NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of May 18, 2025, 12PM EDT Episode

Host: Dwahilisai Kautal
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Podcast: NPR News Now
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Economic Developments: President Trump and U.S. Trade Policies

President Trump's Stance on Walmart and Potential Tariffs
At 00:17, host Dwahilisai Kautal reports that President Trump, via his Truth Social platform, issued a warning to Walmart against raising prices. He also hinted that his economic team might announce new tariff rates for select countries in the upcoming weeks.

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant on International Trade Proposals
Speaking on CNN, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant addressed the impact of President Trump’s recent Middle East trip. At 00:43, Besant stated:

“I can tell you that with a few exceptions, the countries are coming with very good proposals for us. And I look at these proposals and they want to lower their tariffs. They want to lower their non-tariff barriers. Some of them have been manipulating their currency. They've been subsidizing industry and labor. And I look at these proposals and I think these are excellent proposals.”

Besant emphasized the positive direction of international trade negotiations, highlighting efforts to reduce trade barriers and address unfair economic practices by other nations.

2. Terrorism Investigation in Palm Springs, California

Explosion Outside Fertility Clinic
At 00:43, the episode shifts focus to a tragic event in Palm Springs, California. Authorities are investigating a major explosion outside a fertility clinic, which has been classified as an act of terrorism. The explosion resulted in one fatality and several injuries.

FBI and Local Law Enforcement Response
Assistant Director Akil Davis of the FBI in Los Angeles made a stern statement at 01:37:

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

Davis outlined the collaborative efforts between the FBI and Palm Springs law enforcement officials. Chief of Police Andy Mills commented at 01:47:

“This is going to take a great deal of time for us to process the scene.”

The explosion has severely impacted the city's commercial core, with extensive debris and police barricades blocking major areas around the American Reproductive Center's building. At 01:52, Davis provided further details on the scene's devastation.

3. Maryland Governor Vetoes Reparations Commission Bill

Governor West Moore's Veto Decision
At 02:04, host Kautal discusses a significant political development in Maryland. Governor West Moore, the nation's only sitting Black governor, vetoed a bill intended to establish a commission to study reparations for descendants of enslaved people.

Governor Moore's Statement
In his veto letter, Governor Moore articulated his stance:

“Now is not the time for another study. Instead, it's time for action, including policies I will introduce to address barriers to black families, access to work and wealth.”

Legislative and Public Response
The Maryland Black Caucus expressed disappointment, noting that the measure had passed with a veto-proof majority, and asserted that the legislature would have the final say. The episode references a 2022 Pew study indicating that three-quarters of Black Americans support reparations in some form, contrasted with a majority of all U.S. adults opposing such measures. Additionally, it highlights that California is among several states and cities advancing reparations plans.

4. Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass

Historic Inauguration as the First American Pope
At 03:05, the podcast covers a historic religious event: Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, celebrated his inaugural Mass in Vatican City. The ceremony was attended by tens of thousands, including international delegations and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Papal Message and Vision
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity within the Catholic Church and addressed contemporary global challenges. At 03:48, Ruth Sherlock reports:

“Soaring choir music rang across St Peter's Square as Pope Leo XIV processed up the aisle of the basilica. He was given the gold fisherman's signet ring and the white woolen pallium liturgical dress. In his homily, Pope Leo said he desires a united church. He criticized the global economic system that he said exploits the earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest. And he called for a changed, better, peaceful world.”

Pope Leo's messages reflect a commitment to addressing economic injustices and fostering peace while maintaining traditional Catholic teachings.

5. Escalation in Ukraine: Russia's Largest Drone Attack

Drone Assault Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
At 04:24, the episode reports a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine’s air force announced that Russia launched its largest drone attack since the onset of the full-scale war, deploying over 270 drones. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted approximately 90 of these drones.

Casualties and Impact
The governor of Kyiv Oblast shared on Telegram that the attack resulted in the death of a woman and injured three others. This assault occurred shortly after Moscow and Kyiv participated in direct talks in Istanbul aimed at negotiating a ceasefire, indicating heightened tensions amidst diplomatic efforts.

Notable Advertisements Skipped

The episode included advertisements for Hometap and Carvana, which were acknowledged but omitted from the detailed summary per instructions.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the May 18, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a clear and informative overview of the latest national and international news.