NPR News: 05-26-2025 1AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 26, 2025

Host: NPR
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

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International Relations: Trump Condemns Putin's Actions in Ukraine

NPR Host Dan Ronan opens the episode with a significant update on U.S.-Russia relations. In a departure from his previously cordial stance, President Donald Trump has launched a sharp critique of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Russia's ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.

At 00:18, Ronan reports:

"In what may be his strongest language to date about Russia's war against Ukraine, President Trump Sunday night harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russia pounds Ukraine for a third night with drones and missiles."

Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing his frustration:

"I've always had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He's gone absolutely crazy." (00:49)

During a post-New Jersey press conference, Trump continued:

"I'm not happy with what Putin's doing. He's killing a lot of people and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people and I don't like it at all." (00:49)

He further warned that Putin's aggressive actions might precipitate the downfall of Russia. Recently, Trump has also advocated for accelerated peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting his increasing frustration with the conflict's persistence.

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Religious Leadership: Pope Leo XIV Affirms His Role as the Bishop of Rome

Shifting to religious news, NPR's Claire Marie Schneider covers a noteworthy development from the Vatican. On 01:04, it's reported that Pope Leo XIV has formally declared himself a Roman, reinforcing his position as the Bishop of Rome.

Pope Leo XIV stated:

"I can say in a special way that I am a Roman with and for you." (01:29)

Margaret Susan Thompson, a history professor at Syracuse University, provides insight:

"That's an important symbolic statement and pastoral statement, if not governing statement." (02:02)

Thompson explains that while this declaration underscores the Pope's responsibility to the people of Rome, the day-to-day administrative duties will remain delegated to auxiliary bishops, known as vicars. This move is seen more as a symbolic and pastoral affirmation rather than a shift in administrative responsibilities.

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Space and Culture: European Space Agency to Send 'Blue Danube' Waltz into Deep Space

In a blend of science and culture, Rebecca Hersher reports on an upcoming initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA). Scheduled for May 31, the ESA plans to transmit a live performance of Johann Strauss's renowned "Blue Danube Waltz" into deep space.

At 02:31, Hersher explains:

"The Blue Danube Waltz is associated with space travel and pop culture. On May 31, the European Space Agency plans to transmit a live performance of the piece into deep space using a transmitter in Spain that usually works on missions to Mars and the Sun."

This event commemorates both the 50th anniversary of the ESA's founding and the 200th anniversary of Strauss's birth. The "Blue Danube" gained iconic status from its feature in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, making its transmission a nod to both historical and cultural milestones in space exploration.

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State Legislation: Texas Mandates Ten Commandments Display in Public Schools

Turning to state politics, Dan Ronan reports a significant legislative move in Texas. The Texas House has passed a bill with overwhelming support, directing that a copy of the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom.

At 03:13, Ronan states:

"The Texas House on Sunday passed by a wide margin and sent the Senate a bill that would mandate displaying a copy of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the state."

Governor Greg Abbott has indicated his intention to sign the bill, potentially bringing it into effect by September 1st. However, the legislation is expected to face legal challenges, as similar measures in Louisiana and Arkansas have been contested in courts.

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Sports Highlight: Alex Palou Makes History as First Spanish Winner of the Indy 500

In sports news, Samantha Horton covers the thrilling conclusion of the 109th Indianapolis 500. Amidst a dramatic race marked by a fire and multiple crashes, Alex Palou secured victory, making history as the first Spanish driver to win this prestigious event.

At 03:56, Horton reports:

"Only 23 cars completed the 109th running of the Indy 500 when the checkered flag dropped. Alex Palou won the day in the number 10 Chip Ganassi car."

Expressing his elation, Palou said:

"I don't know what's going to be for Spain. Hopefully they are celebrating as much as I am here. It makes it extra special that I'm the first Spanish driver to win it." (04:18)

The race attracted approximately 350,000 fans, solidifying the Indy 500's reputation as "the greatest spectacle in racing."

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Obituary: Phil Robertson of 'Duck Dynasty' Passes Away

In a somber note, Dan Ronan announces the passing of Phil Robertson, known for his role in the reality TV show Duck Dynasty. Robertson died at the age of 79, as confirmed by his family. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease. "Duck Dynasty," which aired on A&E, concluded in 2017, marking Robertson as a memorable figure in American television.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive snapshot of global and national events, from high-stakes international relations and significant religious declarations to cultural milestones in space exploration, state legislative actions, historic sports achievements, and a notable passing in the entertainment world. Each segment is delivered with clarity and depth, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments shaping our world.

