NPR News: 05-18-2025 12AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Summary of Episode Released on May 18, 2025

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on May 18, 2025, covering a range of significant national and international events. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, structured into distinct sections for clarity.

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1. U.S. International Relations: President Trump's Planned Calls with Putin and Zelenskyy

Overview:
President Donald Trump announced his intention to engage in direct phone conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This move aims to address ongoing tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Key Points:

• Scheduled Calls: Trump plans to speak with Putin at 10:00 AM EDT and subsequently with Zelenskyy later the same day.
• Context: The announcement follows failed peace talks in Turkey between Ukrainian and Russian officials. Zelenskyy had previously invited Putin to these discussions, which did not materialize.
• Trump's Peace Efforts: Historically, Trump claimed he could broker a peace deal within 24 hours of taking office, a promise that has yet to materialize as conflict persists.

Notable Quote:
Danielle Kurtzleben reports, “[Trump] says he will talk to Putin by phone at 10am Monday, then talk to Zelenskyy and various members of NATO” (00:30).

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2. Explosion Near Fertility Clinic in Palm Springs Investigated as Potential Terrorism

Overview:
An explosion occurred near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, leading authorities to suspect it was a deliberate act of terrorism.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: The explosion took place just before noon, causing significant damage to the clinic and nearby structures, including a burned-out car.
• Law Enforcement Response: The FBI's Los Angeles office, led by Akil Davis, is spearheading the investigation.
• Official Statements: Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills emphasized the intentional nature of the act and the extensive debris requiring meticulous examination.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Mills stated, “Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism” (01:29).
Steve Futterman added, “There are blocks of debris and it'll take a meticulous effort so we understand very thoroughly what happened” (01:54).

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3. Mexican Military Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Overview:
A Mexican military training vessel collided with New York's iconic Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in structural damage and multiple injuries.

Key Points:

• Accident Details: At least three masts of the tall ship were damaged during a departure maneuver, leading to temporary suspension of bridge traffic.
• Casualties: Several individuals sustained injuries due to the collision.
• Mexican Officials' Statement: The ship was conducting standard maneuvers when the accident occurred.

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4. Devastating Storms and Tornadoes Hit Midwest and Southern United States

Overview:
A series of violent storms and tornadoes swept through the Midwest and parts of the Southern U.S., causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life.

Key Points:

• Casualties: At least 27 fatalities reported, with Kentucky alone mourning 18 deaths.
• Governor's Remarks: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the severe damage, noting, “Hard to see homes that are in a single wall left standing. Some homes that have all four walls yet lost the person inside” (02:36).
• Affected Areas: Infrastructure and homes suffered extensive damage, with some structures nearly destroyed.

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5. Massive Heat Dome Engulfs Texas

Overview:
Following the recent storms, Texas is now grappling with a massive heat dome, exacerbating the region's challenges.

Key Points:

• Temperature Extremes: Record-breaking temperatures are affecting large swathes of Texas, impacting daily life and infrastructure.
• Public Health Concerns: Authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure public safety.

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6. Negotiations to End New Jersey Transit Engineers' Strike Resume

Overview:
Efforts to resolve the strike by New Jersey Transit engineers recommence, aiming to mitigate disruptions caused to hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.

Key Points:

• Strike Impact: Began on Friday, affecting 350,000 passengers who have had to seek alternative transportation methods.
• Negotiation Stakes: Transit officials have pledged to introduce additional buses if no agreement is reached by Monday to alleviate travel issues.

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7. Heavy Rainfall Triggers Evacuations Near Buenos Aires, Argentina

Overview:
Rural areas north of Buenos Aires have seen mass evacuations due to unprecedented rainfall flooding highways and farmland.

Key Points:

• Evacuation Orders: Over 2,000 individuals have been ordered to leave affected regions to safeguard against rising floodwaters.
• Rainfall Statistics: Approximately 15 inches of rain have fallen within a 72-hour period, leading to significant infrastructure challenges.
• Stranded Passengers: A bus carrying 44 passengers was stranded overnight on a major roadway connecting the capital to the interior.

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8. Historic Victory at the 150th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore

Overview:
In the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the horse Journalism clinched victory in a dramatic race, marking a significant achievement in horse racing history.

Key Points:

• Race Dynamics: Nine horses surged from the gate, with Journalism taking the lead in the final stretch to win by one length.
• Jockey's Achievement: Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli secured his first Preakness win, reflecting his perseverance and skill.

Notable Quotes:
Umberto Rispoli shared, “I couldn’t sleep for four nights after the Kentucky Derby... this takes some of the pain off and I'm glad that I have this opportunity” (04:02).

