from right-wing factions who oppose any aid reaching Palestinians.
• Netanyahu justified the aid by stating, “We would not be able to continue to have international support for our offensive in Gaza if there is mass starvation” ([01:33]).
• The Israeli government continues its aggressive stance, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, with ongoing heavy bombing and shelling reported in northern Gaza.

Conclusion: This partial allowance of aid reflects a delicate balance Netanyahu is attempting between military objectives and international humanitarian expectations.

3. Verizon Scales Back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives Under Federal Pressure

Timestamp: [01:50]

In a significant policy shift, telecommunications giant Verizon has decided to reduce its commitment to DEI efforts amidst increased pressure from the federal government.

Key Points:

• Maria Aspen reports that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Verizon's $20 billion acquisition of Frontier, contingent upon Verizon ending DEI-related policies.
• Following this directive, Verizon will:
  • Cease setting hiring goals for minorities.
  • Remove all references to DEI from its corporate websites.
• The move aligns with President Trump's stance, which has declared DEI programs illegal, pushing companies to abandon previously established equitable opportunity initiatives.

Quote: Maria Aspen notes, “Many big companies are backing away from what's known as DEI after once promising to create more equitable opportunities for all employees” ([02:19]).

Conclusion: This development marks a notable retreat by major corporations from DEI commitments, driven by evolving federal regulations and political pressures.

4. Wall Street Dips as President Trump Engages in Diplomatic Efforts

Timestamp: [03:07]

The stock market experienced a downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipping by over 20 points, reflecting investor uncertainty.

Key Points:

• Concurrently, the White House announced that President Trump has initiated a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, continuing his efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
• The administration also plans for Trump to speak with Ukraine's leadership and NATO officials later in the day.

Conclusion: While financial markets react cautiously, diplomatic channels are actively being pursued by the Trump administration to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

5. Discrepancy in Disability Reporting within the Medical Field and Civil Rights Complaint

Timestamp: [03:07]

A significant disparity exists between the number of adults in the U.S. who report having a disability and those recognized within the medical profession. Over 25% of U.S. adults report a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yet less than 3% of medical professionals identify as having a disability.

Key Points:

• Kristen Wright covers the case of Taylor Carty, a California woman with cerebral palsy, who has filed a civil rights complaint with the Justice Department.
• Carty alleges that Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit denied her admission despite initially accepting her application, citing her disability-related limitations in meeting technical standards.
• Her requests for accommodations, such as modifications to perform CPR and suture wounds, were reportedly deemed “unreasonable” by the school.
• Carty advocates for more inclusive policies, stating, “I know there is a young child who is putting on that stethoscope, and I want to make that accessible for them” ([04:15]).
• The Association of American Medical Colleges has been urging medical schools to make technical standards more inclusive since 2021, but Wayne State has not responded to NPR's inquiries.

Conclusion: Taylor Carty's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in entering the medical field and underscores the need for institutional reforms to ensure equitable access.

6. Austria Triumphs at Eurovision Song Contest

Timestamp: [04:35]

In a notable cultural event, Austria’s contestant JJ emerged victorious at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, outperforming 25 other competitors.

Key Points:

• Korva Coleman celebrated Austria's win, noting Eurovision's history of launching global acts, including the iconic group ABBA.
• This victory adds to Austria’s legacy in the competition and showcases the diverse musical talents represented.

Conclusion: Austria’s success at Eurovision emphasizes the country's vibrant presence in international music competitions and the contest’s role in propelling artists to stardom.

Additional Information:

• Market Update: Wall Street saw a decline with the Dow Jones industrials falling by more than 20 points.
• Diplomatic Moves: President Trump’s engagement with Putin and upcoming discussions with Ukraine and NATO officials signal ongoing international efforts to address conflicts and diplomatic relations.

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of critical political, social, and economic issues, from legal battles over transparency and international conflicts to corporate policy shifts and cultural victories. The inclusion of direct quotes and precise timestamps offers listeners a clear and detailed understanding of each topic discussed.