NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-15-2025 7AM EDT

Episode Date: May 15, 2025

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Does the idea of listening to political news freak you out? Well, don't sweat it. The NPR Politics podcast makes politics a breeze. Every episode will break down the day's headlines into totally normal language and make sure that you walk away understanding what the day's news might mean for you. Take a deep breath and give politics another chance with the NPR Politics podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman.

President Trump is wrapping up a trip to Qatar. He's just spoken to U.S. troops at a large air base in the Gulf nation. He was eager to highlight something he wants to include for the U.S. troops in an upcoming request to Congress. That's why in my 2026 budget includes across the board. Maybe you don't want it. Look, for the good of the country, you don't have to take it.

Pay raises for each and every one of you, substantial pay raises. But you don't have to take it. Trump is also touting huge business deals. The government of Qatar has agreed to buy $96 billion worth of planes from U.S. aircraft maker Boeing. It's one of planes from U.S. aircraft maker Boeing. It's one of Boeing's largest deals ever. Trump will now go to the last stop on his Mideast trip, the United Arab Emirates. President Trump is continuing to signal he is open to accepting a $400 billion plane

from Qatar's government. It would serve as the new Air Force One for the president. Critics say it presents a host of security and ethical issues. NPR's Windsor Johnston reports on the backlash from some of Trump's fellow Republicans. A number of conservative influencers are taking to social media to openly criticize the move, calling it out of touch, unconstitutional, and a, quote, stain on the administration. Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro posted a video accusing Trump of compromising his America First agenda.

Taking sacks of goodies from people who support Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Al Jazeera, that's not America First. Like, please define America First in a way that says you should take sacks of cash from the Qatari Royals who are behind Al Jazeera. It just isn't America First in any conceivable way. President Trump has defended his openness to accept the jet, framing it as a money saver for taxpayers. Windsor-Johnston and PR News, Washington.

A Wisconsin county judge who is accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities is scheduled for arraignment today in federal court. Her case is heightened discord over President Trump's approach to immigration enforcement. For Member Station WUWM, Mayon Silver has more. Judge Hannah Dugan is expected to enter pleas of not guilty to two federal charges, concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstructing a proceeding. She was indicted Wednesday after allegedly directing a defendant without legal status

out of her courtroom as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to arrest him. Her case was assigned to Judge Lynn Adelman, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton. Wisconsin defense attorney Tony Cotton says he's someone who frequently holds the government accountable. Adelman is about as good of a draw as she could have ever hoped for. Dugan has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the government's prosecution is, quote, virtually unprecedented and entirely unconstitutional.

For NPR News, I'm Ayaan Silver in Milwaukee. On Wall Street in pre-market trading, Dow futures are lower. This is NPR. in pre-market trading, Dow futures are lower. This is NPR. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Turkey, prepared for possible talks with a Russian delegation to end Russia's war in his country. But Russian President Vladimir Putin is not there, even though he proposed the talks.

Instead, Putin sent a low-level Russian delegation that the Ukrainian president has dismissed as, quote, decorative. Congress is moving closer to allowing families across the U.S. to use federal tax dollars to pay for private school tuition, NPR's Corey Turner explains. The federal school voucher plan has been included in Republicans' reconciliation bill, and if it becomes law, it would work like this. A private citizen could make a charitable donation to a

nonprofit third party known as an SGO or scholarship granting organization. The SGO would then distribute the money to families in the form of scholarships to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses. The person who donates the cash would also get a generous tax credit. Every dollar they donate would cut their federal tax bill by a dollar. Families would be able to use the money even in states where voters have fought back vouchers. The measure will soon move, with the rest of the reconciliation bill, to the full House. Corey Turner, NPR News. Missouri state lawmakers have voted to again put the issue of abortion to voters.

Just last year, Missouri voters approved an abortion rights amendment. But Missouri Republicans are seeking to overturn that and ban nearly all abortions again. There are certain exceptions for rape and incest in their measure. Lawmakers' vote means the issue will be back on Missouri ballots, likely late next year. This is NPR.