NPR News: 05-18-2025 5PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 18, 2025, 5 PM EDT - Detailed Summary

NPR News Now, hosted by NPR, delivers the latest news updates every five minutes. The May 18, 2025, 5 PM EDT episode covers a range of critical topics, including significant health news concerning a former U.S. president, political maneuvers in Washington, developments in the Israel-Gaza conflict, advancements in scientific research on feline genetics, and the weekend's box office highlights. This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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1. Health Update: Former President Biden's Cancer Diagnosis

Reporter: Jeanine Herbst

At [00:24], Jeanine Herbst reports a significant health development concerning former President Joe Biden. According to a statement from his office, Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. This diagnosis marks him as the oldest person to ever serve as President of the United States at 82 years old.

Further Details from Tamara Keith:

At [00:37], Tamara Keith elaborates on the situation:

"The prostate cancer has metastasized to the former president's bone, which means it is a more aggressive form of the disease. But according to a statement from his office, the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management."

Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, the hormone sensitivity offers avenues for effective treatment. The Biden family is currently reviewing treatment options in consultation with his physicians. Prostate cancer remains a common ailment among older men, and this update underscores the importance of regular health screenings.

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2. Political Developments: Republican Efforts on Tax Bill and Medicaid Cuts

Reporters: Jeanine Herbst and Luke Garrett

At [01:08], Jeanine Herbst introduces a story on the political maneuvers within the Republican Party aimed at revisiting former President Trump's significant tax bill. This initiative gains urgency as a rare Sunday committee meeting is scheduled to address the issue.

Luke Garrett's Analysis:

At [01:28], Luke Garrett provides an in-depth analysis:

"Last week, five House Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the domestic policy bill."

The crux of the contention lies in the bill's price tag, with fiscal conservatives expressing concerns over its cost. South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman criticized the bill as "smoke and mirrors," particularly objecting to the proposed work requirements for Medicaid—the federal healthcare program for economically disadvantaged elderly and disabled Americans.

Quotes from House Speaker Mike Johnson:

At [01:47], House Speaker Mike Johnson addresses the matter on Fox News Sunday:

"Work requirements is a no brainer. It's like a 90% issue on polling. Able-bodied adults who can work should work."

Despite this support, a faction within the Republican ranks believes that the current bill does not sufficiently cut Medicaid funding. At [01:53], Garrett notes:

"This group of Republicans believes the bill doesn't go far enough. They want more cuts to Medicaid."

Speaker Johnson remains committed to uniting the party:

"We're going to deliver on this and we'll get everybody in line to do it." [02:01]

The House Budget Committee is slated to reconvene late Sunday to deliberate further on the bill, reflecting the ongoing tension within the party between fiscal conservatives and more moderate members.

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3. International Affairs: Israel’s Operations in Gaza and Ceasefire Negotiations

Reporter: Carrie Kahn

At [02:10], Jeanine Herbst transitions to international news, focusing on the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Carrie Kahn's Reporting:

At [02:21], Carrie Kahn reports:

"A Hamas official says the militant group is now negotiating without preconditions. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office says Israel is willing to talk terms for a permanent end to the war, not just a temporary ceasefire as he has long demanded."

This shift in stance comes amid relentless Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza, compelling residents like 43-year-old Fatiha Nasser to seek refuge. Nasser shared her harrowing experience in a voice memo from northern Gaza:

"Before Israel would give some warning, a strike was coming. This time there was none. She says glass and rocks were flying after a nearby strike, and she says she's lucky she survived." [02:53]

Further developments include the Israeli Prime Minister's office announcing a new policy to allow a limited amount of food into Gaza after an 11-week blockade of humanitarian aid. This move signifies a potential shift towards easing civilian suffering amidst ongoing military operations.

Kahn concludes her report from Tel Aviv, highlighting the precarious balance between military actions and humanitarian considerations in the region.

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4. Economic Update: Coinbase to Join S&P 500

At [03:02], the episode briefly touches upon a significant economic development:

"The S&P 500 is getting a new company in its mix—Coinbase, where people trade all kinds of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin—joins the exchange tomorrow."

This inclusion marks Coinbase's growing influence and recognition in mainstream financial markets, reflecting the increasing integration of cryptocurrency platforms into traditional economic frameworks.

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5. Scientific Breakthrough: Genetics of Orange Cats

Reporter: Emily Kwong

At [03:42], Emily Kwong delves into a fascinating advancement in the field of genetics, focusing on feline biology.

"Scientists are learning more about what makes orange cats, well, orange. Unlike tigers, orangutans, the orange fur of a cat is linked to their biological sex."

After decades of research, scientists have identified the specific gene responsible for the distinctive colors seen in calico, tortoiseshell, and orange cats. This breakthrough confirms that the orange coloration in domestic cats is a sex-linked trait, differing fundamentally from other orange-striped animals like tigers.

Insights from Greg Barsch:

Author Greg Barsch comments on the collaborative nature of this research:

"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." [04:13]

The research teams from the United States and Japan independently located and characterized the mutation responsible for the orange color, further validated by their recent publications in the journal Current Biology at [04:27]. This discovery not only satisfies a long-standing question among cat enthusiasts but also enhances the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying coat color in mammals.

