NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 18, 2025

Released May 19, 2025

Health Update: Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

[00:17] Host Dale Willman opens the episode with significant news regarding former President Joe Biden. According to NPR's Luke Garrett, Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

[00:25] Luke Garrett reports that a small nodule detected on Biden's prostate led to his diagnosis last Friday. At 82 years old, Biden's cancer has metastasized to his bones, indicating a more aggressive case. However, the personal office of the former president stated that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options. Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer in men, as per the CDC, and is generally treatable. This diagnosis surfaces just days before the release of an exposé book on Biden and amid growing debates over his mental fitness during his presidency.

Transportation: New Jersey Transit Strike Resolved

[01:07] Dale Willman transitions to transportation news, announcing that New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) trains will resume operations for the Tuesday morning commute. This comes after a significant labor dispute involving over 450 locomotive engineers.

[01:20] Catalina Gonela provides detailed coverage on the strike, stating that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen halted all NJ Transit rail services across the state on Friday, affecting nearly 300,000 weekday riders. This was one of the most disruptive strikes in the agency's history and the first major rail shutdown since 1983. The union has reached a tentative contract agreement that includes higher wages, addressing the six-year period without a raise that union members endured. The agreement awaits ratification by union members and approval by NJ Transit's board in June.

Business & Policy: Verizon Reduces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

[02:07] Dale Willman reports on corporate policy changes amidst federal pressure, highlighting Verizon's recent decisions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

[02:24] Maria Aspen explains that many large companies, including Verizon, are retracting DEI initiatives previously promised to foster equitable opportunities for employees. This shift follows directives from President Trump, who has declared such programs illegal, and actions by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging companies to discontinue them. Specifically, Verizon, in its bid to acquire broadband provider Frontier, informed the FCC it would end many DEI-related policies, including setting diversity hiring goals and removing DEI references from its websites. The FCC approved Verizon's $20 billion deal, notably citing the company's commitment to discontinue DEI practices.

Political Developments & Natural Disasters: GOP Advances Legislative Agendas; Severe Storms Hit Midwest

[03:12] Dale Willman updates listeners on political maneuvers and natural disasters impacting the Midwest.

On the political front, Republicans on the House Budget Committee have advanced a substantial package focused on tax cuts and border security during a rare Sunday night session. This package had previously stalled during a Friday vote after four conservative Republicans opposed it, advocating for more significant cuts to programs like Medicaid.

Simultaneously, severe storms and tornadoes continue to ravage several Midwestern states, resulting in over two dozen fatalities, with Kentucky bearing the brunt—reporting at least 19 deaths.

[03:55] Karen Zarr of WKY reports from London, Kentucky, where First Baptist Church has become a sanctuary for community members. Despite devastating losses, Pastor Jesse Armstrong led a faith-based celebration to uplift spirits.

[04:09] Pastor Armstrong delivered a poignant message: “God was and he is and he will continue to be” [04:09] This message underscores the community's resilience. Following the storm, the church has served as a central hub for collecting supplies, with Armstrong noting, “There were so many people that came up here to help and I didn't call a single one of them” [04:18] As demand exceeded capacity, Armstrong facilitated additional support by enlisting a nearby church to serve as a second donation center, demonstrating the community's solidarity and proactive response in the face of disaster.

Sports: Oklahoma Thunder Advances to NBA Western Conference Finals

[04:34] In sports news, Dale Willman announces that the Oklahoma Thunder have secured a spot in the NBA Western Conference Finals after a decisive 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The Nuggets had pushed the series to seven games before their eventual loss. The Thunder, now the top-seeded team, will host the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, with the first game scheduled for Tuesday.

For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.