NPR News: 05-26-2025 9AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 26, 2025, 9 AM EDT

Hosted by NPR

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1. President Trump Delays 50% Tariffs on European Union Goods

[00:16] Windsor Johnston opens the episode with significant news on international trade. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will postpone the implementation of a 50% tariff on goods imported from the European Union. This delay is intended to provide more time for ongoing trade negotiations between the two blocs.

[00:36] In a statement, President Trump elaborated on the decision:

"We had a very nice call and I agreed to move it. I believe June 9th would be July 9th would be the date. That was the date she requested. Could we move it from June 1st to July 9th? And I agreed to do that and that she said. We will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out."
— Donald Trump [00:36]

This move follows Trump's earlier threats to impose steep tariffs, accusing the European Union of being "very difficult to work with on trade." The tariffs were initially set to take effect within the week of the announcement.

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2. Jewish Community in France Criticizes Israel’s Actions in Gaza

[00:53] Shifting focus to international affairs, Windsor Johnston reports on growing tensions within the Jewish community in France regarding Israel's military offensive in Gaza. The backlash intensified following remarks by a prominent rabbi, leading to widespread debate and condemnation from various Jewish intellectuals.

[01:23] Eleanor Beardsley provides an in-depth perspective:

Reform Rabbi Delphine Orvilleur stated, "No pain is eased and no death is avenged by starving innocents or condemning children."
— Reform Rabbi Delphine Orvilleur [01:23]

The rabbi faced "a torrent of abuse from more conservative members of the community." Additionally, several dozen Jewish intellectuals co-authored an op-ed criticizing the Israeli government for actions they believe undermine democracy and the rule of law, endanger hostages, and expand settlements.

On Sunday, hundreds of Jews gathered in Paris to advocate for an end to the conflict. Peace activist Hannah Asoulin remarked:

"Asuleen, the silent majority is beginning to speak up and wants this war to end."
— Hannah Asoulin [01:23]

These developments signal a significant shift within the Jewish community, highlighting diverse perspectives on the ongoing conflict.

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3. Texas Republicans Push for Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms

[02:14] In domestic news, Republican lawmakers in Texas are advancing a controversial bill that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. This legislation, sponsored by State Representative Candy Noble, aims to reintroduce what she describes as "a historic tradition" in education and judiciary systems.

[02:34] Representative Candy Noble defended the bill by stating:

"The displaying of the Ten Commandments in our Texas classrooms will bring back this historic tradition of recognizing America's foundational heritage in both our educational and judicial systems and remind students of the importance of this cornerstone of American and Texas law."
— Candy Noble [02:34]

However, the proposal has faced criticism from Democrats who argue that approximately one-third of Texans are neither Christian nor Jewish, thereby challenging the appropriateness of the Ten Commandments as a foundational element in diverse classrooms. Following approval by the state Senate, the bill is set to be reviewed by Governor Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law.

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4. Pacific Coast Highway Reopens and Historic Indianapolis 500 Victory

[03:11] Windsor Johnston updates listeners on infrastructure and sports. A section of the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, previously closed due to massive wildfires in January, has now been reopened. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has successfully cleared debris from over 60% of the affected lots, facilitating the highway's restoration. Post-fire conditions have also led to several traffic incidents, including crashes and cautions.

In a sensational sports update, Samantha Horton reports on the Indianapolis 500, where Alex Palou made history by becoming the first Spanish driver to win the prestigious race.

[03:47] Samantha Horton details the event:

"Of the 33 car field, 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."
— Samantha Horton [03:47]

Alex Palou expressed his excitement:

"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."
— Alex Palou [04:09]

The race, described as the "greatest spectacle in racing," drew a sold-out crowd of approximately 350,000 fans to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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5. Australian Government Bans Sale of Machetes Following Violent Gang Fight

[04:30] Windsor Johnston reports a significant policy shift in Australia, where the state government has announced a ban on the sale of machetes. This decision follows a violent gang altercation at a suburban shopping mall in Melbourne on Sunday, which involved eight individuals armed with machetes and resulted in a serious injury to a 20-year-old man.

The ban, set to take effect on Wednesday, aims to curb the use of machetes in violent crimes and enhance public safety in response to the recent incident.

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For more detailed updates and continuous coverage, stay tuned to NPR News Now.

Transcript

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[Windsor Johnston]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. President Trump says the United states will delay 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union to buy more time for negotiations. Trump says the agreement came after a conversation with the president of the European Commission.

[Donald Trump]

We had a very nice call and I agreed to move it. I believe June 9th would be July 9th would be the date. That was the date she requested. Could we move it from June 1st to July 9th? And I agreed to do that and that she said. We will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.

[Windsor Johnston]

In a social media post on Friday, Trump had threatened to impose 50% tariffs on European Union goods, accusing the bloc of being very difficult to work with on trade. The tariffs were set to go into effect this week. Many Jewish people in France have started criticizing Israel for expanding its military offensive in Gaza. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports. The backlash intensified when a prominent rabbi wrote in op ed earlier this month.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Reform Rabbi Delphine Orvilleur said no pain is eased and no death is avenged by starving innocents or condemning children. She faced a torrent of abuse from more conservative members of the community. Several dozen prominent Jewish intellectuals also signed an op ed condemning the Israeli government for undermining democracy and the rule of law, endangering the hostages and expanding settlements. On Sunday, hundreds of Jews gathered in Paris to call for an end to the war. Hannah Asoulin is a peace activist. There are some in the Jewish community who don't want to see or recognize the PA of the people of Gaza, she says, but adds Asuleen, the silent majority is beginning to speak up and wants this war to end. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Paris.

[Windsor Johnston]

Republican lawmakers in Texas have advanced legislation that would require the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public school classrooms. Houston Public Media's Andrew Schneider reports the bill is expected to provoke a First Amendment court challenge.

[Andrew Schneider]

Republican State Representative Candy Noble sponsored the measure in the House.

[Candy Noble]

The displaying of the Ten Commandments in our Texas classrooms will bring back this historic tradition of recognizing America's foundational heritage in both our educational and judicial systems and remind students of the importance of this cornerstone of American and Texas law.

[Andrew Schneider]

During debate, several Democrats said roughly a third of Texans are neither Christian nor Jewish and do not consider the Ten Commandments foundational to their belief systems following a final concurrence by the state Senate. The bill will go to Governor Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it. For NPR News, I'm Andrew Schneider in Houston.

[Windsor Johnston]

This is NPR News in Washington. A section of the Pacific coast highway is now reopened. Part of the roadway near Malibu shut down in January because of massive wildfires. The U.S. army Corps of Engineers has cleared debris from more than 60% of the lots that sustained fire damage. After a fire, several crashes and cautions. The Indianapolis 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 a 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.

[Windsor Johnston]

An Australian state government says it will ban the sale of machetes after a violent gang fight in a suburban shopping mall on Sunday. The ban takes effect Wednesday after gang members clashed at a mall in Melbourne. Police say a 20 year old man was seriously injured in the fight that involved eight people armed with machetes. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.

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