NPR News Now: May 28, 2025, 9 AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman

Israel’s New Food Aid Plan in Gaza Sparks Chaos

[00:19]
Korva Coleman reports on Israel's recent initiative to resume limited food distributions in Gaza after nearly three months of blockade that restricted aid from the UN and other relief organizations. The announcement has led to significant unrest among Palestinians eagerly awaiting assistance.

[00:52]
Eya Batrawy elaborates on the chaotic implementation of the new aid system:

"Unlike how the UN distributes food or used to distribute food in centers across Gaza with IDs and lists of families in need, the system had none of that. There were no screenings or lists and no clarity on who decides who gets the aid and who doesn’t."
(00:52)

This lack of structure resulted in disorder during aid distribution events, culminating in three reported deaths and multiple injuries. Israeli forces stated that a helicopter fired warning shots to disperse overcrowded crowds, highlighting the tense environment surrounding the aid effort.

[01:04]
Coleman further details that aid intended for northern Gaza was also obstructed, with several trucks stopped en route to Gaza City. In response, desperate individuals seized food boxes directly from the trucks, exacerbating the situation.

U.S. Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump’s Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms

[01:04]
Switching focus to U.S. politics, Korva Coleman reports on a significant judicial ruling impacting former President Donald Trump's use of executive power against major law firms.

[01:32]
Ryan Lucas explains the court's decision:

"The cornerstone of the American justice system is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases. For some 250 years, he says no executive order had been issued challenging these fundamental rights until now with President Trump's executive orders targeting several big law firms."
(01:32)

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon invalidated the executive order targeting Wilmer Hale as unconstitutional, marking the third instance in which Trump's orders against prominent law firms have been overturned by the judiciary. This series of rulings underscores the judiciary's role in maintaining checks and balances on executive actions.

Senate Advances Tax and Spending Bill Amid Child Care Concerns

[02:14]
Korva Coleman shifts to domestic policy, highlighting the Senate's progress on a substantial tax cut and spending bill previously passed by the House. While the legislation maintains funding for essential programs like Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant, it faces criticism for insufficiently addressing the acute child care shortage in the United States.

[02:30]
Windsor Johnston provides insights into the bill's limitations:

"The measure preserves funding for key programs like Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant, but offers no new spending despite warnings that the system is under enormous strain."
(02:30)

[02:47]
Julie Cashin, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation, emphasizes the need for enhanced support for early educators:

"Picture convenient options. No commute, no wait list. Imagine we have early educators with the resources they need to stay in the profession they love."
(02:47)

The Century Foundation warns that the expiration of pandemic-era funding could lead to the closure of over 70 child care programs nationwide, potentially leaving up to 3 million children without necessary care.

Memorial Day Shooting in Philadelphia Remains Unresolved

[03:13]
Korva Coleman reports on a tragic incident in Philadelphia where a Memorial Day shooting resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries. As of now, no arrests have been made.

City officials believe multiple shooters were involved, with the police commissioner indicating the use of modified semiautomatic firearms, potentially enhanced with switches to enable automatic fire. The ongoing investigation aims to identify and apprehend those responsible for this violent act.

Nepalese Sherpa Kami Rita Sets New Mountaineering Record

[03:13]
In a remarkable sports achievement, Bill Chappell covers the story of Kami Rita Sherpa, who has scaled Mount Everest for the 31st time, setting an impressive personal and national milestone.

[03:52]
Bill Chappell highlights Kami Rita's enduring legacy:

"Kami Rita first reached the peak of Mount Everest in 1994. He's now 55 years old and still leading teams of mountaineers to the top of the world's highest mountains."
(03:52)

This latest ascent sees Kami Rita breaking his own record by achieving two Everest climbs in a single season. Additionally, a younger Nepali Sherpa recently set a different record by completing four Everest climbs within just 15 days, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities within the Sherpa community.

President Trump Pardons Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley

[04:24]
Korva Coleman covers controversial use of presidential pardon power by Donald Trump, who has pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their reality TV show "Chrisley Knows Best."

The couple was convicted in 2022 for conspiring to defraud banks in Atlanta, involving over $30 million. Their offenses included hiding earnings and flaunting their wealth through luxury purchases highlighted on their show. This pardon follows Trump's pattern of saving high-profile supporters from legal consequences.

This summary encapsulates the key developments from the NPR News Now episode released on May 28, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who missed the broadcast.