NPR News Now: May 21, 2025 | 3AM EDT

Hosted by Shea Stevens

1. Political Developments: GOP Spending Plan and Presidential Commentary

House Rules Committee Meetings

At [00:18], Shea Stevens reports that the House Rules Committee has begun deliberations to reconcile differences within the GOP over a proposed spending plan. This multibillion-dollar proposal aims to implement significant spending cuts alongside substantial tax breaks.

President Trump's Efforts and Claims

President Trump traveled to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to persuade Republican holdouts to support the spending package. During his visit, he reiterated a controversial statement:

“He didn’t approve this stuff because when Joe Biden was with it, he would never have approved it. You take a look, he would have never approved open border.” ([00:45] Joe Biden)

Shea Stevens clarifies at [01:03] that the use of the "auto pen" by President Trump, a tool for signing legislation automatically, has been a longstanding presidential practice not governed by law. This move is in response to precedents set by previous administrations.

2. Immigration and Legal Actions: Third-Country Deportations

Federal Judge's Ruling

NPR's Ximena Bustillo explains at [01:25] that Massachusetts Federal Judge Brian Murphy held an emergency hearing concerning the deportation of migrants to third countries, specifically South Sudan. Immigration advocates highlight that at least one Vietnamese national was deported to South Sudan, a country marred by political instability.

Judge Murphy stated:

“If that were true, then this would violate his April order which barred deportations to these countries where migrants aren't originally from unless people get sufficient time to contest their deportations and a notice in their native language.”

As a result, the Department of Homeland Security has been ordered to detain migrants deported to South Sudan until due process is assured. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. ([01:25])

3. National Weather Service Challenges Amid Severe Weather

Staffing Shortages Impacting Operations

At [02:11], Shea Stevens brings attention to the National Weather Service (NWS) grappling with significant understaffing issues, leading to the suspension of 24-hour shifts in several offices amid ongoing tornadoes and severe weather events.

Details from the Mountain West News Bureau

Hannah Merzbach reports that NWS offices in states including Alaska, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wyoming are reducing operations from 11 PM to 6 AM ([02:26]). This reduction is due to a staffing decrease of up to 60%, attributed to federal budget cuts.

Union Response and Temporary Measures

Tom Fahey from the weather service union suggests that nearby offices could provide support to mitigate the impact of these shortages:

“The weather service at this particular time is simply doing triage. It’s like battlefield medicine. You have a pop-up hospital that comes in, takes care of people.” ([02:45])

Despite losing approximately 600 workers in recent months, the Trump administration has approved only 155 temporary hires. Fahey emphasizes that the agency continues to prioritize its core mission. The situation remains critical as severe weather persists. ([02:54])

4. Economic and Security Updates

U.S. Futures and Technology Initiatives

At [03:11], Shea Stevens notes that U.S. futures are trading flat in after-hours markets. President Trump is set to unveil an ambitious plan for missile defense technology, dubbed the "golden dome." This initiative involves deploying missile sensors and destruction satellites to intercept missiles fired globally, expanding upon the Pentagon's existing short-range missile defense systems.

Violent Incidents Abroad

A tragic suicide car bombing targeted a school bus in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan region, resulting in five fatalities and 38 injuries. While no group has claimed responsibility, military sources have implicated neighboring India as a potential perpetrator. ([03:11])

5. Tribute to Actor George Wendt

Legacy of a Beloved Actor

Shea Stevens delivers news of the passing of George Wendt at [03:11]. Renowned for his role as Norm Peterson on the iconic television series Cheers, Wendt passed away at the age of 76. Steve Futterman pays homage to Wendt's illustrious career:

“George Wendt played Norm Peterson, a regular at the Boston Bar, where everyone knows your name. They certainly knew his name. His entrance and quick one-liners became a mainstay.” ([04:06])

Career Highlights and Achievements

Futterman highlights Wendt's commitment to the role, noting his six Emmy Award nominations and appearance in all 275 episodes over the show's 11-year run. Additionally, Wendt was celebrated for his recurring sketches on Saturday Night Live as part of the Chicago Bears fan group. His roots in Chicago's Second City Comedy Club further cemented his reputation as a versatile and cherished actor. ([04:24])

6. Market and Technology Insights

Stock Market and Defense Technology

Returning to economic updates, the episode mentions that while U.S. futures remain stable, President Trump's defense proposal signifies a major advancement in national security technology, aiming to enhance the nation's missile interception capabilities globally.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now offers a comprehensive snapshot of current events ranging from political maneuvers within the GOP, significant legal rulings affecting immigration policies, operational challenges within the National Weather Service amidst severe weather, to notable advancements in national defense technologies proposed by the Trump administration. Additionally, the podcast pays tribute to the late George Wendt, celebrating his contributions to television and comedy.

For more detailed coverage and updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now.