NPR News Now: May 24, 2025, 4 PM EDT
On this episode of NPR News Now, a diverse array of topics ranging from international conflicts and environmental challenges to public health and significant national events were discussed. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode released on May 24, 2025.
President Trump's Military Commencement at West Point
Timestamp: [00:16] – [00:48]
President Donald Trump addressed the graduating cadets at West Point in what was noted as the first military commencement speech of his second term. Speaking from Washington, Trump extended his congratulations and expressed strong support for the new graduates.
Donald Trump: "I just want to say hello, cadets, and on behalf of our entire nation, let me begin by saying congratulations to the West Point class of 2025. You are winners, every single one of you. Thank you."
[00:33]
Trump highlighted the strength of the U.S. military, emphasizing the nation's might and his administration's commitment to maintaining it. He also addressed internal policies, declaring his efforts to "clear the military of transgender ideas, critical race theory and trainings he called divisive and political."
Nora Rahm: "Wearing a red Make America Great cap, Trump took credit for US Military might. He said he's clearing the military of transgender ideas, critical race theory and trainings he called divisive and political."
[00:48]
Downsizing the National Weather Service Amid Rising Natural Disasters
Timestamp: [00:48] – [02:13]
The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently facing significant staffing reductions, with approximately 30% of positions unfilled due to the federal government's downsizing efforts. This reduction poses challenges, especially in light of an anticipated above-average Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1st.
Tom Fahey: "The National Weather Service is around 30% below full staffing."
[01:27]
Fahey, representing the Union National Weather Service Employees Organization, explained that some weather offices, particularly in Wyoming, have had to close overnight operations, compelling neighboring offices in Colorado to handle additional responsibilities with limited resources.
Tom Fahey: "Some weather offices are now closed overnight, including in Wyoming."
[01:39]
Amy Held: "The resiliency of the National Weather Service is indeed being stretched."
[01:51]
With climate change contributing to more frequent and severe natural disasters, the understaffing of the NWS raises concerns about the agency's capacity to provide timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings.
Russia's Combined Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv
Timestamp: [02:13] – [02:59]
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a combined ballistic missile and drone assault on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, resulting in 15 injuries. NPR's Hanna Palmerenko reported from Kyiv on the aftermath and the Ukrainian response.
Hanna Polomarenko: "In Kyiv, emergency services worked to clear rubble and extinguish fires, according to the Kyiv city administration. It was one of the largest attacks on the capital."
[02:27]
Yuri Knat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, highlighted that the Russian offensive utilized modernized ballistic missiles, making interceptions more challenging.
Yuri Knat: "The Russians have modernized their ballistic missiles, making them harder to intercept."
[02:45]
This attack underscores the intensifying nature of the Russia-Ukraine war and the evolving tactics employed by Russian forces.
Prisoner Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine
Timestamp: [02:59] – [03:49]
Amid the sustained conflict, Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner exchange, each releasing 307 of their service personnel. This follows a previous exchange of hundreds of combatants and civilians, with expectations of a third swap the following day.
Nora Rahm: "Russia and Ukraine held a second day of a prisoner exchange today, each releasing 307 of their service personnel. This follows the release of hundreds of combatants and civilians yesterday. A third swap is expected tomorrow."
[02:59]
The exchanges represent a rare moment of negotiation and humanitarian consideration amidst ongoing hostilities, offering a glimmer of hope for resolution and easing of tensions.
Arson Suspected in France's Cannes Film Festival Power Outage
Timestamp: [02:59] – [03:49]
In southeastern France, authorities suspect arson as the cause of a significant power outage that occurred while preparations were underway for the closing ceremony of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Fortunately, electricity was restored by the afternoon, allowing the festival to proceed without major disruptions.
Nora Rahm: "Police in southeastern France suspect arson may have caused a major power outage this morning as the Cannes Film Festival was preparing its closing ceremony."
[02:59]
The Palme d'Or, Cannes' most esteemed award, was awarded to Iranian dissident filmmaker Jafar Panahi for his latest work, the revenge thriller "It Was Just an Accident," symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity.
Tick Season Peak and Lyme Disease Prevention
Timestamp: [03:49] – [04:34]
As tick season reaches its zenith in the United States, with approximately 31 million people experiencing tick bites annually, public health officials emphasize the importance of prevention and early detection of Lyme disease.
Allison Hinckley: "If you find a tick on you, take it off your body right away. Then don't throw it out because it helps to know what kind of tick it is and how long it's been feeding on you."
[03:49]
Epidemiologist Allison Hinckley from the CDC advises that individuals in high-risk areas—Northeast, Mid Atlantic, and upper Midwest—should monitor for symptoms such as aches, fever, or rash following a tick bite.
Allison Hinckley: "If you start developing aches and pains, a fever or rash, go see a doctor as soon as you can."
[04:22]
In cases involving engorged black-legged ticks, a single dose of antibiotics may be recommended to prevent Lyme disease. Public awareness and prompt medical consultation are crucial in managing and reducing the incidence of this disease.
Vigils in Uvalde, Texas Commemorate Tragic School Shooting
Timestamp: [04:34] – [04:55]
Today marks the third anniversary of the devastating mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Vigils are being held to honor the memory of the 19 students and two teachers who lost their lives. The tragedy is also remembered for the delayed police response, which ultimately resulted in the death of the gunman after 77 minutes inside the school.
Nora Rahm: "Vigils are being held in Uvalde, Texas, today to remember the mass shooting at an elementary school three years ago. 19 students and two teachers were killed. It took police 77 minutes before they entered the school and shot and killed the gunman."
[04:34]
The community continues to grapple with the aftermath, advocating for improved response protocols and enhanced safety measures in schools nationwide.
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