NPR News Now: May 19, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary
1. Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
At 00:18, host Jeanine Herbst announced that Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Tamara Keith provided further details, stating:
"According to a statement from Biden's personal office, the cancer has metastasized to bone and is a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. But it appears to be hormone sensitive, which means there are options for effective management." (00:32)
This diagnosis places Biden, who served as the oldest president at 82, under medical scrutiny as his family and medical team evaluate treatment options. The news arrives amid ongoing media discussions about Biden's health and performance during his presidency, as highlighted in an upcoming book.
2. Terrorist Attack at Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Identified
Jeanine Herbst reported at 01:09 that law enforcement officials in Palm Springs, California, have identified a 25-year-old man as the suspect responsible for the bombing of a fertility clinic. The tragic event resulted in the death of one person and injuries to four others. The FBI has confirmed that Guy Barkus was the individual who died in the explosion, categorizing the incident as an act of terrorism.
3. Rising H2A Visa Wages Threaten U.S. Farmers' Viability
The agricultural sector faces challenges as farmers nationwide prepare for the harvest season amid concerns over escalating wages for H2A visa workers. Michelle Jocas Polo from Michigan Public Radio delved into the issue, highlighting comments from Scott Powell, nursery manager at Dutchman Tree Farms:
"In Michigan, the H2A rate has jumped nearly $3 since 2022." (02:13)
Historically, Payne noted:
"When I came back to The Farm in 2011, our H2A wage was $10.02. In 2024, our wage was $18.50." (02:04)
The significant increase in wages is squeezing farmers financially, prompting two bipartisan congressional bills aimed at freezing H2A wages to help sustain farming operations. The outcomes of these legislative efforts are crucial for the agricultural community's future.
4. Coinbase to Join the S&P 500 Index
In a notable development for the cryptocurrency industry, Jeanine Herbst announced at 02:27 that Coinbase will be added to the S&P 500 index starting Monday. Rafael Nam elaborated:
"The inclusion is a seminal moment for the crypto industry. It's the first time a crypto company joins the broad index." (02:31)
Coinbase replaces Discover Financial Services, which is being acquired by Capital One. This move reflects Coinbase's growing significance in the financial sector, with its shares experiencing gains in anticipation of joining the S&P 500. Investors are keenly observing how Coinbase will perform within this prestigious index on its first trading day.
5. Devastating Storms and Tornadoes Hit the Midwest
Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway across multiple Midwestern states following severe storms and tornadoes that struck Friday night, resulting in over two dozen fatalities. Jeanine Herbst provided details:
- Kentucky bears the brunt with at least 19 deaths.
- Missouri reports at least 7 deaths.
- Approximately 5,000 buildings in St. Louis were impacted by the storms.
These natural disasters have caused significant loss and infrastructure damage, prompting widespread relief and rebuilding initiatives in the affected regions.
6. Resolution of New Jersey Transit Strike
In labor news, New Jersey transit officials have reached a tentative contract agreement with engineers, effectively ending a strike that had halted rail services on Friday. Herbst noted that:
"The union says it includes a better pay than an earlier rejected proposal still has to be approved by the union and the state transit board." (03:13)
This agreement marks a positive outcome for commuters affected by the strike, pending final approvals from the union and relevant state authorities.
7. Insight into Flamingo Feeding Behaviors
NPR's Jeff Brumfiel shared fascinating research on flamingos' eating habits:
"One obvious question is what are they doing with their feet? People say that they are dancing." (04:19)
Victor Ortega Jimenez from UC Berkeley clarified that the visible foot stomping, bill chattering, and head bobbing are strategic actions to stir up and trap tiny shrimp and other food in the water. This behavior creates swirling vortices that help flamingos scoop up their prey efficiently. The study, conducted in collaboration with Georgia Tech, is published in the latest edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
8. U.S. Futures Trading Trends
Concluding the episode, Jeanine Herbst briefly mentioned at 04:49 that U.S. futures contracts are trading lower at the time of reporting, indicating potential shifts in the financial markets.
This summary encapsulates the key news highlights from the May 19, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, offering a comprehensive overview for listeners and those seeking a detailed briefing on current events.