NPR News: 05-18-2025 7AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 18, 2025 – Comprehensive Episode Summary

Released May 18, 2025

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1. FBI Investigates Southern California Fertility Clinic Explosion as Terrorism

Jael Snyder opens the episode with breaking news from Washington:

"The FBI says it's investigating an explosion at a Southern California fertility clinic as an act of terrorism." (00:14)

Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, emphasizes the severity of the incident:

"Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism." (00:30)

The explosion, which occurred late yesterday morning, resulted in one fatality. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect's identity and have indicated that there are no ongoing searches for individuals related to the blast. Palm Springs Police Chief assured the public:

"The community is no longer at risk." (00:34)

2. Severe Weather Devastates Midwest and South, Particularly Kentucky

Transitioning to natural disasters, severe weather swept through parts of the Midwest and South on Friday night, claiming at least 27 lives, including 18 in Kentucky. Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, addressed the situation:

"I have spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and officials with FEMA and they have vowed to help. I've also made an official request for a federal disaster declaration." (01:05)

Acknowledging political tensions, Governor Beshear stated:

"Politics have no place in natural disasters like this one." (01:05)

Akil Davis praised the federal response:

"For the two events that we've already had this year, we've seen a White House and a FEMA organization that has performed well, and it's done what we've asked." (01:23)

Governor Beshear added:

"FEMA officials are already on the ground helping with flooding disasters. This is the third major natural disaster to hit Kentucky this year." (01:31)

Reporting from Richmond, Kentucky, Stan Ingold provided local insights into the ongoing relief efforts.

3. Mexican Navy Ship Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge

Investigators in New York City are examining the circumstances behind the crash of a Mexican Navy sailing ship into the Brooklyn Bridge last night. The tragedy resulted in two crew fatalities and injured at least 19 others who required medical attention. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

4. California Teachers Protest Against President Trump's K-12 Budget Cuts

A significant number of teachers across California rallied against President Trump's proposed budget cuts to K-12 education. Celia Medina Owens, a second-grade teacher and president of the Pittsburgh Education Association, expressed deep concerns:

"We're concerned by Trump's proposal to cut billions of dollars in federal funding to K through 12 schools, including the elimination of programs for low-income and English learner students." (02:11)

Juan Carlos Lara highlighted the broader impact:

"Our community schools not only service our students, but they also service the neighborhood in that area. Not having funding would really impact not just our students and our educators and our support staff, but also the neighborhoods that are in Pittsburgh." (02:28)

Further discussing the ramifications, Celia Medina Owens stated:

"Since taking office again, Trump has also threatened to cut funding to schools that recognize transgender identities or continued diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI programs, sparking legal battles with California." (02:44)

5. Labor Strikes and Infrastructure Updates

In New Jersey, negotiations to reinstate trained commuter engineers are set to resume today following a strike that left commuters in disarray last Friday. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy to the region's transportation infrastructure.

6. Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV and Geopolitical Tensions

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV led his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square, marking the official commencement of his papacy. In his homily, the new Pope emphasized his commitment to fostering unity within the Catholic Church. Vice President J.D. Vance headlined the U.S. delegation and was notably one of the last foreign dignitaries to meet with the late Pope Francis.

Pope Leo is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amidst escalating tensions as Russia launched one of its most significant drone attacks since the full-scale invasion in 2022. The attack involved over 270 exploding drones and decoys, as reported by Ukraine's air force.

7. Austria Clinches Victory at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest

In entertainment news, Austria emerged victorious at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Wasted Love" performed by JJ. Hosted in Basel, Switzerland, the competition saw Austria surpassing 25 other entries to claim the top prize. Chloe Veltman provides an in-depth analysis:

"Wasted Love is in some ways similar to last year's winner, Nemo's the Code in that it includes soaring operatic vocals. But while the 2024 victor was more of a club anthem than an aria, 'Wasted Love' is the opposite. Banging beats only appear in the final part of the song." (04:14)

This marks Austria's third win in Eurovision history, following victories by Udo Jurgens in 1965 and Conchita Wurst in 2014. Israel secured second place, while Estonia landed third. The upcoming 70th Eurovision Song Contest is slated to be held next year in Austria.