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9. Crystal Palace Upsets Manchester City in FA Soccer Cup Final

Overview:
In a stunning upset, Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium, securing their first FA Cup victory in club history.

Key Points:

• Match Highlights: Eberici Ezzy scored the decisive goal in the first half, ensuring Crystal Palace emerged victorious.
• Manchester City's Performance: Despite their strong performance throughout the tournament, Manchester City left the final without a trophy.
• Historical Significance: This win marks a milestone for Crystal Palace, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.

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Conclusion:
The episode of NPR News Now on May 18, 2025, provided listeners with a broad spectrum of news, ranging from international diplomacy and domestic crises to significant cultural and sporting events. Each segment was delivered with clarity, enriched by direct quotes from key figures, offering a comprehensive overview for those unable to tune in.

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Timestamps:

• 00:30 – President Trump's scheduled phone calls
• 01:29 – Police Chief Andy Mills on Palm Springs explosion
• 02:36 – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on storm damage
• 04:02 – Jockey Umberto Rispoli's remarks after Preakness win

Transcript

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[Dale Wilman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. President Trump says he'll talk by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday morning and then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later in the day. NPR's Danielle Kurzli.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

In a social media post, Trump said that he will talk to Putin by phone at 10am Monday, then talk to Zelensky and quote, various members of NATO. This past week, Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Turkey for their first direct peace talk since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky had called for Putin to attend, but the Russian president did not go on the campaign trail last year, Trump repeatedly said he would broker a peace deal between the two countries within 24 hours of taking office. Fighting has continued instead, and Trump has talked about wanting peace. After Russia sent missiles and drones to Ukraine in April, Trump posted on social media Vladimir Stop. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News.

[Dale Wilman]

In Palm Springs, California, law enforcement officials say they believe an explosion near a fertility clinic was a deliberate act. More from Steve Futterman.

[Steve Futterman]

As law enforcement officials gather evidence, they have come to one key conclusion. This explosion was no accident. Akil Davis is in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles office.

[Andy Mills]

Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism.

[Steve Futterman]

The explosion occurred just before noon near the clinic, which suffered significant damage. A nearby car was burned out. Adjacent buildings nearby also suffered damage. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills.

There are blocks of debris and it'll take a meticulous effort so we understand very thoroughly what happened.

Police believe this was an isolated incident. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.

[Dale Wilman]

A Mexican military training ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge in New York Saturday night. Officials say at least three masts on the sailing ship were damaged and a number of people were injured. Mexican officials say the tall ship sailboat was undertaking a departure maneuver at the time of the accident. Traffic on the bridge was temporarily suspended. At least 27 people are dead following a series of violent storms and tornadoes this weekend that hit the Midwest and parts of the southern US first responders. Responders in Kentucky found more bodies on Saturday, bringing the total dead there to 18. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says the damage in some areas is quite severe.

[Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear]

Hard to see homes that are in a single wall left standing. Some homes that have all four walls yet lost the person inside.

[Dale Wilman]

The storms also brought a massive heat dome to parts of Texas. Talks will resume on Sunday as negotiators try to end a strike by engineers who are working for New Jersey Transit. The strike began on Friday and left 350,000 daily passengers scrambling to find an alternate way to work. Transit officials say if no deal is reached by Monday, they'll add additional buses to help with the travel concerns. You're listening to NPR News. More than 2,000 people have been ordered to evacuate rural areas just north of Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires this weekend. The that order follows several days of heavy rainfall that's flooded highways and farmland. A bus with 44 passengers was stranded overnight on one of the roadways connecting the capital with the country's interior. As much as 15 inches of rain has fallen over the past 72 hours. The horse journalism has won the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. Wamboy Kamal from member station WYPR reports.

[Wamboy Kamau]

Nine horses burst from the gate at Pimlico Racecourse after a bump in battle in the final stretch, Journalism surged ahead, galloping to victory. Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli is a first time Preakness winner.

[Umberto Rispoli]

I can tell you I couldn't sleep for four nights after the Kentucky Derby. Even 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.

[Wamboy Kamau]

The first place comes with a $1.2 million payout of the race's 22 million purse. This year's Kentucky Derby winner, Serenity, didn't compete in the race. The next leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, is in three weeks. For NPR News, I'm Oneboy Kamau in Baltimore.

[Dale Wilman]

Crystal palace pulled off one of the biggest FA Soccer cup upsets in recent times on Saturday with a one nil win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. It was the first FA cup win in the team's history. While Manchester City ended its run empty handed, Eberici Ezzy scored the only goal in the first half. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

[Andy Mills]

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