NPR News Now: May 26, 2025, 12PM EDT Summary
Nora Ramm hosts the latest updates, providing comprehensive coverage of national and international events shaping today's headlines.
1. Memorial Day Observances
Nora Ramm begins the broadcast by highlighting the solemn observance of Memorial Day:
"From NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Ramm. On this Memorial Day, a wreath laying ceremony was held this morning at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery." (00:17)
This marks the 157th National Memorial Day observance, dedicated to honoring and remembering members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives for the country.
2. Texas Legislation on Prayer and Bible Readings in Schools
A significant legislative development in Texas is underway, focusing on religious activities within public and charter schools. Andrew Schneider from Houston Public Media reports:
"Lawmakers in Texas are poised to approve legislation to allow for periods of prayer and Bible readings in public and charter schools." (00:17)
David Spiller, a Republican Representative, elaborates on Senate Bill 11:
"Senate Bill 11 would let school districts and charter school governing boards decide whether to allow for periods of prayer or Bible readings during the school day. The bill was written to protect the religious freedom both of those who wish to pray and of those who don't." (01:05)
An unnamed Republican Representative adds:
"There's been a lot of misinformation about this and indicating that it's compulsory and so forth, and it's not. It's purely voluntary and we protected the rights of those who choose not to participate." (01:22)
However, David Spiller acknowledges concerns from Democratic opponents:
"Democratic opponents raised concerns that students may feel pressured to participate. That could lead to a court challenge of the measure on First Amendment grounds." (01:31)
The bill is currently heading for Governor Greg Abbott's signature, pending further deliberation.
3. Israeli Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties in Gaza
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip continues to escalate, with recent airstrikes resulting in significant civilian casualties. Nora Ramm reports:
"An Israeli airstrike killing nine children from a single family is sparking outrage and an Israeli inquiry into the attack." (01:44)
Dr. Ala Al Najjar, a pediatrician in Gaza, shares a harrowing account:
"I received word that the charred remains of all but one of my 10 children were in the morgue. The father and the eldest child survived but remain in critical condition." (02:00)
The attack occurred in Khan Younis, where the family’s home was bombed twice by an Israeli fighter jet. Israeli media has disputed some of the reported images of the casualties as fake, though the military has not commented on these specific allegations. The Israeli military maintains that the strike targeted combatants and that civilians were warned to flee the area.
Further intensifying the situation, Nora Ramm continues:
"Israeli airstrikes continue to pound the Gaza Strip today. Local health officials say at least 45 people were killed, including 30 in a school converted into a shelter." (02:49)
The Israeli military asserts that the school was used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad to plan attacks, justifying the targeting despite its use as a shelter.
4. Montana's Climate Change Legislation
Shifting focus to domestic policy, Ellis Julin from Montana Public Radio discusses recent legislative actions concerning climate change:
"Last year, Montana Supreme Court ruled that the plaintiffs have a fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment." (03:35)
In response, conservative lawmakers have introduced new bills aimed at circumventing the court's decision. The latest laws require the state to inventory greenhouse gas emissions but halt regulatory measures:
"Montana will now inventory emissions, but it won't regulate them." (03:35)
Olivia Vesevich, one of the original plaintiffs, voices her frustration:
"To watch our legislatures actively dismiss a constitutional ruling is devastating." (03:55)
Ellis Julin adds:
"The longer the state delays considering climate impacts, the worse the future will look for young people like her." (04:05)
This legislative move has sparked significant debate over the state's commitment to addressing climate change and the rights of future generations.
5. Passing of Former Congressman Charles Rangel and Upcoming Senate Legislation
Nora Ramm mourns the passing of a political stalwart:
"In Missoula, Former Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel has died. Rangel was a veteran of the Korean War and spent nearly 50 years on Capitol Hill. He was 94." (04:12)
Turning to legislative updates, with Congress in recess for Memorial Day, Ramm previews upcoming discussions:
"When lawmakers return, the Senate is to take up a huge tax and spending bill passed last week by the House. The legislation would spend more money on defense and other programs that benefit lower-income Americans, while wealthier Americans would benefit more from reduced taxes." (04:12)
The Congressional Budget Office warns:
"The tax cuts alone would add trillions of dollars to the national debt over 10 years." (04:12)
This bill highlights the ongoing debate over fiscal policy, defense spending, social programs, and tax reforms.
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