NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of May 26, 2025, Episode

On the May 26, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Nora Ramm delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events. The episode, lasting just over five minutes, touches on significant topics ranging from Memorial Day honors to geopolitical tensions and legislative developments in the United States.

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Presidential Honors at Arlington National Cemetery

The episode opens with a solemn moment as President Donald Trump pays tribute to fallen soldiers:

• Nora Ramm (00:16): “President Trump placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery this morning to honor those in uniform who have given their lives for their country. He said the US owes them a great debt.”

• Donald Trump (00:32): “These warriors, and that's what they are, is great, great warriors picked up their mantle of duty and service knowing that to live for others meant always that they might die for others. They knew that they asked nothing for it. They gave everything and we owe them everything and much, much.”

Trump's heartfelt message underscores the nation's gratitude towards military personnel who have sacrificed their lives in service.

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Memorial Day Messages and Political Tensions

Earlier on Memorial Day, President Trump took to social media with a more contentious tone:

• Nora Ramm (00:54): “Earlier today, he had another Memorial Day message on social media. Trump called former President Joe Biden 'scum' and criticized the judges who have blocked his efforts to fast track mass deportations.”

This segment highlights the ongoing political friction between Trump and Biden, particularly concerning immigration policies and judicial interventions.

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US Government Spending Bill and Medicaid Cuts

As the Memorial Day recess concludes, the focus shifts to a critical legislative agenda:

• Nora Ramm (00:54): “After it returns from the Memorial Day recess, the Senate is expected to take up the multi-trillion dollar government spending bill. People with disabilities and rights groups fear proposed cuts to Medicaid and a larger state role in the program could have devastating consequences.”

Kristen Wright elaborates on the potential impact:

• Caroline Levitt (01:28): “And adults with disabilities rely on Medicaid for doctor's visits, specialized care and medications, also long term care.”

• Donald Trump (04:23): “The very least we could do is make sure that they have a proper headstone, especially for Memorial Day, that these men are recognized for their sacrifices.”

Advocates warn that the Congressional Budget Office estimates 8.7 million people could lose Medicaid coverage under the proposed bill, a move that has sparked significant concern among vulnerable populations.

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Escalating Tensions in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia's aggression continues to destabilize the region:

• Nora Ramm (02:14): “Russia launched huge drone and missile strikes against Ukraine for the third day in a row, killing more than a dozen people.”

• Donald Trump (02:30): “Putin had, quote, gone absolutely crazy in attacking civilians in cities. But Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that everything that comes out of Zelensky's mouth causes problems.”

In response to the attacks, Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes the need for stronger Western sanctions:

• Zelensky (02:30): “Only tougher Western sanctions on Russia will force the Kremlin to stop bombing Ukraine.”

Despite the ongoing violence, President Trump has refrained from introducing new sanctions against Russia, a stance that has drawn varied reactions domestically and internationally.

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King Charles’s Historic Visit to Canada

In a significant diplomatic event, Britain's King Charles embarks on a two-day visit to Canada:

• Nora Ramm (03:12): “Britain's King Charles arrived in Canada today for a two day visit. He's there at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who's repeatedly rejected President Trump's desire to make Canada the 51st state.”

• Amy Held (03:51): “King Charles is to open the parliament in Ottawa tomorrow, delivering what's called a speech from the throne, the first time a monarch has done so in decades. Carney says the king's visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of Canada.”

This visit marks a rare ceremonial role for the monarch in Canadian governance, reinforcing the nation's independence and diplomatic ties with Britain.

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Memorial Day: Remembering Civil War Veterans

The episode delves into the historical significance of Memorial Day, tracing its origins back to the Civil War:

• Amy Held (03:51): “The origins of the Memorial Day holiday can be traced back to the Civil War. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. Long before that, Americans recognized what was known as Decoration Day, adorning the graves of those who died in service.”

Highlighting personal stories, the episode pays homage to two Civil War veterans:

• Joe Wilson (04:23): “They have long been neglected. I worked with the VA to secure veteran headstones for the men.”

• Donald Trump (04:23): “The very least we could do is make sure that they have a proper headstone, especially for Memorial Day, that these men are recognized for their sacrifices.”

The narrative emphasizes the contributions of tens of thousands of Black service members who fought in segregated units during the Civil War, acknowledging their overlooked sacrifices.

