NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of May 19, 2025 Episode

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: NPR
Duration: 5 minutes

1. International Diplomacy Efforts to End the Ukraine Conflict

Timestamp: 00:26 – 01:05

President Donald Trump is actively engaging in phone-based diplomacy aimed at resolving the protracted conflict in Eastern Europe, which is described as the largest land war in the region since World War II. In a significant move, Trump recently initiated a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite these efforts, Putin has been reluctant to engage in direct dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a halt to Russia’s full-scale military operations.

White House Press Secretary, Caroline Levitt, provided insight into Trump's diplomatic frustrations:

“He has made it clear to both sides that he wants to see a peaceful resolution and a cease fire as soon as possible. But as for specifics on a timeline, I won't get ahead of the president.”
(00:55)

Additionally, President Trump is anticipated to hold discussions with President Zelenskyy. Amid these high-stakes negotiations, Pope Leo XIV has convened meetings with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. NPR’s Ruth Sherlock reports on the Vatican’s proactive stance:

“An exchange of views and calls for respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict and for a negotiated solution between the parties involved.”
(01:23)
The Vatican has also extended an offer to host peace talks, signaling a collaborative international effort to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

2. Devastating Tornado Strikes Southern Kentucky

Timestamp: 02:03 – 02:53

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF3 tornado swept through Southern Kentucky on Friday night, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. The town of London was among the hardest-hit areas, experiencing widespread destruction. In the aftermath, community resilience has been evident as neighbors come together to support one another.

Karen Zarr reports from the scene:

“It took hours for Sherri Shepherd to reach her home after the storms. She arrived to the sounds of people calling for help and first responders trying to reach them.”
(02:19)

Sherri Shepherd shared her harrowing experience:

“The pictures don't do it justice until you've seen it. They just kept removing people, our friends.”
(02:28)
Despite the devastation around her, Shepherd’s home remained largely intact. Responding to the crisis, she transformed her garage into a staging area stocked with essential supplies such as food, water, tarps, and cleaning materials.
“We feel blessed. We almost kind of feel guilty. We're just trying to help as much as we can.”
(02:48)

Volunteers from as far away as California have mobilized to assist, operating out of Shepherd’s Coffee Garage. Their collective efforts exemplify the community's determination to rebuild and support those affected by the tornado.

“Our neighbors, street after street homes were gone.”
(02:33)

3. President Trump's Domestic Legislative Priorities

Timestamp: 03:00 – 04:11

President Trump's focus on domestic issues is now being directed toward the full House of Representatives for a critical vote. The legislation in question faces uncertainty, as Republican leaders strive to garner full GOP support amidst unwavering opposition from Democrats. The Republican leadership is attempting to introduce modifications to satisfy fiscal conservatives who demand more substantial spending cuts, including reductions in Medicaid funding, to finance proposed tax cuts.

In a related development, a U.S. official disclosed that a Boeing 747, previously utilized by the Qatari government and currently stationed at the San Antonio airport, has yet to undergo the necessary retrofitting. Contrary to speculation, Ellis Harris Technologies has not commenced work on the aircraft.

“The official was not authorized to speak publicly.”
(03:00)
Once the appropriate paperwork is completed, the Air Force is expected to take ownership of the plane, which will then be transferred to a defense contractor for a specialized overhaul, with plans to repurpose it as the new Air Force One.

4. Corporate Retreat from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

Timestamp: 04:11 – 04:59

Telecommunications giant Verizon is among the latest major corporations scaling back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, responding to increasing pressure from the federal government. NPR’s Maria Aspen provides an in-depth analysis of this trend:

“Many big companies are backing away from what's known as DEI after once promising to create more equitable opportunities for all employees.”
(04:11)
Under the administration of President Trump, DEI programs have faced heightened scrutiny, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) playing a pivotal role in urging companies to discontinue these initiatives. Verizon, amidst its plans to acquire Frontier, a broadband provider, informed the FCC of its intention to cease DEI-related policies. This includes ending goals aimed at increasing minority hiring and removing references to DEI from its corporate websites.

The FCC has greenlit Verizon’s Frontier acquisition, explicitly highlighting Verizon’s commitment to terminating DEI practices as a condition of the approval.

“Verizon will no longer set goals to hire more minorities, and it will remove references to DEI from its websites.”
(04:11)

This move by Verizon reflects a broader shift among large corporations responding to regulatory changes and political pressures regarding workplace diversity initiatives.

5. Market Update

Timestamp: 04:59 – 05:00

In today's financial news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has experienced an uptick, rising by nearly 150 points. This positive movement reflects investor confidence amid the current economic and political climate.

“The Dow is up nearly 150 points.”
(04:59)

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant global diplomatic efforts, domestic legislative challenges, natural disaster impacts, corporate policy shifts, and market movements, offering listeners a well-rounded update on pressing issues as of May 19, 2025.