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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.