NPR News: 05-25-2025 6AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 25, 2025, 6AM EDT

Host: Jael Snyder

---

Venezuela's Crucial Elections Under Scrutiny

Polls opened today in Venezuela as citizens prepare to elect governors and a new Congress, with 285 seats in the National Assembly and 24 state houses up for grabs. A particularly controversial race is for the governor of Essequibo, an oil-rich region bordering Guyana, which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has threatened to annex.

Reporter John Otis provides insight into the tense political climate: “Up for grabs are 285 seats to the National assembly and 24 state houses. They include a controversial new position, governor of Essequibo” ([00:31]). The opposition remains fragmented over participation. Opposition leader María Corinna Machado declared, “[00:31] this isn't an election, it's a farce,” in a video posted on X, urging voters to abstain to prevent legitimizing Maduro’s regime. However, other opposition figures warn that a boycott could inadvertently strengthen Maduro's grip on power, leaving the outcome uncertain and voter turnout in doubt.

Harrowing Account from an Israeli Hostage in Gaza

An Israeli woman who was held hostage in Gaza shared her terrifying experiences during captivity. Speaking to a crowd in Tel Aviv, Niyamulevi recounted the fear induced by Israeli airstrikes: “[01:36] What frightened me most were the bombings. First you hear the whistling, praying won't fall on us. Then the explosions, sounds so intense they paralyze your body, the earth shaking.”

She detailed moments of near-death, including an incident where part of her house collapsed. “Fortunately, the hole I was leaning against did not crumble. That saved my life” ([01:36]). Through a BBC interpreter, Niyamulevi expressed her deep concern for the fate of remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli attacks have resulted in nearly 80 deaths, including nine out of ten children in a doctor's family.

FEMA Mobilizes in Kentucky After Devastating Tornadoes

Kentucky residents are receiving aid as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened two disaster recovery centers in London, Kentucky, following last weekend's deadly tornadoes. Karen Zarr reports, “Victims are flowing into the FEMA center in London, Kentucky, where they can talk directly to agents about individual assistance” ([02:25]).

FEMA public information officer Daniel Bernardi emphasized the agency’s swift response: “[02:53] We will get those wheels rolling ahead of time. There's a major disaster so that we can be ready to respond quickly.” This initiative follows FEMA’s previous efforts in February and April, highlighting the ongoing challenges Kentucky faces with severe weather events.

Russia and Ukraine Complete Three-Day Prisoner Swap Amid Tensions

In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have finalized the last phase of a three-day prisoner swap, each side releasing 303 soldiers ([03:11]). This exchange follows the prior release of numerous combatants and civilians, albeit amidst continued military tensions. The agreement comes in the wake of persistent Russian drone and missile attacks, which have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and dozens of injuries.

Indianapolis 500 Shadowed by Cheating Scandal Involving Roger Penske

The 109th Indianapolis 500 auto race begins under a cloud of controversy as legendary team owner Roger Penske faces a cheating scandal. Quinn Klinefelter reports, “Penske owns the Indy 500. Literally. His race teams won more times there than any other...” ([03:50]). However, this year, two of his three cars were penalized for using illegal parts, forcing them to start last and next to last. Driver Pato O. Ward expressed his frustration: “[04:14] It’s a shame, really, because they don't need to be doing that stuff. They're a great team, great drivers. Why are you doing that? Makes no sense.”

In response to the scandal, Penske has dismissed his top race team management and announced plans to introduce outside officials to restore integrity within the sport.

Driver Kyle Larson Attempts Historic Double at Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600

Amidst the Indianapolis 500 turmoil, driver Cara Kyle Larson is attempting to achieve a historic double by competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day. Although Larson attempted this feat last year, adverse weather conditions prevented participation. Successfully completing this double would make him the fifth driver in history to compete in both prestigious races simultaneously ([04:34]).

---

Stay informed with NPR News Now for the latest updates every five minutes.

Transcript

[Capital One Ad]

This message comes from Capital One. Access comprehensive solutions from a top commercial bank that prioritizes your needs today and goals for tomorrow. Learn [e-mail] commercial member FDIC.