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Memorial Day Travel Statistics

As Memorial Day approaches, travel patterns indicate a significant surge:

• Nora Ramm (04:38): “This Memorial Day, AAA estimates 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the weekend. That would break a record set in 2004. Gas Buddy says drivers are finding gas prices at the lowest level in four years.”

These statistics suggest a robust travel weekend, bolstered by favorable gas prices, potentially leading to record-breaking movement across the country.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of pivotal events, from honoring military sacrifices and navigating political tensions to addressing international conflicts and legislative challenges. With insightful reporting and poignant quotes, the summary provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs, ensuring they remain informed even without tuning into the full broadcast.

Transcript

[Leesa]

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[Nora Ramm]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Ramm. President Trump placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery this morning to honor those in uniform who have given their lives for their country. He said the US Owes them a great debt.

[Donald Trump]

These warriors, and that's what they are, is great, great warriors picked up their mantle of duty and service knowing that to live for others meant always that they might die for others. They knew that they asked nothing for it. They gave everything and we owe them everything and much, much.

[Nora Ramm]

Earlier today, he had another Memorial Day message. On social media. Trump called former President Joe Biden scum and criticized the judges who have blocked his efforts to fast track mass deportations. After it returns from the Memorial Day recess, the Senate is expected to take up the multi trillion dollar government spending bill. People with disabilities and rights groups fear proposed cuts to Medicaid and a larger state role in the program could have devastating consequences. NPR's Kristen Wright explains millions of children.

[Caroline Levitt]

And adults with disabilities rely on Medicaid for doctor's visits, specialized care and medications, also long term care. Katie Neese, CEO of the arc, says billions in cuts would mean people would lose coverage.

[Leesa]

To assume that states can stand up.

[Caroline Levitt]

These new administrative procedures swiftly and efficiently just isn't pragmatic. Advocates say new work requirements would also kick off many who should be exempt. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt insists those requirements target waste, fraud and abuse. It should be going to people who physically cannot work. The nonpartisan Congressional budget office estimates 8.7 million people could lose Medicaid coverage under the bill. Kristen Wright, NPR News.

[Nora Ramm]

Russia launched huge drone and missile strikes against Ukraine for the third day in a row, killing more than a dozen people. President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the attacks but did not offer new sanctions against the Kremlin. NPR's Joanna Kakisis reports.

[Leesa]

In Kyiv, the Russian strike sounded like this. NPR's bureau recorded this overnight as Ukraine's air defenses shot down Russian drones flying over the neighborhood. Trump wrote on social media Putin had, quote, gone absolutely crazy in attacking civilians in cities. But Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that everything that comes out of Zelensky's mouth causes problems. Zelensky wrote on social media that only tougher Western sanctions on Russia will force the Kremlin to stop bombing Ukraine. Joanna Kakisis, NPR News.

[Nora Ramm]

This is NPR News. In Washington. Britain's King Charles arrived in Canada today for a two day visit. He's there at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who's repeatedly rejected President Trump's desire to make Canada the 51st state. Charles is to open the parliament in Ottawa tomorrow, delivering what's called a speech from the throne, the first time a monarch has done so in decades. Carney says the king's visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of in the US the origins of the Memorial Day holiday can be traced back to the Civil War. NPR's Amy Held reports.

[Amy Held]

Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. Long before that, Americans recognized what was known as Decoration Day, adorning the graves of those who died in service. Today it's the turn of two Civil War veterans. John and Henry Whedon served in the 39th U.S. colored Infantry Regiment based in Baltimore. Thought to be cousins, they are buried in a churchyard in Frederick, Maryland. Joe Wilson, also a veteran, says they have long been neglected. He worked with the VA to secure veteran headstones for the men.

[Donald Trump]

The very least we could do is make sure that they have a proper headstone, especially for Memorial Day, that these men are recognized for their sacrifices.

[Amy Held]

Tens of thousands of black service members in segregated units fought and died in the Civil War. Amy Held, NPR News.

[Nora Ramm]

This Memorial day, AAA estimates 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the weekend. That would break a record set in 2004. Gas Buddy says drivers are finding gas prices at the lowest level in four years. I'm Nora Ramm, NPR News. Listen to this podcast sponsor, free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR.

[Amy Held]

News Now [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org.