NPR News Now Summary
Episode: NPR News: 05-17-2025 8PM EDT
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Source: NPR
Violent Incident in Palm Springs, California
Timestamp: [00:16]
Jeanine Herbst opens the broadcast with a report on a tragic car explosion near a Palm Springs fertility clinic, which resulted in the death of one individual. Steve Futterman provides detailed coverage:
“The explosion damaged the clinic along with several other nearby buildings. The Palm Springs fire chief says the blast appears to be an intentional act of violence” (00:31).
Authorities remain uncertain about the victim's connection to the blast. The FBI has mobilized bomb technicians and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to investigate the incident. The targeted clinic is noted as the area's first and only full-service fertility center, offering services like in vitro fertilization and egg freezing. Steve Futterman concludes:
“For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles” (02:08).
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Devastate Kentucky and Missouri
Timestamps: [01:19] – [03:08]
Extreme weather conditions struck Kentucky and Missouri, claiming at least 25 lives. Stan Ingold reports from Richmond, Kentucky:
“Governor Andy Beshear says he has spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and officials with FEMA and that they have vowed to help” (01:32).
Governor Beshear has requested a federal disaster declaration to facilitate aid. He emphasizes cooperation over politics in disaster response:
“For the two events that we've already had this year, we've seen a White House and a FEMA organization that has performed well, and it's done what we've asked” (01:50).
FEMA officials are actively assisting with ongoing flooding and disaster relief. This event marks the third major natural disaster in Kentucky this year. Additionally, at least seven fatalities have been reported in Missouri due to the same severe storms.
President Trump's Planned Discussions with Putin and Zelensky
Timestamps: [02:08] – [03:08]
Amidst the backdrop of severe weather disasters, President Trump announces his intention to engage in high-stakes diplomatic talks:
“I will talk to Putin by phone at 10am Monday, then talk to Zelensky and quote, various members of NATO” (02:27).
This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped recent peace talks with Ukraine and Turkey concerning the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite previous claims by Trump about brokering a peace deal swiftly after taking office, the conflict persists. Trump reiterates his desire for peace, especially after Russia's recent military actions:
“Vladimir stop” (03:08).
Daniel Kurtzleben of NPR provides further context on the strained peace efforts and Trump's role in them.
Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education and Desegregation Concerns
Timestamps: [03:08] – [04:21]
Marking the 71st anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, civil rights leaders express deep concerns over the current trajectory of desegregation in American schools. Sandhya Dirks reports:
“The Justice Department has already dismissed a desegregation order in a school district in Louisiana. Civil rights leaders worry more could follow” (03:33).
Janay Nelson, head of the Legal Defense Fund, warns:
“Our public school system has never been fully desegregated, which means that we've never fully tapped into the promise of Brown” (03:49).
Studies indicate that public schools are more segregated today than in the 1980s, exacerbated by recent administrative actions. The Trump administration and Louisiana Republicans argue that desegregation orders are obsolete and impose unnecessary burdens on school districts. Nelson counters that ending enforcement would render the Brown decision toothless, undermining decades of civil rights advancements.
Preakness Stakes concludes without a Triple Crown Winner
Timestamp: [04:21] – [04:56]
In sports news, Journalism won the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore, securing the second leg of the Triple Crown with odds of 6 to 5. The race saw Gosger finish second and Sandman in third place. Notably, there is no Triple Crown winner this year as the Kentucky Derby victor, Sovereignty, did not participate in the Preakness.
Jeanine Herbst also notes that this edition marks the final Preakness at Pimlico before renovations commence, expected to last about two years. During this period, the Preakness will temporarily move to nearby Laurel Park in Maryland.
Other Highlights
- Entertainment: JJ from Austria clinched victory at Eurovision 2025.
- Historical Note: Recognition of the Brown v. Board of Education decision's anniversary underscores ongoing civil rights challenges.
This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and reports from the NPR News Now episode released on May 18, 2025. For complete details, listening to the full episode is recommended.