NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-25-2026 5PM EDT

Episode Date: May 25, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. Both Iran and the U.S. are downplaying hopes for a peace deal in the U.S. Israeli war in Iran. Over the weekend, President Trump said a deal with Iran is, quote, largely negotiated and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen. But later, he said he wasn't in any rush to close the agreement. Sticking points apparently include terms for reopening the strait and nuclear issues, along with others. Meanwhile, the future of Israel's war in Lebanon is in question. And Pierce Daniel Estrin has more. 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. President Trump honored the nation's fallen service members during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia. And Pierce, Vanessa Romo, has more. Along with a traditional wreathlaying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the President delivered remarks that, for the most part, stuck to a script rooted in scripture, stories of remarkable heroism, and thanks. With reverend hearts, we honor those who fell so that our republic might stand, those who died so that our nation could live,

those who gave up their sacred light on earth, so that the sublime light of American freedom would shine for, ever and ever. This Memorial Day, we salute them. Trump also honored the 13 service members most recently killed in the ongoing war in Iran. Vanessa Romo, NPR News. In Southern California, fire officials say the risk of a catastrophic explosion from a damaged tank with highly flammable toxic chemicals inside is over. Acting Orange County Fire Chief T.J. McGovern says an overnight examination of the tank

confirmed a crack that relieved the pressure. And in addition, the temperature has been stabilized in actually reducing. It is currently 93 degrees down from 100 degrees. That is incredibly positive news as we turn the corner on this incident. The plants owned by British manufacturing company GKN Aerospace, which makes jet engine parts and other gear for military and civilian aircraft. More than 40,000 residents had to evacuate their homes, but it's still not clear when they may be able to go back. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rising. The World Health Organization says at least 220 people have died from the virus. And officials say that's because of a delay in detecting cases that has health workers

now playing catch-up. This says Ugandan authorities reported two new cases today, bringing the number of infections there and the number of suspected cases in the region to around 900. This strain of the virus has no known treatment or vaccine. Meanwhile, health care facilities have been attacked for the third time in recent days. A new report finds that for the first time ever, wind and solar generated more electricity than natural gas. In Pierce, Julia Simon reports cheap solar from China is fueling the rise of renewable energy around the world. April was a landmark month for global solar and wind, according to the UK energy think tank, Ember. Ember's day Data analysis found wind and solar generated 22% of global electricity last month compared with 20% from gas.

The recent war in Iran and high prices of natural gas are fueling the switch to cheaper, reliable, renewable energy. But the rise of solar is a broader trend around the world. Countries are building out their electricity grids through cheap, imported solar and batteries from China. Recent customs data shows Chinese solar exports jumped 60%. year-on-year in April. Julia Simon, NPR News. Wall Street is closed today in observance of the Memorial Day Federal Holiday. I'm Janine Herbst, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington.