NPR News Now: May 17, 2025, 5PM EDT – Detailed Summary

On the May 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, listeners were presented with a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. Hosted by Jeanine Herbst, the episode delved into significant topics ranging from geopolitical tensions and severe weather events to changes in the real estate market, major sporting events, and corporate mergers. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the episode.

1. President Trump's Diplomatic Engagements Amid Ukraine Conflict

Timestamp: [00:25 – 01:26]

The episode opened with Jeanine Herbst reporting on President Donald Trump's announcement to engage in diplomatic talks concerning the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to the report, President Trump stated his intention to converse with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday morning, followed by a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later that day. This move comes in the wake of President Putin's absence from recent peace negotiations in Turkey.

Danielle Kurtzleben provided further context, highlighting that President Trump's social media post specified a phone call with Putin scheduled for 10 AM Monday, subsequently followed by discussions with Zelensky and various NATO officials. Kurtzleben noted, “This past week, Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Turkey for their first direct peace talk since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022” (00:45). Despite Zelensky's call for Putin's participation, the Russian president did not attend, continuing the cycle of conflict that began with the invasion. Kurtzleben remarked on Trump's previous assertion of being able to broker a peace deal swiftly, stating, “Trump repeatedly said he would broker a peace deal between the two countries within 24 hours of taking office” (01:10). However, sustained fighting and recent escalations, including missile and drone attacks by Russia in April, have complicated these efforts. Kurtzleben concluded with Trump’s plea on social media: “Vladimir, stop” (02:50).

2. Devastating Storms and Tornadoes Ravage Missouri and Kentucky

Timestamp: [01:26 – 02:18]

In the midst of international tensions, severe weather struck parts of the United States, leading to significant loss of life and property. Karen Zahr from member station WUKY reported on the tragic impact of storms and tornadoes in Missouri and Kentucky, resulting in over two dozen fatalities and extensive damage.

Zahr painted a vivid picture of the aftermath, describing a scene just beyond Fire Station 2 in London, Kentucky: “A short walk past Fire Station 2… everything seems normal. Families sit on their porches, kids jump on a trampoline. A dog runs across the yard” (01:37). However, mere miles away, devastation was widespread with homes destroyed, vehicles crushed, and debris scattered across the landscape. The presence of emergency responders remained active, underscoring the ongoing nature of the disaster. Zahr emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, “The coroner's van is parked nearby, and police say the scene remains active” (02:10). Her report underscored the urgent need for relief and assistance in the affected regions.

3. Revolutionizing Realtor Payment Structures in the Housing Market

Timestamp: [02:18 – 03:19]

Shifting focus to the housing market, Laura Wamsley from NPR explored the newly implemented rules governing how real estate agents are compensated. Following a settlement with the National Association of Realtors last year, buyers and sellers are now encountering more flexible payment options, including flat fees.

Wamsley explained the traditional model, where “the seller paid a commission to both the buyer's and seller's agents, totaling 5 to 6% of the sales price” (02:35). This structure often resulted in substantial payouts to realtors, as highlighted by homebuyer Jim Hsiao from Georgia, who remarked, “It was just too much money going to the realtors” (02:50). The recent settlement mandates that real estate agents must disclose that their rates are negotiable, empowering consumers to seek alternative arrangements. Hsiao found an agent willing to work for a flat fee, resulting in a $14,000 saving that he could allocate toward closing costs. Despite these changes, Wamsley noted that overall commissions for buyer’s agents have "barely budged," emphasizing consumer confidence as a key factor in driving further changes. Hsiao concluded, “Consumers just need the confidence to ask for options beyond the status quo” (03:10).

4. Celebrating the 150th Preakness Stakes with Cultural Flourishes

Timestamp: [03:19 – 04:34]

The horse racing community turned its attention to Baltimore for the landmark 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the intermediate leg of the Triple Crown. Wamboy Kamau of member station WYPR detailed the extensive celebrations and cultural events orchestrated to commemorate this milestone.

Kamau highlighted the star-studded performances planned for the event, including Wyclef Jean's trackside performance and T-Pain closing out the race festivities. The race itself featured Journalism as the favored horse, competing for a two-million-dollar purse. This edition of the Preakness Stakes carries additional significance as the final race before Pimlico Racecourse undergoes extensive renovations to become a year-round venue. Kamau reported, “Residents of the Park Heights neighborhood, home to the track, say it's a chance to bring jobs and much-needed investment” (03:44).

A notable addition to the festivities was Afro Preak, a cultural event aimed at attracting a more diverse audience to horse racing. Derek Chase, co-founder of Afro Preak, stated, “We've created a bridge for something that historically people didn't see themselves as a part of, and now they feel welcome” (04:20). This initiative seeks to make the traditionally homogeneous sport more inclusive, reflecting Baltimore’s majority Black population.

5. Charter and Cox to Merge Amidst Streaming Competition

Timestamp: [04:34 – 05:04]

Concluding the episode, Herbst reported on a significant development in the telecommunications industry: the proposed merger between cable giants Charter and Cox. Valued at approximately $34.5 billion, the merger aims to consolidate two of the largest cable companies in the United States, positioning them more competitively against the rising dominance of streaming services.

Under the terms of the deal, Charter will acquire Cox's commercial fiber and managed IT and cloud businesses, while Cox will transfer its residential cable operations to Charter. This strategic move is intended to streamline services and expand market reach. However, the merger is contingent upon approval from regulatory bodies and the respective shareholders of both companies. Herbst summarized, “The deal requires regulatory and shareholder approval” (04:34), indicating that while the merger holds significant potential, it must navigate the complexities of antitrust regulations and investor sentiments.

Conclusion

The May 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a thorough update on pressing issues both domestically and internationally. From high-stakes diplomatic negotiations and natural disasters to transformative changes in the real estate sector, celebratory cultural events in sports, and major corporate mergers reshaping the media landscape, the episode encapsulated a wide array of topics with depth and clarity. Through engaging reporting and insightful commentary, NPR continued its mission to inform and connect its audience with the latest news in just five minutes.