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Note: This summary encapsulates the key events and discussions presented in the May 18, 2025 episode of NPR News Now. For complete details and updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.

Transcript

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[Jael Snyder]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Jael Snyder. The FBI says it's investigating an explosion at a Southern California fertility clinic as an act of terrorism. Akil Davis is the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field office.

[Akil Davis]

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

[Jael Snyder]

The explosion happened late yesterday morning. Police say one person was killed. The FBI says it is not revealing the name of the suspect, but says investigators are no longer looking for anyone linked to the blast. And Palm Springs police chief says the community is no longer at risk. The severe weather that hit parts of the Midwest and South Friday night is being blamed for killing at least 27 people, including 18 in Kentucky alone. Stand in gold with member station WEKU in Lexington reports that officials expect that number to rise.

[Andy Beshear]

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear says he has spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and officials with FEMA and that they have vowed to help. He's also made an official request for a federal disaster declaration. Bashir, a Democrat who has often butted heads with the Trump administration, says politics have no place in natural disasters like this one.

[Akil Davis]

For the two events that we've already had this year, we've seen a White House and a FEMA organization that has performed well, and it's done what we've asked.

[Andy Beshear]

FEMA officials are already on the ground helping with flooding disasters. This is the third major natural disaster to hit Kentucky this year. For NPR News, I'm Stan Ingold in Richmond, Kentucky.

[Jael Snyder]

Investigators in New York City are working to figure out why a Mexican Navy sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge last night, killing two crew members. At least 19 others aboard the ship needed medical attention. Preliminary reports say there was a mechanical issue, but the exact cause remains unclear. Thousands of teachers across California against President Trump's proposed budget cuts to K12 education. From member station KQED in San Francisco, Juan Claro Slero reports.

[Celia Medina Owens]

Rallying teachers say they're concerned by Trump's proposal to cut billions of dollars in federal funding to K through 12 schools, including the elimination of programs for low income and English learner students. Celia Medina Owens is a second grade teacher and president of the Pittsburgh Education Association.

[Juan Carlos Lara]

Our community schools not only service our students, but they also service the neighborhood in that area. And so not having funding would really impact not just our students and our educators and our support staff, but also the neighborhoods that are in Pittsburgh.

[Celia Medina Owens]

Since taking office again, Trump has also threatened to cut funding to schools that recognize transgender identities or continued diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI programs, sparking legal battles with California. For NPR News, I'm Juan Carlos Lara in San Francisco.

[Jael Snyder]

Talks aimed at getting New Jersey's commuter trained engineers back on the job expected to resumed today. The engineers walked out Friday, leaving commuters scrambling. And you're listening to NPR News. At the Vatican today, Pope Leo XIV led his inaugural Mass before thousands gathered in St Peter's Square, marking the official start of his papacy. In his homily, Leo said he would work for unity within the Catholic church. Vice President J.D. vance led the U.S. delegation. He was one of the last foreign to see Pope Francis before he died. Leo is expected to meet privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting comes after Russia overnight launched one of its most intense drone attacks since the full scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine's air force says Russia fired more than 270 exploding drones and decoys. Austria has won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest. Wasted Love by JJ beat out 25 other songs for the top prize at the finals held In Basel, Switzerland. NPR's Chloe Veltman.

[Chloe Veltman]

Wasted Love is in some ways similar to last year's winner, Nemo's the Code in that it includes soaring operatic vocals. But while the 2024 Victor was more club anthem than aria, wasted Love is the opposite. Banging beats only appear in the final part of the song. This is the third time Austria has won the international singing competition. Competition Udo Jurgens claimed the top prize in 1965 and Conchita Wurst in 2014. Israel took second place and Estonia came in third this year. As is customary, the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held next year in this year's winning country.

[Jael Snyder]

You're listening to NPR News.

[Capital One Representative]

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