NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 26, 2025, 9PM EDT

Released May 27, 2025

Memorial Day Observances and Presidential Remarks

[00:17] Jeanine Herbst opens the episode by highlighting the significance of Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of America's service personnel who have lost their lives in defense of the nation. President Donald Trump marked the occasion with a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

[00:40] Fatma Al Khasab adds a heartfelt tribute: “This morning, we pay tribute to their immortal deeds. We share in the sorrow of their beloved families. And as one nation, we give thanks for the ultimate gift they have so selflessly given to all of us.”

During his visit, President Trump took the opportunity to critique his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, claiming credit for bringing major international events like the Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup to the United States. He also announced plans for a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., scheduled for next month, which will celebrate both the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and his own 79th birthday.

Tragic Incident at Liverpool Football Club Victory Parade

[00:56] Jeanine Herbst reports on a concerning incident in northwest England, where a minivan crashed into a celebratory crowd during Liverpool Football Club's championship parade. The attack resulted in injuries to over two dozen people, including four children. Authorities have apprehended a man in his 50s as the primary suspect.

[01:37] Fatma Al Khasab provides further details: “Local police say it started out as a joyous day in the city of Liverpool where hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets for Liverpool Football Club's victory parade. But as the parade came to an end, they received reports of a car hitting pedestrians in the city. More than two dozen people were taken to hospital with injuries. Police say they have arrested a 53-year-old British man who they believe to be the driver of the vehicle. They say they believe it to be an isolated incident and are not looking for anyone else.” She emphasizes that authorities do not regard the incident as an act of terrorism.

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

[02:09] Jeanine Herbst shifts focus to the Middle East, reporting that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of over 60 individuals in Gaza, including 31 people in a school shelter. The strike caused families to be trapped in classrooms that subsequently caught fire. Empira Zaire Batrawi provides on-the-ground insights.

[02:29] Anis Baba narrates the tragic scene: “A young girl cries for her mother. She was killed in the blaze of an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City. The school's classrooms had been turned into shelters for families seeking safety from Israeli bombardment.” He notes that the Israeli military stated the target was “key terrorists using the school as cover” but did not respond to NPR’s request for additional information. Khadija Kiala shares a poignant testimony: “We don't want food or the borders to open. We just want a rest. Kill us in one go so we aren't forced to mourn someone new every month.”

Saturday Night Live's 50th Season Celebration

[03:13] Jeanine Herbst transitions to a lighter topic, announcing that Aya Batrawi will report on Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrating its 50th season with a new exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

[03:31] Kabir Bhatia elaborates: “For 50 years, SNL has mixed comedy with cutting-edge music. Now visitors to the new exhibit can watch every single musical performance in the show's history at the Rock Hall. About 150 inductees have appeared on SNL, but you won't just see Paul Simon, Prince, Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars. The exhibit also includes props and costumes from musical sketches like 'More Cowbell,' 'Wayne's World,' and 'The Blues Brothers.' The show's longtime music coordinator, the late Hal Wilner, originally suggested the exhibit as a way to get the clips to the public since they're often tied up with copyright clearances and can't be streamed.”

This exhibit not only celebrates SNL’s rich history in blending comedy and music but also provides fans with an in-depth look at memorable performances and behind-the-scenes elements that have defined the show over five decades.

SpaceX Prepares for Starship Test Launch

[04:12] Jeanine Herbst reports on advancements in space exploration, focusing on Elon Musk's SpaceX and its upcoming test launch of the Starship rocket. Scheduled as early as the next day, this massive rocket aims to pave the way for future manned missions to Mars.

Recent history has seen at least two previous test flights of Starship end in explosions shortly after liftoff, with debris falling into the Caribbean. However, SpaceX asserts that they have resolved the issue linked to one of the spacecraft's engines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized SpaceX to conduct up to 25 Starship launches annually from Texas. Additionally, the FAA has expanded the designated hazard zone to minimize the risk of civilian aircraft intersecting the rocket's flight path in the event of another launch failure.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant events spanning national remembrance, international incidents, cultural milestones, and advancements in space technology. From heartfelt Memorial Day tributes and tragic events in public celebrations to the enduring legacy of SNL and the ambitious strides of SpaceX, the podcast delivers a multifaceted snapshot of the current global landscape.

For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to explore NPR's comprehensive reporting on these topics.