NPR News Now: May 19, 2025

Host: Dale Willman | Source: NPR

1. Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

In a significant development, former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, just four months after leaving office at the age of 82. This news was first announced by NPR's Dale Willman, with further details provided by Luke Garrett.

A small nodule was discovered in Biden's prostate during a medical evaluation, prompting the diagnosis. According to the official statement, Biden had been "experiencing increasing urinary symptoms" prior to the discovery. The cancer has been assigned a Gleason score of nine, indicating a more aggressive form. However, the statement noted that the cancer "appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management." The Bidens are currently reviewing treatment options, providing a cautiously optimistic outlook despite the severity of the diagnosis (00:17).

2. Devastating Tornado Strikes Southern Kentucky

Tragedy struck southern Kentucky overnight on Friday when a powerful tornado devastated the region, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. NPR's John McGarry reported that 17 of the deceased were in the city of London.

Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the storm's impact. Mamie Cottle recounted a terrifying experience, stating, "The house started shaking and then the next thing I heard was like rumbling. Next thing was just like glass breaking everywhere and wood breaking, and we couldn't hardly open the closet door to get out" (01:30). Fortunately, Cottle and her young grandson escaped uninjured, though the destruction threatens the safety of her decade-long home.

Governor Andy Beshear has announced that efforts are underway to secure emergency housing for those affected. The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding amidst the emotional and physical scars left by the tornado (01:45).

3. California Fertility Clinic Bombing: Suspect Identified

In a shocking incident on Saturday, a bombing at a California fertility clinic has left authorities scrambling for answers. Kentucky police have identified the 25-year-old suspect as Guy Edward Bartkus. Reports indicate that Bartkus left behind anti-pro-life writings at the scene, suggesting a possible motive rooted in extremist beliefs.

The FBI believes Bartkus was killed in the explosion, complicating the investigation into his motives. As Dale Willman highlighted, the agency is now focused on uncovering the underlying reasons for the attack, amid growing concerns over similar extremist acts targeting medical facilities (01:58).

4. Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating: Wall Street Reacts

In a move that has sent shockwaves through financial markets, the credit ratings agency Moody’s downgraded the United States’ credit rating. Raul Aspen from NPR detailed that Dow futures are already trading down in anticipation of a tumultuous week on Wall Street.

Moody’s cited excessive national debt and rising interest costs as primary factors, attributing the fiscal mismanagement to "both past and current US Administrations and Congress for not doing enough to reverse this trend." The agency expressed skepticism that current budget proposals by lawmakers would effectively address the issues at hand (02:26).

This downgrade comes at a time when the U.S. is grappling with President Trump's sweeping tariffs, which have fueled market jitters, driven up consumer prices, and heightened fears of an impending recession. The combination of Moody’s warning and existing economic pressures underscores the fragile state of the U.S. economy in the global arena (02:26).

5. Romania Elects New President Amid Allegations of Russian Interference

In international news, Romania has elected a new president in a closely contested race fraught with allegations of Russian interference. Terry Schultz reports that the election had to be conducted twice due to irregularities in the initial vote.

Nikosar Dan, a centrist and former mathematics professor, emerged victorious in the second round on Sunday, defeating his opponent Georges Simeone, a far-right candidate aligned with President Donald Trump. Simeone had pledged to "cut off Romanian aid to Ukraine" and distance Romania further from the European Union, positions that were heavily scrutinized during the campaign (03:27).

The first attempt to elect a new president in November was invalidated after investigations revealed that the initial winner, Colin Georgescu, was influenced by Russia through promoted online accounts and bots. Simeone, who won the first round earlier in the month, has suggested he may contest the results, though Nikosar Dan’s victory marks a significant shift in Romania’s political landscape amid concerns over foreign interference (03:27).

6. Israel Announces Limited Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Israel has announced it will permit a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a move that comes after more than two months of a stringent blockade. The decision addresses the escalating humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave, which houses over 2 million people.

Health experts had been warning for weeks about the severe shortages of food and medical supplies due to the blockade. Despite the announcement, officials have yet to specify when the aid will commence or the volume that will be permitted, leaving many concerned about the immediate needs of Gaza's residents (04:06).

The limited nature of the aid raises questions about the sufficiency of support provided to alleviate the growing humanitarian distress in the region. As negotiations and logistical planning continue, the international community watches closely to assess the impact of this development on the ground (04:06).

7. Scottie Scheffler Wins Third Major Golf Title

In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Scottie Scheffler secured his third major golf title over the weekend. Dale Willman highlights that Scheffler, currently ranked as golf's number one player, remained mistake-free on the back nine to finish the PGA Championship in North Carolina with an impressive five-stroke lead.

Scheffler’s victory not only earned him the Wanamaker Trophy but also puts him halfway to achieving a career Grand Slam, cementing his status among the sport's elite. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau was one of three players tied for second place, showcasing the high level of competition in the tournament (04:06).

This triumph further elevates Scheffler's standing in the golfing world, as he continues to build a legacy marked by consistent excellence and determination (04:06).

This summary encapsulates the key stories from the NPR News Now episode released on May 19, 2025. For comprehensive coverage and real-time updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR’s broadcasts.