NPR News Now - May 18, 2025, 2AM EDT
Host: Dale Willman
FBI Investigates Explosion at Palm Springs Fertility Clinic
The episode opens with a grim report from Dale Willman about a tragic explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, early Saturday morning. The blast resulted in at least one fatality and left four individuals in critical condition (00:00).
FBI Officer Akil Davis provided further details, classifying the incident as "an intentional act of terrorism." He stated, “As our investigation will unfold, we will determine if it's an international terrorism or domestic terrorism” (00:28), emphasizing the seriousness of the investigation led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Willman adds that while the FBI has identified a person of interest, they have not disclosed the individual's identity and confirmed they are no longer actively searching for a suspect (00:43). The clinic suffered substantial damage, indicating the severity of the explosion.
Severe Storms Devastate the Midwest
Shifting focus to natural disasters, Willman reports that severe storms have claimed at least 27 lives across the Midwest over the weekend. George Hale from WFIU narrates the situation in Bloomington, Indiana, where a tornado struck Friday evening, leveling a post office and damaging dozens of homes. Among the injured is an elderly man hospitalized with a head injury (01:05).
Meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff from the National Weather Service mentioned that investigators were conducting field visits to assess the tornado's size and impact (01:05). Akil Davis adds that FBI personnel are still touring the affected areas to evaluate the extent of the damage (01:27).
Hale continues, noting that campers at a nearby state park were also injured and that many individuals were stranded while roadways were cleared (01:32). In Kentucky, the toll increases with 18 weather-related deaths and 10 people in critical condition (01:42).
WHO Declares Polio Outbreak in Papua New Guinea
Willman transitions to international health news, highlighting that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea. Rachel Buongiorno reports that the government is urgently vaccinating young children, who are particularly vulnerable (01:42).
Buongiorno elaborates, stating, “Papua New Guinea has been polio-free since 2000, except for an outbreak in 2018 that it managed to contain within the same year” (02:01). The current outbreak was identified through wastewater testing, with WHO confirming community transmission. Despite the polio vaccine’s 99% efficacy rate, PNG's vaccination rate is just below 50%, compromising eradication efforts. The situation is further strained by recent cuts to U.S. aid funding, as noted by the WHO's director general (02:01).
Israel Launches Major Military Operation in Gaza
In geopolitical developments, Willman reports that Israel has initiated a significant military operation in Gaza this weekend. The offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages held in the region and commenced just one day after President Trump concluded his Middle East visit without stopping in Israel (02:47).
Willman notes the dire conditions in Gaza, which has been under a total blockade for three months, severely restricting food and other essential supplies. This blockade exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and heightens tensions in the area (02:47).
Britain’s Sovereign Among UK’s Wealthiest
Vicki Barker from London provides an intriguing report on the Sunday Times of London's annual ranking of the UK's richest individuals and families. Surprisingly, King Charles III ranks only 238th among the 350 wealthiest, holding an $850 million fortune, which is double that of his late mother (03:24).
Other notable names on the list include Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, David and Victoria Beckham, and Elton John. Dua Lipa stands out as the youngest person on a sublist of the 40 richest Britons under 40, with an estimated wealth of $153 million (03:24). Barker attributes the overall drop in the number of billionaires to the impact of President Trump’s tariffs (03:24).
President Trump Criticizes Walmart Over Tariffs
Willman reports that President Trump lashed out at Walmart in a social media post on Saturday, asserting that the retailer should absorb the additional costs resulting from his tariffs. He warned that “customers will be watching them closely” (04:09). This criticism follows Walmart’s announcement on Thursday that prices for products ranging from bananas to children's car seats could increase due to the tariffs (04:09).
PGA Championship Highlights
In sports news, Willman covers the latest from the PGA Championship underway in North Carolina. Scotty Scheffler has taken the lead, shooting five under par over the last five holes on Saturday and finishing three strokes ahead of Alex Noren (04:09). The day's competition was intense, with nine players holding at least a share of the lead at various points (04:09).
Summary
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of significant events ranging from a potential act of terrorism in California and devastating storms in the Midwest to a critical polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea. International tensions continue to rise with Israel’s military actions in Gaza, while economic and societal shifts are highlighted by changes in the UK's wealth rankings and President Trump’s stance on tariffs affecting major retailers like Walmart. The sports segment provided updates on the competitive PGA Championship, showcasing the event's dynamic nature.
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