NPR News: 05-18-2025 3PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of the May 18, 2025, Episode

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on May 18, 2025, covering a range of pressing issues from international trade tensions to scientific breakthroughs. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.

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1. International Trade Tensions and Walmart's Response

The episode opened with an in-depth analysis of the escalating trade tensions affecting American consumers. Walmart CEO Doug McMillan raised concerns about the impending increase in tariffs, warning that these costs would likely be passed on to shoppers. This economic strain has prompted direct negotiations between Walmart's leadership and the White House.

Key Highlights:

• Walmart's Position: Doug McMillan expressed apprehension over rising tariffs, emphasizing the potential financial burden on consumers.

• Trump Administration's Stance: President Donald Trump asserted, "[Walmart] will be absorbing some of the tariffs. Some may get passed on to consumers" (00:54). This statement underscores the administration's directive for large retailers to share the economic load.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's Insights: Bessant highlighted the volatility of reciprocal tariffs, referring to it as "strategic uncertainty" (00:59). He also indicated that the administration might reinstate high tariffs if key trading partners fail to engage in good faith negotiations. Bessant noted, "President Trump has put them on notice that if you do not negotiate in good faith that you will ratchet back up to your April 2 level" (01:13), though he did not specify the affected countries or the timeline for potential tariff reinstatements.

This segment underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding national economic interests and mitigating consumer impact amidst fluctuating trade policies.

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2. Ukraine-Russia Conflict Update

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains a focal point of international concern. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent engagements signal potential shifts in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the war, which has now entered its fourth year.

Key Highlights:

• Diplomatic Meetings: Zelenskyy recently met with Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff's inaugural mass (01:32). Additionally, plans are underway for Zelenskyy to converse with President Trump, who is actively seeking pathways to negotiate an end to the conflict. Trump is also scheduled to engage with leaders from Russia and NATO, aiming to foster dialogue among the involved parties.

• Peace Talks in Istanbul: The latest peace negotiations held in Istanbul marked the first direct talks since the war's inception. While an agreement for a mass prisoner swap was achieved, discussions fell short of meeting Western demands for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Consequently, Russia has maintained military pressure, launching extensive drone attacks over the weekend. Russian President Vladimir Putin remains steadfast, asserting Russia's commitment to achieving its military objectives and pursuing what he described as the war's "logical conclusion" (01:53).

This update reflects the complex interplay of diplomatic efforts and persistent military actions, highlighting the challenges in reaching a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

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3. Devastating Tornadoes Hit Missouri and Kentucky

Tragic tornadoes struck Missouri and Kentucky on Friday night, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Emergency services are tirelessly working to restore power and facilitate recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.

Key Highlights:

• Impact on Kentucky: The small town of London, Kentucky, has been particularly devastated, with 18 fatalities reported (02:33). The sheer volume of debris has overwhelmed local resources, making cleanup efforts daunting and likely to extend for several weeks, with the broader recovery process potentially spanning years.

• Historical Context: Reporter Karen Zarr emphasized the prolonged vulnerability of the region, stating, "We are still rebuilding from deadly tornadoes that hit western Kentucky that was in 2021, and deadly flooding in eastern Kentucky that was in 2022" (02:52). This cyclical nature of natural disasters underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies.

The segment poignantly illustrates the enduring challenges faced by communities in the wake of recurrent natural calamities, highlighting both immediate and long-term recovery needs.

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4. Al Shabaab Claims Deadly Bombing in Somalia

The extremist group Al Shabaab has taken responsibility for a suicide bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia, targeting a military recruitment site and resulting in the deaths of at least 10 young individuals. The Somali Ministry of Information reported a swift response from security forces, who have initiated an investigation into the attack (03:14).

This incident exemplifies the ongoing security challenges in the region and the persistent threat posed by extremist factions. The government's prompt action signals a commitment to addressing and mitigating such attacks, though the underlying issues fueling radicalization remain pressing concerns.

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5. Scientific Breakthrough in Feline Genetics

In a heartwarming and scientifically significant development, researchers have successfully identified the exact gene responsible for the orange coloration in cats, including calico and tortoiseshell patterns. This breakthrough not only resolves decades of inquiry but also reinforces the understanding that orange fur in cats is a sex-linked trait.

Key Highlights:

• Research Collaboration: Teams from the United States and Japan independently pinpointed the mutation behind the orange coloration, with the Stanford team collaborating with cat enthusiasts and community scientists to collect DNA samples from orange cats.

• Expert Commentary: Greg Barch, an author involved in the study, remarked, "It's an example, I think, of how scientists and the public can work together to not only uncover cool things, but also learn important aspects about biology" (04:35). This collaboration highlights the potential of citizen science in contributing to significant research advancements.

• Publication and Recognition: The findings were published in the journal Current Biology, marking a noteworthy achievement in the field of genetics (04:49).

This discovery not only delights cat lovers but also opens new avenues for understanding genetic inheritance patterns, showcasing the intricate link between genetic traits and biological sex.

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6. Presidential Elections in Europe

Today's political landscape in Europe is marked by significant electoral events, with Portugal, Poland, and Romania all conducting presidential elections (04:54). These elections are pivotal in shaping the future direction of these nations, influencing their domestic policies and their roles within the broader European and global context.

