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Episode Date: May 25, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Amy Held. As President Trump signals progress in a deal with Iran to end the war today, he posted to social media that as part of any agreement it should be mandatory for Middle Eastern and Muslim countries to normalize relations with Israel. According to Reuters, Pakistan, which has been acting as an intermediary, is rejecting the idea. Meanwhile, the future of Israel's conflict with Lebanon remains in question. NPR's Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv. Iran's semi-official Tasneem News Agency says the proposed deal with the U.S. still being negotiated declares the end of the war across all fronts, including Lebanon.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that in a call with President Trump on Saturday, Trump, quote, reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself against threats on every front, including Lebanon. Israeli troops are occupying a swath of southern Lebanon in a war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Israeli attacks have killed thousands there, according to Lebanese officials. Hasbullah drone attacks against Israeli soldiers have been on the rise. Two soldiers were killed in the last few days in Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv. On this Memorial Day, the national moment of remembrance encourages all Americans to pause

at 3 p.m. local time for a moment of silence in honor of those who died in military service. Kyiv today honored the 118 American soldiers who fought and died for Ukraine. NPR's Hannah Palomarenko has more from Kiev. The national anthems of Ukraine and the United States were sung together today at San Sofia Cathedral. Lauren Guillaume took part in organizing the ceremony. Today we will honor a special breed of an American, an American who chose to come to Ukraine, not out of an official duty from their president. but out of a moral duty, a moral obligation.

Their names were inscribed on the background of the icons and then read out in a prayer. Hannah Palomarenko, NPR News, Kyiv. California Governor Gavin News says a presidential emergency declaration for Garden Grove will help with the response to a damaged chemical tank. Orange County fire officials say the risk of a catastrophic explosion is over. A crack in the tank relieved pressure and helped cool the chemical Jordan Running from member station LAist reports.

There's still a risk of this leak, this toxic chemical, that's methyl-metacrylate, and they're still on the lookout for that. They're collecting data to see whether this is still going to be a threat. Tens of thousands of evacuated residents still don't know when they will be allowed back home. And you're listening to NPR News. Spain's health ministry today announced that a Spanish National Inquarmament, quarantine in Madrid has tested positive for hauntavirus. That individual was among those who evacuated a cruise ship earlier this month. And in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Uganda, suspected

Ebola cases have topped 900. Congo's government has now suspended flights to the city of Bunya, making it harder to address the heart of the outbreak. Over the weekend, an angry crowd distrustful of the medical approach attacked an Ebola treatment center. It's the third such attack in a week. There's growing evidence that financial incentives may help encourage healthy behaviors. NPR's Alison Aubrey reports one life insurance company is betting this strategy will pay off. Policyholders of John Hancock Life Insurance can opt into a rewards program known as vitality to earn points for healthy behaviors.

Everything from exercise to purchasing healthy foods, tracking sleep, as well as getting preventive screenings and checkups. Points translate. to store discounts, gift cards, and other bonuses. The company says what's good for policyholders is also good for their bottom line because they make more money if people live longer. Dr. Darius Mosafarian helped John Hancock design a fruit and vegetable discount as part of the program. It's exactly what we need to be doing to look for win-wins that are both economically good for

everybody and also good for health and well-being. More research is needed, but early results point to improvements in healthy habits. Aubrey, NPR News. This is NPR News.