NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode 05-22-2025 10PM EDT
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Supreme Court Decision Empowers Presidential Authority
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has granted President Donald Trump the authority to dismiss key federal agency leaders, overturning a nearly century-old precedent.
Nina Totenberg reports that the court's two-page, unsigned order signals a temporary decision with a definitive tone, effectively allowing the president to remove independent agency heads at his discretion. This decision reverses a 90-year-old unanimous Supreme Court precedent that previously restricted presidential power in this area.
“The decision is technically temporary, but its tone is pretty final, allowing President Trump broad leeway to fire key independent agency leaders at will.” — Nina Totenberg [00:31]
The 6th Justice Conservative majority anticipates a future court challenge, likely next year, which could further solidify the ruling's implications.
Violent Attack Outside Jewish Museum Investigated as Hate Crime
Authorities conducted a raid on the Chicago residence of the suspect responsible for the tragic killing of two individuals outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Ludden details that the assailant was apprehended while chanting "Free Palestine," pointing towards a potential motive rooted in anti-Semitism.
“The two people killed were a young couple about to become engaged.” — Jennifer Ludden [01:06]
Jeron Leshinsky and Sarah Milgram, both employed at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., were the victims. Ayelet Razin Betor, a friend of Milgram, emphasized that Leshinsky joined the embassy to combat rising anti-Semitism following Hamas's attack on Israel a year and a half ago.
“In diplomacy, with love, with intelligence.” — Nina Totenberg [01:38]
Leshinsky, an Israeli citizen and devout Christian, had planned to propose to Milgram during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem. The suspect now faces federal murder charges, with officials investigating the possibility of a hate crime.
Medicaid Cuts and Tax Bill Threaten Addiction Recovery Services
Significant reductions to Medicaid, coupled with a recently passed massive tax bill, pose a threat to millions of Americans reliant on health insurance for addiction recovery.
Brian Mann reports that the House Republicans' bill aims to eliminate hundreds of billions in Medicaid spending over the next decade. The Congressional Budget Office highlights that millions could lose their health insurance under this plan.
“Vulnerable in that situation where you have a struggling, troubled group of people interacting with a hard to deal with bureaucracy. It is inevitable that some people will fall through the cracks.” — Keith Humphrey, Drug Policy Expert [02:39]
These cuts come amid a 27% decrease in drug-related deaths last year, a decline partially attributed to increased Medicaid funding under the Biden administration. The House bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate before it can become law.
Stock Markets Close Mixed Amid Economic Uncertainty
Financial markets showed varied performance in today's trading session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a slight decline, falling by one point, while the Nasdaq increased by 53 points. The S&P 500 also saw a minor dip, down by two points.
Kid Cudi Testifies in Sean Combs' Sex Trafficking and Racketeering Trial
In a high-profile legal battle, rapper Scott Mescady, known as Kid Cudi, took the stand in the trial against Sean Combs (P. Diddy) on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento reports that Mescady recounted his close relationship with Cassie Ventura, Combs' ex-partner. He revealed that Ventura confided in him about Combs' alleged physical abuse, which led to the couple taking time apart and eventually dating each other.
“After Combs found out someone broke into his house, about a month later my car was set on fire in my driveway. I believe Combs was responsible for both incidents.” — Scott Mescady [03:30]
Mescady filed police reports concerning both the break-in and the arson but acknowledged that no charges have been filed related to the latter. His testimony aims to shed light on Combs' behavior and possible motives behind the charges against him.
University of Maryland Graduation Features Unconventional Commencement Speaker
In an unconventional twist, Kermit the Frog delivered the commencement speech for the University of Maryland's graduating class of 2025. The puppet's address, heralded as a "word of wisdom," resonated with the graduates despite the unconventional speaker.
The ceremony celebrated the legacy of Jim Henson, a Maryland alumnus and creator of the Muppets franchise. Graduates embraced the lightheartedness of the event, with many sporting Kermit-themed attire and holding stuffed animals during the ceremony.
“Life is better when we leap together.” — Kermit the Frog [04:15]
The unique commencement celebrated both tradition and creativity, marking a memorable milestone for the graduates.
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