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6. Entertainment: Weekend Box Office Highlights

At [04:33], the summary shifts to entertainment, presenting the latest box office statistics:

"At the weekend box office, Final Destination Bloodlines took the top spot with an estimated $51 million in ticket sales globally, staking in $102 million in its debut. In second place, Thunderbolts grossed $16 million, pushing its total to over $325 million."

These figures indicate strong performances for both films, with Final Destination Bloodlines leading the weekend and Thunderbolts continuing its successful run since release.

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7. Reiteration of Key News

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Jeanine Herbst revisits the primary news story:

"Repeating our top story: Former President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has metastasized to the bone." [04:33]

This repetition underscores the significance of the news and ensures that listeners grasp the gravity of the development.

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Conclusion

The May 18, 2025 episode of NPR News Now offers comprehensive coverage of pressing national and international issues, scientific advancements, and cultural happenings. From the health concerns of a former president and political battles within the U.S. government to the complexities of Middle Eastern conflicts and breakthroughs in genetic research, the episode provides listeners with a well-rounded update on the day's most important stories. Additionally, the inclusion of entertainment news adds a balanced touch, catering to diverse interests among the audience.

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For those seeking in-depth analysis and timely updates on a variety of topics, NPR News Now continues to serve as a reliable source of information, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the ever-evolving landscape of current events.

Transcript

[Eric]

Eric, we there?

[Jeanine Herbst]

That's Muzza.

[Eric]

You've probably seen clips from the Jennifer Hudson show spirit tunnel on TikTok or Instagram, the ones where celebrities dance down the hallway to a clever song. These videos can reveal a lot. Do they have rhythm? And how famous are they really? We're breaking down the inescapable Internet trend. Listen to the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast from npr.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. Former President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggress form of prostate cancer, according to a statement from his office. NPR's Tamara Keith has more.

[Tamara Keith]

The prostate cancer has metastasized to the former president's bone, which means it is a more aggressive form of the disease. But according to a statement from his office, the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management. The statement goes on to say that the president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Former President Biden was the oldest person to ever serve as president of the United States. Prostate cancer is a common cancer among older men.

[Jeanine Herbst]

NPR's Tamara Keith reporting. Biden is 82 years old. Republicans are hoping to get President Trump's big tax bill back on track with a rare Sunday committee meeting today. NPR's Luke Garrett reports. Last week, five House Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the domestic policy bill.

[Luke Garrett]

Fiscal hawks on the House Budget Committee voted the bill down because of its price tag. South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman called the bill smoke and mirrors. At issue is work requirements for Medicaid, the federal health care program for poor elderly and disabled Americans. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Fox News Sunday that he largely agrees with the rebelling lawmakers.

[Mike Johnson]

Work requirements is a no brainer. It's like a 90% issue on polling. Able bodied adults who can work should work.

[Luke Garrett]

But this group of Republicans believes the bill doesn't go far enough. They want more cuts to Medicaid. Johnson said he is negotiating with them and that they'll fall in line.

[Mike Johnson]

We're going to deliver on this and we'll get everybody in line to do it.

[Luke Garrett]

The House Budget Committee is meeting again late Sunday. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Israel's military says an extensive ground operation is underway throughout Gaza this as ceasefire talks continue. NPR's Carrie Khan has more.

[Carrie Kahn]

A Hamas official says the militant group is now negotiating without preconditions. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office says Israel is willing to talk terms for a permanent end to the war, not just a temporary ceasefire as he has long demanded. The new movement in the talks comes as Israel's airstrikes pound Gaza, forcing residents like 43 year old Fatiha Nasser to flee. In a voice memo sent from northern Gaza, Nasser says before Israel would give some warning, a strike was coming.

[Jeanine Herbst]

But.

[Carrie Kahn]

This time there was none. She says glass and rocks were flying after a close by strike, and she says she's lucky she survived. Kerry Kahn, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Jeanine Herbst]

And Israel's prime minister's office says it will now allow a limited amount of food into Gaza after blocking all humanitarian aid for 11 weeks. The S&P 500 is getting a new company in its mix Coinbase, where people trade all kinds of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, joins the exchange tomorrow. You're listening to NPR News From Washington. Scientists are learning more about what makes orange cats, well, orange. Unlike tigers, orangutans, the orange fur of a cat 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 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 mutation responsible for the orange color study. Author Greg Barsch says the Stanford team partnered with cat lovers and community scientists to gather orange cat DNA samples.

[Jeanine Herbst]

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.

[Jeanine Herbst]

At the weekend box office, Final Destination Bloodlines took the top spot with an estimated $51 million in ticket sales globally, staking in $102 million. In its debut. In second place, Thunderbolts with $16 million pushing to over $325 million. And repeating our top story. Former President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has metastasized to the bone. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News, in Washington.

[Pop Culture Happy Hour Host]

Know that fizzy feeling you get when you read something really good? Watch the movie everyone's been talking about or catch the show that the Internet can't get over. At the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, we chase that feeling four times a week. We'll serve you recommendations and commentary on the buzziest movies, tv, music and more, from lowbrow to highbrow to the stuff in between. Catch the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast from NPR.