The outcome of these elections is keenly watched, given the strategic importance of these countries in regional stability, economic development, and international relations.

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Conclusion

The May 18, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a thorough overview of critical global and domestic issues. From economic policies affecting everyday consumers to the intricate dynamics of international conflicts and groundbreaking scientific discoveries, the episode encapsulated the multifaceted nature of current events. By delivering detailed reports, expert insights, and timely updates, the broadcast served as a valuable resource for those seeking to stay informed on the latest developments shaping our world.

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Timestamp references:

• 00:54 Donald Trump on tariffs
• 00:59 Scott Bessant on tariff strategy
• 01:13 Scott Bessant on trade negotiations
• 01:32 Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts
• 01:53 Update on Russia-Ukraine peace talks
• 02:33 Tornado impact report
• 02:52 Karen Zarr on Kentucky's recovery
• 03:14 Somalia bombing details
• 04:35 Greg Barch on feline genetics collaboration
• 04:49 Publication of genetic research
• 04:54 European presidential elections

Transcript

[Host 1]

Is America sliding towards authoritarianism? Hundreds of academics say yes, it is.

[Host 2]

Certainly reversible, but we are no longer living in a liberal democracy.

[Host 1]

Where is American democracy heading? Listen now to the Sunday story on the UPVERSE podcast from npr.

[Dwahali Sai Kowtow]

Live from NPR News in New York City. I'm Dwahali Sai Kowtow. Walmart CEO Doug Martin McMillan recently warned tariffs will soon increase prices for the consumers at the retail giant. Now McMillan is on the phone with the White House after President Trump told Walmart to eat some of the cost of tariffs. NPR's Luke Garrett reports.

[Scott Bessant]

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant is in direct talks with the Walmart CEO. He tells CNN, consumers could see price hikes.

[Donald Trump]

Walmart will be absorbing some of the tariffs. Some may get passed on to consumers.

[Scott Bessant]

The treasury secretary also defended the whiplash of the on again and off again reciprocal tariffs. Bessen called it strategic uncertainty. He also threatened that the Trump administration will bring back high reciprocal tariffs if certain countries don't come to the table.

[Donald Trump]

President Trump has put them on notice that if you do not negotiate in good faith that you will ratchet back up to your April 2 level.

[Scott Bessant]

Bessen said this goes for 18 important trading partners, but he did not say which ones or how quickly these tariffs would return. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Dwahali Sai Kowtow]

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV today following the pontiff's inaugural mass. Tomorrow, he'll speak to President Trump, who seeks to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. Trump also plans to speak with leaders from Russia and NATO, as NPR's Charles Mainz reports.

[Charles Mainz]

The phone calls come in the wake of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday, their first direct negotiations since the early days of the war that led to an agreement for a mass prisoner swap but fell short of Western demands. Russia join Ukraine in signing on to an immediate 30 day ceasefire. Instead, Russia has kept up the military pressure, launching mass drone attacks over the weekend. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also signaling that may not change. In an interview on state television, he insisted Russia maintain the means to meet meet its military objectives and see the war through to what he called its logical conclusion. Charles Maynes, NPR News, Moscow.

[Dwahali Sai Kowtow]

Emergency crews continue to work to restore electricity to households that were hard hit by deadly tornadoes in Missouri and Kentucky Friday night. The small town of London, Kentucky, suffered the most deaths, 18 so far. Reporter Karen Zarr with member station WUKY has been in London since yesterday.

[Karen Zarr]

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. We are still rebuilding from deadly tornadoes that hit western Kentucky that was in 2021, and deadly flooding in eastern Kentucky that was in 2022.

[Dwahali Sai Kowtow]

Karen Zarr with member station W K Y. You are listening to NPR News from New York City. The extremist group Al Shabaab claims it's behind a suicide bombing that today killed at least 10 young people at a military recruitment site in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. The country's Ministry of Information said security forces are on the scene and that it launched an investigation into the attack Sunday morning. Calling all orange cat lovers, this one's for you. Unlike tigers or orangutans, the or orange fur of cats is linked to their biological sex. NPR's Emily Kwong has more on a scientific breakthrough in feline genetics.

[Emily Kwong]

After decades of searching, scientists have pinpointed the exact gene responsible for calico, tortoiseshell and orange cats, like my orange tabby Zuko. Scientists have long suspected that orange color was a sex linked trait. Now, research teams in the United States and Japan have independently located and characterized the the mutation responsible for the orange color study. Author Greg Barch says the Stanford team partnered with cat lovers and community scientists to gather orange cat DNA samples.

[Greg Barch]

It's an example, I think, of how scientists and the public can work together to not only uncover cool things, but also learn important aspects about biology.

[Emily Kwong]

Both teams recently published their results in the journal Current Biology. Emily Kwong, NPR News.

[Dwahali Sai Kowtow]

Portugal, Poland and Romania are all holding presidential elections today. This is NPR News.

[Malcolm Gladwell]

When Malcolm Gladwell presented NPR's Throughline podcast with a Peabody Award, he praised it for its historical and moral clarity. On Throughline, we take you back in time to the origins of what's in the news, like presidential power, aging and evangelicalism. Time travel with us every week on the THROUGHLINE podcast from NPR.