Podcast Summary: NPR News Now Episode: NPR News: 05-18-2025 11AM EDT
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Devastating Tornadoes Hit Missouri and Kentucky

Overview:
Emergency responders are actively working to restore electricity to households severely impacted by deadly tornadoes that struck Missouri and Kentucky on Friday. The small town of London, Kentucky, has been particularly hard-hit, with 18 fatalities reported so far. The region is grappling with extensive debris, making cleanup efforts expected to take weeks, and the broader recovery process could span years. London is still recovering from tornadoes that hit western Kentucky in 2021 and severe flooding in eastern Kentucky in 2022.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Zahr ([00:43]): "You can hear chainsaws and heavy equipment everywhere, but the amount of debris here is so massive it could take weeks to clean up and then the recovery process could take years."

2. Explosion Near Fertility Clinic in Palm Springs Possibly Deliberate

Overview:
Officials in Palm Springs, California, are investigating an explosion near a fertility clinic, which they believe was a deliberate act. The blast caused significant damage to the clinic and nearby structures, including a burned-out car. FBI's Los Angeles office, led by Akil Davis, and Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills have concluded that the explosion was intentional.

Notable Quotes:

• Akil Davis ([01:18]): "As law enforcement officials gather evidence, they've come to one key conclusion. This explosion was no accident."
• Andy Mills ([01:29]): "Make no mistake, an intentional act of terrorism."
• Andy Mills ([01:46]): "There are blocks of debris and it'll take a meticulous effort so we understand very thoroughly what happened."
• Akil Davis ([01:54]): "Police believe this was an isolated incident."

3. Renewed Ceasefire Talks Between Israel and Hamas

Overview:
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway amid intensified military actions and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel is preparing to resume food supplies to Gaza, where there is a severe shortage of provisions. The latest bombings have resulted in over 500 deaths in the past five days, with reports of significant civilian casualties, including children. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is actively involved in facilitating the talks, aiming for a ceasefire and the release of more Israeli hostages.

Notable Quotes:

• Marco Rubio ([02:19]): "Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US is involved in the talks, seeking a ceasefire and the release of more Israeli hostages."
• Anonymous Source ([02:55]): "Israel estimates civilians in Gaza only have about a week's supply of food left and is planning to end its 11-week aid blockade this week."

4. 150th Preakness Stakes Won by Journalism

Overview:
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes took place at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, with the horse Journalism securing victory amid a crowded field. The race saw intense competition, with nine horses bursting from the gate and a challenging final stretch. Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli, winning the Preakness Stakes for the first time, expressed his relief and joy after the race, especially following his previous struggles after the Kentucky Derby.

Notable Quotes:

• Umberto Rispoli ([03:45]): "I can tell you I couldn't sleep for four nights after the Kentucky Derby, but I know if I could ride a perfect race. But this takes some of the pain off and I'm glad that I have this opportunity. I have to wait 20 years, but it was worth it to wait."

5. Ongoing Transit Strike in New Jersey

Overview:
Transit officials and locomotive engineers in New Jersey have resumed negotiations as their strike enters its second day. The primary sticking point in the negotiations is wages, which Transit CEO Chris Cullery describes as a complex issue. While both parties are making progress on several fronts, an agreement has yet to be reached. In the interim, transit agencies are increasing bus services to mitigate the strike's impact, and there are calls for employees to work from home where possible to help manage the situation.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Cullery ([04:26]): "We understand their side. I now need them to understand our position that we will not break the bank in getting this deal done."
• Chris Cullery ([04:35]): "Should this go on till Monday, and if you can continue to work from home, it would be a hugely helpful moment for us to manage the bottom."

Conclusion:
This episode of NPR News Now covered a range of critical topics, including natural disasters in the Midwest, a potential act of terrorism in California, ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in the Middle East, a major sporting event milestone, and labor disputes affecting public transportation. Notable quotes from key figures provided deeper insights into each story, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current events shaping our world.