[Jael Snyder]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jael Snyder. Polls are opening this hour in Venezuela, where voters are electing governors and a new Congress today. But as reporter John Otis reports, it's unclear whether many Venezuelans will turn out.

[John Otis]

Up for grabs are 285 seats to the National assembly and 24 state houses. They include a controversial new position, governor of Essequibo. That's an oil rich region of neighboring Guyana that Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro has threatened to annex. The opposition is divided over what to do. Its leader, Maria Corinna Machado, points to evidence that Maduro stole last year's presidential election and claims voting today would legitimize his power grab. In a video posted on X, she said, this isn't an election, it's a farce. That's why on Sunday I'm asking you to stay home. But other opposition politicians say boycotting the election could backfire by giving Maduro even more power. For NPR News, I'm John Otis.

[Jael Snyder]

An Israeli woman who was held hostage in Gaza has said that while in captivity, Israeli airstrike scared her the most. Niyamulevi spoke to a crowd in Tel Aviv this weekend.

[Niyamulevi]

What frightened me most were the bombings. First you hear the whistling, praying won't fall on us. Then the explosions, sounds so intense they paralyze your body, the earth shaking. Each time I was certain it was my end. In one bombing, part of the house collapsed. Fortunately, the hole I was leaning against did not crumble. That saved my life.

[Jael Snyder]

Levy, speaking there through a BBC interpreter, said she fears for the lives of the remaining Israeli hostages. Gaza's health Ministry, meanwhile, says Israeli attacks have killed nearly 80 people, including nine of a doctor's 10 children. In Kentucky, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened two disaster recovery centers following last weekend's deadly tornadoes. As Karen Zarr reports from member station.

[Karen Zarr]

Wuky, storm victims are flowing into the FEMAS center in London, Kentucky, where they can talk directly to agents about individual assistance. If approved, they'll get funds to cover things like property loss, damage to their homes and temporary housing. FEMA public information officer Daniel Bernardi says the center was up and running within hours of President Trump granting Governor Andy Beshear's request for federal aid.

[John Otis]

We will get those wheels rolling ahead of time. There's a major disaster so that we.

[Karen Zarr]

Can be ready to respond quickly FEMA was already in Kentucky, helping with major weather disasters that hit the state in February and April. For NPR News, I'm Karen Zarr in London, Kentucky.

[Jael Snyder]

This is npr. Russia and Ukraine have carried out the final phase of a three day prisoner swap. Both sides say the exchange today saw each bring home 303 more soldiers after the release on Friday and Saturday of hundreds of combatants and civilians. Today's swap came after Russia launched another night of drone of missile attacks that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens. Today's 109th running of the famed Indianapolis 500 auto race begins under a cloud of controversy. Quinn Kleinfelter, member station wdet, reports that the legendary race team owner Roger Penske is embroiled in a cheating scandal.

[Quinn Klinefelter]

Penske owns the Indy 500. Literally. His race teams won more times there than any other, and he bought both the track and the IndyCar league itself. But this time, two of his three cars start last and next to last, penalized for using illegal parts, possibly for more than a year. Driver Pato O. Ward, who lost to a Penske car on the final lap of last year's Indy 500, says the scandal's shaken trust in the racing icon.

[John Otis]

It's a shame, really, because they don't need to be doing that stuff. They're a great team, great drivers. Why are you doing that? Makes no sense.

[Quinn Klinefelter]

Penske recently fired his top race team management and vows to bring in outside officials to help govern the sport. For NPR News, I'm Quinn Klinefelter in Detroit.

[Jael Snyder]

Race fans keeping an eye on driver Cara Kyle Larson. Today he's attempting to complete the double and become the fifth driver to compete in Both the Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600 at North Carolina's Charlotte Motor Speedway. He tried last year, but stormy weather got in the way. I'm Giles Snyder. This is NPR News.

[Capital One Ad]

This message comes from Warby Parker. What makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker? It's all the invisible extras without the extra cost, like free adjustments for life. Find your [e-mail] or visit one of their hundreds of stores around the country.