NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of May 18, 2025, 7PM EDT Episode

On the May 18, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Jeanine Herbst delves into a range of pressing national and international issues. This summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and organized for clarity.

1. Walmart Faces Rising Prices Amid Tariff Disputes

Timestamp: [00:16] - [01:12]

Walmart CEO Doug McMillan has issued a warning that impending tariff increases will lead to higher prices for customers. In response to President Trump's directive for Walmart to absorb some of the tariff costs, McMillan engaged in direct talks with the White House.

Doug McMillan stated, “Tariffs will soon increase prices for customers at the retail giant” ([00:16]).

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen highlighted the potential for consumer price hikes, emphasizing the administration's strategic stance on reciprocal tariffs. He remarked, “The treasury secretary also defended the whiplash of the on again and off again reciprocal tariffs” ([00:49]).

President Trump asserted, “Walmart will be absorbing some of the tariffs. Some may get passed on to consumers” ([00:44]).

Bessen further cautioned that if trading partners fail to negotiate in good faith, the administration would reinstate higher reciprocal tariffs: “You will ratchet back up to your April 2 level” ([01:03]). The discussions involve 18 key trading partners, though specifics were not disclosed ([01:12]).

2. Former President Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Timestamp: [01:23] - [02:03]

In a significant health update, Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. According to NPR's Tamara Keith, the cancer has metastasized to Biden's bones, indicating a more severe progression. However, the condition is hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.

Tamara Keith reported, “The prostate cancer has metastasized to the former president's bone, which means it is a more aggressive form of the disease” ([01:33]).

Biden, at 82 years old, becomes the oldest individual to serve as President of the United States. The announcement reassures that the President and his family are actively reviewing treatment options. Prostate cancer remains a common ailment among older men, adding context to the diagnosis ([02:03]).

3. Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bombing: Suspect Identified

Timestamp: [02:03] - [03:06]

Authorities in Palm Springs, California, have identified Edward Bartkiss, a 25-year-old resident from Twentynine Palms, as the primary suspect in the recent bombing of a fertility clinic that resulted in four injuries. The FBI believes Bartkiss was the individual killed in the explosion.

Madison Almond of NPR's member station KVCR detailed, “FBI officials say they are fairly confident the primary suspect is 25-year-old guy Edward Bartkiss” ([02:24]).

Thomas Bickle, a neighbor, recounted the harrowing experience: “All of a sudden it wasn't just a knock that the sheriffs were pounding on my door” ([02:43]). As of the morning following the incident, Bartkiss had not been allowed back into his home, and authorities are seeking public assistance to verify his whereabouts prior to the explosion ([02:53]).

4. Severe Storms and Tornadoes Devastate the Midwest

Timestamp: [03:06] - [04:16]

Severe weather systems have wreaked havoc across several Midwestern states, resulting in over two dozen fatalities, with Kentucky being the hardest hit, suffering at least 19 deaths. Cleanup and recovery efforts are ongoing.

At the First Baptist Church in London, Kentucky, congregation members gathered to find solace. Pastor Jesse Armstrong provided a message of faith amidst the tragedy: “God was and he is and he will continue to be” ([03:37] - [03:50]).

The church has become a central hub for aid, collecting supplies for those affected by the storms. Armstrong shared, “All over this community, the church has become a hub to collect supplies for storm survivors” ([03:53] - [03:59]). Due to the overwhelming number of volunteers, Armstrong had to enlist help from a nearby church to maintain effective aid distribution ([04:04]).

Karen Zahr from member station WUKY reported on these developments ([04:16]).

5. Diddy Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial: New Testimonies Emerge

Timestamp: [04:16] - [04:55]

The high-profile sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is set to continue in New York City. As the trial enters its second week, expectations are high for new testimonies.

Singer Dawn Richard, formerly of the group Danity Kane, testified, alleging that Combs created a “toxic and abusive working environment.” She recounted witnessing him violently assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, on multiple occasions ([04:16]).

Combs, 55 years old, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His legal team is preparing for further testimonies as the case progresses. Jeanine Herbst provided comprehensive coverage of these developments ([04:55]).

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates critical updates ranging from economic challenges faced by major retailers, significant health news concerning a former president, ongoing investigations into violent crimes, the impact of natural disasters, and high-stakes legal battles involving prominent figures. Listeners gain a broad perspective on events shaping the national discourse.