U.S. News Today | May 19, 2025: Biden Cancer, Escaped Inmates, Tornado Outbreak, And More
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| U.S News Today May 19, 2025 |
America wakes up to a Monday packed with headlines that matter. From President Biden’s grave cancer diagnosis and deadly tornadoes sweeping the South, to President Trump’s bold diplomatic moves and a dramatic ship crash at the Brooklyn Bridge—May 19, 2025, is already shaping up to be a pivotal day. With markets shaken, inmates on the run, and even Beyoncé breaking records, here's everything you need to know right now.
Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer
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| Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with end-stage prostate cancer. |
Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Sunday. The disease has reportedly metastasized to his bones, placing him in a high-risk category with a Gleason score of 9. According to medical experts, such an advanced diagnosis suggests rapid progression, despite Biden undergoing routine health screenings in past years.
Biden, who previously battled brain aneurysms, pulmonary embolisms, and skin cancer, remains optimistic and is currently exploring a treatment regimen that may include hormone therapy and radiation. Public figures across the aisle, including President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, have offered support.
Biden says that his mother using windshield wipers to "get literally the oil slick off the window" is "why I and so damn many other people have cancer:
 Fact Check: Did Biden's Team Hide His Cancer? Claims, Reality, and What Experts Say |
Tornado Outbreak Kills Dozens Across Midwest and South
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| US tornadoes hit homes, barns, warehouse |
At least 28 people have died in a devastating weekend of tornadoes sweeping across Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia. Kentucky bore the brunt with 19 confirmed deaths and dozens injured in towns such as Somerset and London. Missouri reported 7 deaths, and Virginia 2. Entire blocks have been flattened, with emergency crews working around the clock.
The National Weather Service continues to issue warnings, citing unstable systems that could produce more twisters in the coming days. President Trump declared a state of emergency, unlocking federal disaster aid to affected states.
 Tornado Outbreak Devastates Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia: At Least 31 Killed |
Trump Brokers Tentative Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire
In a surprise diplomatic development, President Trump held talks with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pushing for a 30-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. The proposed halt in hostilities has gained cautious support from NATO and the EU, though Ukrainian officials remain skeptical of Russian intentions.
Analysts note that a temporary pause could allow for humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges but warn that long-term peace remains elusive. Talks are expected to resume in Geneva later this week.
Mexican Navy Ship Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
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| A Mexican Navy training ship is seen in front of the Manhattan Bridge, after it was damaged having run into into the Brooklyn Bridge |
Chaos unfolded in New York Harbor as the Mexican Navy training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc lost engine power and struck the Brooklyn Bridge. The collision left two dead and 22 injured, including four critically. The tall ship's masts snapped upon impact.
Officials say the iconic bridge, built in 1883, sustained only minor damage and has since reopened. A joint U.S.-Mexico investigation is underway to determine mechanical failure and protocol breaches.
 Revealed: The Real Cause Behind Mexican Navy Ship’s Deadly Crash into Brooklyn Bridge |
Manhunt for 7 Escaped Inmates from New Orleans Jail
Authorities are intensifying the search for seven inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center after exploiting a structural flaw behind a toilet. Three of the ten original escapees have been recaptured.
The Sheriff’s Office is facing sharp criticism for delayed public notifications. Each fugitive has a $20,000 reward on their head. Officials have launched an internal investigation into facility security.
Read more: New Orleans Jailbreak: Massive Manhunt, List of 10 Inmates, Watch Video
Trump Under Fire for $400M Jet Gift from Qatar
President Trump is facing bipartisan backlash over a $400 million luxury jet gifted by the Qatari government. Critics, including Republican Senator Rand Paul and Democrat Chris Murphy, allege a blatant conflict of interest.
The administration insists the aircraft was a diplomatic gift to the U.S., not Trump personally. The controversy comes amid broader concerns about executive overreach and economic transparency.
Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating
Moody's Investors Service downgraded the U.S. credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing unsustainable debt levels and long-term fiscal instability. The move sent shockwaves through financial markets, with bond yields spiking and the dollar dipping.
Economists warn that high deficits and political dysfunction could further undermine investor confidence. The White House has yet to issue a formal response.
Trump Targets Ballot Barcodes Amid Voting Integrity Debate
A new executive order from the White House aims to remove barcode technology from U.S. ballots, reigniting controversy over election security. Election officials argue barcodes are vital for accuracy and efficiency, and warn this move could erode voter trust.
The order follows unsubstantiated claims that barcodes compromise election integrity—a claim rejected by bipartisan election authorities.
Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bombing Investigated as Terrorism
The FBI has launched a domestic terrorism investigation after a bomb exploded outside a Palm Springs reproductive clinic, killing one person. The suspect, identified but not yet apprehended, is believed to be linked to extremist anti-abortion ideology.
Security has been tightened around reproductive health centers across the Southwest.
Read more: Who Was Guy Edward Bartkus? Inside the Mind of the Palm Springs IVF Clinic Bomber
New Jersey Transit Strike Ends with Tentative Deal
After paralyzing transit for nearly a week, New Jersey’s statewide rail strike has ended with a tentative agreement between unions and state officials. Terms remain confidential, but services are expected to resume within 48 hours.
Commuters welcomed the resolution, though many call for long-term investment in public transit infrastructure.
International Students Reeling from Visa Chaos
Thousands of international students are grappling with visa revocations and job losses following a now-reversed policy targeting STEM graduates. Though the Department of Homeland Security is reinstating records, many students report long-term damage to their academic and financial stability.
Legal experts urge Congress to enact clearer protections for foreign students amid fluctuating immigration policies.
Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' Tour Breaks Records
Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' tour has grossed over $55 million across five shows, drawing more than 217,000 fans. Kicking off in Inglewood, California, and concluding in Las Vegas, the tour is earning rave reviews for its genre-bending sound and stage production.
With multiple sold-out stadiums, industry insiders predict the tour could become one of the top-grossing acts of 2025.
Conclusion
As the nation faces fast-moving crises—from natural disasters to political controversies—staying informed has never been more vital. U.S. News Today will continue delivering the latest, most accurate updates so readers are never caught off guard.
