Summary of NPR News Now

Episode: NPR News: 05-19-2025 7PM EDT
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. U.S.-Russia Relations and the Ukraine Peace Process

Time Stamp: [00:18]

Reporter: Jack Speier introduces the section on U.S.-Russia relations, focusing on President Trump's recent claims about progress toward peace in Ukraine following a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call, however, did not result in the immediate ceasefire the Trump administration had been advocating for.

Detailed Coverage:
NPR's Charles Maynes reports from Moscow, highlighting the divergent perspectives of the two leaders post-discussion. While both Trump and Putin described the talks as constructive, their interpretations of the outcomes differed significantly.

• Vladimir Putin's Position: Putin emphasized that Russia is interested in a negotiated settlement but insisted that certain positions need to be clarified and that Kyiv must make concessions before any lasting peace can be achieved.
  Quote: “Russia sought a negotiated settlement but insisted positions still needed to be fleshed out and concessions granted by Kyiv before any peace could take hold.” — Vladimir Putin [00:36]

• President Trump's Stance: Conversely, Trump asserted that Russia had agreed to start negotiations toward a ceasefire immediately and, importantly, to seek an end to the war. He also appeared to minimize earlier threats to sanction Moscow, instead highlighting potential investment opportunities in both Ukraine and Russia post-peace deal.
  Quote: “Russia had agreed to immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire and more importantly, seek an end to the war.” — President Donald Trump [00:36]

The failure to secure an immediate ceasefire underscores the complexities and challenges in negotiating peace between the conflicting parties.

2. Domestic Economic Policies and GOP Dynamics

Time Stamp: [01:17]

Reporter: Jack Speier shifts focus to domestic economic issues, specifically the tension within the Trump administration regarding the impact of tariffs on consumers.

Key Points:

• President Trump's Criticism of Walmart: Trump publicly criticized Walmart, the world's largest retailer, alleging that the company should absorb the costs of tariffs rather than passing them on to customers. He stated, “the company made billions last year and should eat the tariffs and not charge customers. I’m going to keep a close eye on this company.” [01:17]

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen's Admission: In contrast, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen acknowledged that some of the increased costs due to tariffs might indeed be transferred to shoppers. This admission indicates a recognition within the administration that the economic measures may have broader impacts than initially anticipated.

• House GOP Tax and Border Bill: Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House would vote on President Trump's tax and border bill within the week. However, the passage of this bill faces significant internal divisions within the GOP, reflecting substantial splits among party members.

Additional Insights:

• House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on GOP Unity: Scalise addressed the internal GOP challenges, noting that leaders are trying to balance the demands of both moderates and fiscal conservatives. He mentioned that the Speaker could afford to lose only three votes while still maintaining majority support.
  Quote: “They agreed to one demand from the fiscal hawks.” — Steve Scalise [01:56]

• Medicaid Work Requirements: Further highlighting policy negotiations, Scalise discussed new work requirements for Medicaid recipients without dependents, set to begin in early 2027, ahead of the originally planned 2029 date. This change comes after consultations with the agency overseeing Medicaid.
  Quote: “So we worked with Dr. Oz, and Dr. Oz will ultimately be the person over at CMS to implement the work requirements.” — Steve Scalise [02:11]

• Tax Deduction for High Taxes: Despite progress on other fronts, moderate House Republicans continue to push for the revival of the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction to help offset high state and local income taxes in their districts.

3. Memorial Day Travel Predictions and Domestic Issues

Time Stamp: [02:47]

Reporter: Jack Speier provides an overview of upcoming Memorial Day travel trends and domestic challenges relating to the housing market and media.

Travel Forecast:
As Memorial Day approaches, AAA forecasts that approximately 45 million people will undertake trips of 50 miles or more from home between Thursday and Monday. The majority of these trips are expected to be by car, with advice for drivers to leave early Thursday morning to avoid heavy traffic. Airports, however, are anticipated to experience peak congestion on Friday.

Economic Indicators:
Wall Street saw gains on the day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 137 points, indicating a positive market response to the day's events.

Housing and Tech Sector Update:
Spain's government has taken action against Airbnb, accusing the company of violating local regulations by listing properties without necessary licenses and failing to disclose ownership details. Consequently, Spain is blocking over 65,000 holiday listings on the platform. This move occurs against the backdrop of a broader home affordability crisis in the country.

Media Development:
In entertainment news, Sesame Street will transition to Netflix following its separation from Max. Elizabeth Blair of NPR reports that Netflix plans to stream the show's 56th season later in the year. Under the new arrangement, PBS will simultaneously broadcast new episodes on its stations and the PBS Kids platform as they become available on Netflix. This change aims to enhance accessibility but comes at a time when Sesame Workshop is facing financial strains, having laid off 20% of its staff due to shifts in the media and funding landscape.
Quote: “Now PBS stations and the PBS Kids platform will run new episodes on the same day and date as they stream on Netflix.” — Elizabeth Blair [03:48]

4. Survival Story in California's Eastern Sierra

Time Stamp: [04:23]

Reporter: Jack Speier recounts the harrowing survival experience of Tiffany Slayton, a 28-year-old woman who became lost in California's eastern Sierra mountains.

Incident Details:

• The Ordeal: Slayton embarked on what was intended to be a three-day biking and backpacking trip but became lost under extreme conditions. She managed to survive for weeks outdoors by foraging for food and melting snow for potable water.

• Rescue Operation: Slayton was eventually found in an unlocked cabin left by the owner specifically for lost hikers needing assistance. Her survival after trekking at least 20 miles underscores both her resilience and the challenges posed by the rugged terrain.

• Official Statement: During a news conference with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, Slayton detailed her solo camping trip gone awry and the measures she took to endure the harsh environment.
  Quote: “She'd been on what was supposed to be a three day biking and backpacking trip. Slayton is reported to have trekked at least 20 miles in extreme conditions.” — Jack Speier [04:23]

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