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Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump at 00:49:

  "I'm not happy with what Putin's doing. He's killing a lot of people and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people and I don't like it at all."

• Alex Palou at 04:18:

  "I don't know what's going to be for Spain. Hopefully they are celebrating as much as I am here. It makes it extra special that I'm the first Spanish driver to win it."

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This summary is intended for individuals who have not listened to the episode, providing a detailed and engaging overview of the key topics and discussions presented.

Transcript

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[Dan Ronan]

News in Washington, I'm Dan Ronan. In what may be his strongest language to date about Russia's war against Ukraine, President Trump Sunday night harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russia pound Ukraine for a third night with drones and missiles. Writing on truth social, Trump said, quote, I've always had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He's gone absolutely crazy. Before returning to Washington from New Jersey, the president spoke with reporters.

[Donald Trump]

I'm not happy with what Putin's doing. He's killing a lot of people and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people and I don't like it at all.

[Dan Ronan]

Trump also said Putin's actions will lead to the downfall of Russia. In recent days, the president has increasingly voiced frustration with Putin and has urged Russia and Ukraine to speed up peace negotiations. Sunday, Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman in a ceremonial step to securing his role as the bishop of Rome. NPR's Claire Marie Schneider has more, translated.

[Claire Marie Schneider]

By the Vatican News Service. Pope Leo can be heard saying today I can say in a special way that I am a Roman with and for you. The bishop of Rome is one of many titles given to the Pope. What will his duties include?

[Margaret Susan Thompson]

Not a whole lot. I don't think he will be particularly involved in the day to day governing or administrative responsibility.

[Claire Marie Schneider]

That's Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor of history at Syracuse University. She says his declaration speaks more to his responsibility to the people of Rome.

[Margaret Susan Thompson]

That's an important symbolic statement and pastoral statement, if not governing statement.

[Claire Marie Schneider]

Thompson says day to day duties are usually delegated to an auxiliary or assistant bishop, known as a vicar. Claire Marie Schneider, NPR News.

[Dan Ronan]

The European Space Agency will transmit a classic piece of music into space this week. NPR's Rebecca Hersher reports. The Blue Danube Waltz is associated with space travel and pop culture.

[Rebecca Hersher]

Johann Strauss's waltz, titled by the Beautiful, Beautiful Blue Danube, was featured in the classic 1968 film 2001 A Space Odyssey and it's evoked space ever since. On May 31, the European Space Agency plans to transmit a live performance of the piece into deep space using a transmitter in Spain that usually works on missions to Mars and the Sun. The event commemorates the founding of the European Space Agency 50 years ago and the birth of the composer Strauss 200 years ago. Rebecca Hersher, NPR News.

[Dan Ronan]

And from Washington, this is npr. The Texas House on Sunday passed by a wide margin and sent the Senate a bill that would mandate displaying a copy of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said if the legislation gets to his desk, he'll sign it. The measure could take as early as September 1st. It is almost certain to provoke a court challenge as similar legislation has been adopted in Louisiana and Arkansas. After a fire, several crashes and cautions, the Indy 500 has a new winner. Samantha Horton reports. The winner made history as the first Spanish driver to win the race out.

[Samantha Horton]

Of the 33 car field. Only 23 cars completed the 109th running of the Indy 500 when the checkered flag dropped. Alex Palo won the day in the number 10 chip Ganassi car. The 28 year old Spanish driver has been successful in the series but has never won the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. Race Pillow says he hopes his win will bring more Spanish fans into the sport.

[Alex Palou]

I don't know what's going to be for Spain. Hopefully they are celebrating as much as I am here. It makes it extra special that I'm the first Spanish driver to win it.

[Samantha Horton]

Track officials say the sold out race drew in about 350,000 fans to enjoy what is called the greatest spectacle in racing. For NPR, I'm Samantha Horton in Indianapolis.

[Dan Ronan]

Reality TV star Phil Robertson of cable TV's Duck Dynasty has died at the age of 79. This announced by his family. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Duck Dynasty aired on A e ending in 2017. From Washington, this is NPR News.

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