NPR News Now: May 22, 2025

Released: May 22, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Fatal Shooting at Capitol Jewish Museum

At the outset of today’s episode, Shea Stevens reports a tragic incident in Washington, D.C.:

"Authorities in Washington, D.C. are investigating a fatal shooting at the Capitol Jewish Museum. Two Israeli embassy employees were killed outside a social event sponsored by the American Jewish Committee. The AJC says its members are devastated by the, quote, unspeakable act of violence."
(00:18)

A suspect related to the shooting has been apprehended, but details surrounding the motive and circumstances remain under investigation.

Tense Meeting Between President Trump and South Africa's President

The episode delves into a strained diplomatic encounter between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Danielle Kurtzleben provides an in-depth analysis:

"While the Oval Office meeting began cordially, it grew hostile when Trump repeated false claims of white genocide. At one point, Trump paused the meeting to show the room a four and a half minute video promoting the idea that white South African farmers are being targeted."
(00:52)

President Ramaphosa responded firmly to Trump's assertions:

"I must tell you, Mr. President, we have had a tremendous number of people, especially since they've seen this generally they're white farmers and they're fleeing South Africa. And it's, you know, it's a very sad thing to see."
(01:06)

Ramaphosa emphasized his desire to "reset the relationship between the United States and South Africa," countering Trump's narrative. Additionally, the meeting was marred by Trump’s repeated insults toward an NBC reporter who questioned him about his administration accepting a luxury airplane as a gift from Khadr. Kurtzleben concluded:

"It wasn't the only topic that angered the president. Trump also repeatedly insulted a reporter from NBC when he asked the president about his administration's accepting a luxury airplane as a gift from Khadr."
(01:20)

Federal Judge Rules Against Trump Administration's Deportation Policies

Shea Stevens transitions to immigration issues:

"A federal judge says the Trump administration has violated his order on third country deportations."
(01:43)

Tovia Smith elaborates on the case:

"Eight migrants were flown out of the U.S. 17 hours after they were told they were being deported to South Sudan. Government lawyers argue that was enough time for them to raise concerns about their safety, but none did. In a stern rebuke, federal Judge Brian Murphy said officials unquestionably violated his order to ensure due process. And he wants DHS to hear any concerns from the men now, either back in the US or where they are, which remains unclear."
(01:52)

Tina Real Muto, a lawyer for the migrants, expressed skepticism about the judge’s directive, citing potential logistical challenges:

"We think that will be a legal and logistical nightmare."
(02:21)

Tovia Smith countered by highlighting government concerns regarding the safety of ICE agents:

"Government attorneys, meantime, raise concerns for the safety of the ICE agents holding what officials have described as criminal and barbaric monsters."
(02:26)

Financial Markets under Pressure

The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a significant decline:

"The Dow Jones Industrials fell nearly 2% on Wednesday. And NPR's Maria Assman reports that investors are selling off U.S. government bonds."
(02:36)

Maria Assman provides context:

"Bonds are supposed to be the safe and stable part of the financial system, but now we're seeing all these warnings that everything is not so safe and stable anymore. I mean, just today, the European Central Bank warned that President Trump's tariffs are putting the global financial system at risk. So obviously, tariffs continue to hang over everything. But this week, the main headline has really become the U.S. national deficit, which is running close to $2 trillion."
(02:45)

The interplay between rising national debt and international trade tensions is creating uncertainty in the financial markets.

Archdiocese of New Orleans Settles Clergy Abuse Claims

Shea Stevens reports a significant legal development within the Catholic Church:

"The Archdiocese of New Orleans has agreed to pay almost $180 million to settle clergy sex abuse claims. The settlement is to be paid out after the diocese emerges from bankruptcy and is subject to approval by survivors, creditors and the bankruptcy court."
(03:13)

The settlement originates from a 2020 lawsuit filed by a man who alleges he was sexually abused by a priest during his eighth-grade year. This resolution marks a pivotal moment for the diocese as it addresses past abuses and moves forward from bankruptcy proceedings.

Harvey Weinstein's Retrial Continues

The episode also covers ongoing legal proceedings against former film producer Harvey Weinstein:

"The retrial of former film producer Harvey Weinstein continued in Manhattan Wednesday with a day long cross examination of a woman who says Weinstein raped her."
(03:55)

Reporter Ilya Merritz details the proceedings:

"Jessica Mann was an aspiring actress in 2013 when she asserts Weinstein forced her to have sex with him in a hotel room. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala focused his questions for Mann on evidence suggesting a more complicated relationship, that mixed sex, friendship and the film business. He prompted Mann to read aloud one message sent less than a month after the alleged rape, in which she asked Weinstein's assistant for help getting an audition for a film. In other messages to Weinstein around that time, she wrote, 'I appreciate all you do for me and hope to see you sooner than later.'"
(03:55)

The defense is attempting to portray the relationship as consensual and multifaceted. Merritz adds:

"Prosecutors are expected to rest their case next week. Then it's the defense's turn. Weinstein's team has not ruled out putting him on the stand. Weinstein's 2020 conviction was overturned on procedural grounds last year."
(03:55)

The retrial continues to attract significant attention as both sides prepare their final arguments.

Mars Rover Perseverance Sends Back New Images

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens shares exciting developments from space exploration:

"Robotic cameras aboard the Mars rover Perseverance are still sending images back to Earth. The latest one captured a twirling dust storm. Perseverance has been collecting rock samples since its mission began in March 2020."
(04:40)

The ongoing mission continues to provide invaluable data about the Martian environment, contributing to our understanding of the Red Planet.

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