NPR News Now – June 2, 2025, 4 PM EDT
On today’s episode of NPR News Now, listeners were presented with a comprehensive overview of critical events and developments happening locally and globally. Hosted by NPR, the five-minute news roundup covered a range of topics from legal proceedings and infrastructure updates to health studies and environmental forecasts. Below is a detailed summary of the key stories discussed.
1. Violent Attack in Boulder, Colorado
Timestamp: [00:25] – [01:33]
Reporters: Windsor Johnston and Haley Mae
The episode opened with a report on a significant legal development in Boulder, Colorado. Windsor Johnston announced that Mohamed Sabri Solomon, the man accused of orchestrating a violent attack on peaceful protesters, made his first court appearance. Solomon, a 45-year-old Egyptian national who had overstayed his tourist visa, is facing multiple federal hate crime charges.
Haley Mae provided further details, stating that Solomon is charged with assault and the use of explosives, including Molotov cocktails made from glass wine bottles and mason jars. The attack targeted a gathering supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza, resulting in injuries to eight individuals aged between 52 and 88, one of whom is a Holocaust survivor.
Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General, emphasized the severity of the charges, mentioning potential enhancements:
"There's not only potential enhancements for a [...]" ([01:27])
Adam Basran added that the hate crime charges could see escalations given the nature of the attack and its impact on the victims.
2. Newark Liberty International Airport Runway Reopens Ahead of Schedule
Timestamp: [01:42] – [02:12]
Reporter: Windsor Johnston
In infrastructure news, Windsor Johnston reported that Newark Liberty International Airport successfully reopened a major runway nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. The rapid completion is attributed to an efficient 60-day project timeline, finished 13 days early. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the timely reopening, noting its critical importance as the airport prepares for the upcoming busy summer travel season.
Maria Godoy celebrated the achievement:
"Today we're celebrating the opening of Newark's Runway and this is a 60 day project that actually is completed 13 days early." ([02:00])
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously restricted flight operations at Newark due to construction challenges and a shortage of air traffic controllers, making this early reopening a significant accomplishment.
3. Structured Exercise Program Reduces Colon Cancer Recurrence
Timestamp: [02:34] – [03:16]
Reporter: Kabir Bhatia
Health advancements were highlighted with the announcement of a groundbreaking study on colon cancer survivors. Kabir Bhatia reported that a recent trial demonstrated that a structured exercise program can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by 28% over eight years. The study, involving 889 patients who had completed chemotherapy, found that those who engaged in regular exercise under professional guidance had significantly better outcomes compared to those who only received information on fitness and nutrition.
This randomized controlled trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, marks the first of its kind to establish a direct link between structured physical activity and improved survival rates in colon cancer survivors.
4. Anticipation of Above-Average Hurricane Season Raises Concerns
Timestamp: [03:16] – [03:35]
Reporter: Windsor Johnston
Turning to environmental issues, Windsor Johnston reported that weather officials are anticipating an above-average hurricane season, with at least 19 storms already named. The increased activity raises alarms over the nation's preparedness, especially in light of recent administrative decisions.
Windsor Johnston pointed out the strain on resources:
"Staffing and resources to track hurricanes has become a major concern this season." ([03:24])
This concern is exacerbated by actions taken during the Trump administration, which involved firing hundreds of employees and cutting climate research programs, thereby diminishing the capacity to effectively monitor and respond to the upcoming hurricane threats.
5. Goodyear Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Its Blimp Fleet
Timestamp: [03:55] – [04:24]
Reporter: Kabir Bhatia
In a lighter note, Kabir Bhatia shared the news of Goodyear celebrating the centennial of its iconic blimp fleet. Originating in 1925 with military airships, Goodyear’s blimps have become a staple in advertising, flying across various locations to promote the brand.
Adam Basran, Goodyear’s Assistant Chief Pilot, provided insights into the operation:
"The Goodyear blimp is largely used as an advertisement for the company." ([04:24])
The current fleet consists of three semi-rigid airships stationed in Florida, California, and Ohio. Each blimp rotates between these locations to ensure optimal exposure and maintenance, adapting to different environmental conditions such as salt air in Florida and UV challenges in Los Angeles.
6. Study Reveals the Extent of Social Media Scrolling
Timestamp: [04:35] – [05:04]
Reporter: Windsor Johnston
Concluding the news roundup, Windsor Johnston presented findings from a recent study on social media usage. Conducted by Fasthosts, the analysis revealed that the average person scrolls over 88 miles per year on various social media platforms. This extensive scrolling was calculated based on average daily usage and the typical distance covered with each swipe.
The study highlights the profound impact of social media on daily life, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding screen time and digital well-being.
This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with timely and diverse updates, ranging from legal proceedings and infrastructure achievements to health research and environmental forecasts. By delivering concise yet comprehensive coverage, NPR continues to inform its audience efficiently amidst the fast-paced news cycle.