NPR News Now: May 22, 2025, 2AM EDT – Detailed Summary

Hosted by Shea Stevens

1. Tragic Shooting at Israeli Embassy Event

Timestamp: [00:18]

Overview: Late Wednesday evening, a tragic shooting occurred outside an event held by the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The incident resulted in the death of two staff members.

Details:

• Event Context: The shooting took place shortly after 9:00 PM as a museum event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, a pro-Israel advocacy group, was concluding.

• Authorities' Statement: Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith provided details on the incident.

  Pamela Smith [00:44]: "The suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents."

• Suspect Identification: The shooter has been tentatively identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, who was not previously known to law enforcement.

• Investigation Status: Officials from both American and Israeli governments have condemned the attack. An FBI official stated that the incident would be investigated for possible ties to terrorism or a hate crime.

  Becky Sullivan [00:56]: "American and Israeli officials alike condemned the shooting. An FBI official said it would be investigated for ties to terrorism or to hate crime."

2. Congressional Sessions on Tax and Spending Bill

Timestamp: [01:14]

Overview: Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are engaged in intensive sessions to finalize a significant tax and spending bill. The proposed plan has sparked debate and criticism, particularly from Democratic leaders.

Key Points:

• Legislative Progress: The House is progressing towards passing the bill, despite opposition from certain Democrats.

  Shea Stevens [01:25]: "The House is on track to pass a plan that's being denounced by Democrats like Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost."

• Democratic Criticism: Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost criticized the bill, highlighting concerns over its impact on social programs and tax cuts favoring the wealthy.

  Maxwell Frost [01:25]: "Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are making it worse, gutting Medicaid and food assistance to give tax cuts to billionaires in special interests."

• Republican Defense: Indiana Republican Aaron Halchin countered the criticism by emphasizing the bill's provisions for state responsibilities and tax relief for seniors.

  Aaron Halchin [01:37]: "The bill requires states to have skin in the game on snap. The bill requires states to be more responsible about how Medicaid is funded. The bill provides needed tax relief for seniors. These are good things."

• House Speaker's Stance: Speaker Mike Johnson expressed determination to secure the bill's approval by the upcoming Monday.

  Shea Stevens [01:49]: "House Speaker Mike Johnson says he's determined to get a tax and spending bill approved by Monday."

3. Tensions Between President Trump and South African President Ramaphosa

Timestamp: [01:35]

Overview: During a White House meeting, President Donald Trump accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of permitting what he termed as a "genocide of white farmers" in South Africa. The confrontation highlighted geopolitical tensions and differing perspectives on crime and security in South Africa.

Details:

• Trump’s Accusation: President Trump presented a video aiming to substantiate his claims against President Ramaphosa.

• Ramaphosa’s Response: President Ramaphosa refuted the allegations, stating that the majority of crime victims are black and defended his administration's stance on the issue.

  Cyril Ramaphosa [02:20]: "I would say if there was Africana farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of Agriculture. He would not be with me."

• Supporting Testimonials: Ramaphosa introduced South African golfer Ernie Ells and billionaire Johann Rupert as witnesses to counter Trump's claims.

• Call for Assistance: Acknowledging South Africa's crime challenges, Ramaphosa requested assistance from the U.S. in the form of security equipment, including drones.

  Mara Liasson [02:33]: "Ramaphosa said his country does have a crime problem and he asked Trump to help solve it by making a deal that selling South Africa drones and other security equipment."

4. Restrictions Imposed on Newark Liberty International Airport

Timestamp: [02:52]

Overview: Federal regulators have implemented temporary restrictions on the number of flights operating in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport. These measures aim to address operational challenges until infrastructure upgrades are completed.

Key Points:

• Flight Limitations:

  • Arrivals limited to 28 per hour.
  • Takeoffs capped at 28 planes per hour.
  • Restrictions in place until mid-June.

• Infrastructure Upgrades: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to enhance facilities and the communications tower managing Newark's airspace to alleviate congestion and improve safety.

5. Controversy Over Qatar's Gift of Luxury Jet to the U.S.

Timestamp: [03:10]

Overview: The Trump administration has accepted a luxury jet from Qatar to serve as a new Air Force One during President Trump's tenure. This move has sparked debate over its compliance with constitutional guidelines regarding foreign gifts.

Details:

• Administration’s Position: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that the Department of Defense would ensure the aircraft meets all security requirements.

  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth [Timestamp not provided]: Statement on security measures.

• President Trump’s Justification: President Trump argued that the gifted plane would result in taxpayer savings.

  Shea Stevens [03:30]: "President Trump says the Qatari plane will save tax dollars, while critics say it violates constitutional restrictions on foreign gifts."

• Criticism: Opponents claim that accepting such a gift may breach constitutional rules, raising concerns about foreign influence and the appropriate use of presidential assets.

6. Postsecondary Enrollment Trends Post-Pandemic

Timestamp: [03:56]

Overview: Colleges and universities across the United States are experiencing a rebound in student enrollments following a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports indicate a gradual but steady increase in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Details:

• Enrollment Growth:

  • Continued increase since the previous spring.
  • Notable recovery in community colleges, especially in vocational and skilled trade programs.

  Doug Shapiro [04:03]: "Good news today for enrollments across the board, particularly strong results at community colleges in vocational and skilled trade programs."

• Community Colleges: While overall enrollment remains below pre-pandemic levels, specific programs have surpassed their spring 2020 numbers.

  Janet Ujung Lee [04:12]: "That's Doug Shapiro. He's the executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research center, which tracks college enrollment nationwide. While overall community college enrollment remains below pre pandemic numbers, vocational and skilled trade programs in particular have seen a strong growth and have now surpassed their enrollment from spring 2020."

• Four-Year Institutions: These institutions are witnessing enrollment growth, though at a more measured pace compared to community colleges.

  Janet Ujung Lee [04:12]: "Four year colleges, on the other hand, have seen growth in enrollment, but at a more measured pace."

7. Rare May Nor'Easter Forecasted for New England

Timestamp: [04:39]

Overview: A rare May Nor'Easter is predicted to impact New England over the Memorial Day weekend, bringing unusual weather conditions for the season.

Forecast Details:

• Precipitation: Up to 2 inches of rain in certain areas.

• Wind: Gusts reaching up to 40 mph.

• Seasonal Rarity: Nor'Easters typically occur in late fall and winter, making this event uncommon for May.

  Shea Stevens [04:39]: "A rare May nor' Easter threatens to strike New England over the Memorial Day weekend. The storm is expected to dump up to 2 inches of rain on some areas, and wind gusts of up to 40mph. Nor' Easters usually occur in late fall and winter."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the May 22, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners seeking to stay informed on pressing national and international issues.