NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-26-2025 1AM EDT

Episode Date: May 26, 2025

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A lot of short daily news podcasts focus on just one story. But right now, you probably need more. On Up First from NPR, we bring you three of the world's top headlines every day in under 15 minutes. Because no one story can capture all that's happening in this big, crazy world of ours on any given morning. Listen now to the Up first podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Roman.

In what may be his strongest language to date about Russia's war against Ukraine, President Trump Sunday night harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russia pounded Ukraine for a third night with drones and missiles. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, quote, I've always had a third night with drones and missiles. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, quote, I've always had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He's gone absolutely crazy.

Before returning to Washington from New Jersey, the president spoke with reporters. I'm not happy with what Putin's doing. He's killing a lot of people, and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people and I don't like it at all. Trump also said Putin's actions will lead to the downfall of Russia.

In recent days, the president has increasingly voiced frustration with Putin and has urged Russia and Ukraine to speed up peace negotiations. Sunday, Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman in a ceremonial step to securing his role as the Bishop of Rome. NPR's Claire Marie Schneider has more. Translated by the Vatican News Service, Pope Leo can be heard saying, today I can say in a special way that I am a Roman with and for you. The Bishop of Rome is one of many titles given to the Pope. What will his duties include? Not a whole lot.

I don't think he will be particularly involved in the day to day governing or administrative responsibility. That's Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor of history at Syracuse University. She says his declaration speaks more to his responsibility to the people of Rome. It's an important symbolic statement and pastoral statement if not governing statement. Thompson says day-to-day duties are usually delegated to an auxiliary or assistant bishop known as a vicar. Claire Marie Schneider, NPR News.

The European Space Agency will transmit a classic piece of music into space this week. NPR's Rebecca Herschel reports the Blue Danube Waltz is associated with space travel and pop culture. Johann Strauss' Waltz, titled by the beautiful Blue Danube, was featured in the classic 1968 film 2001 A Space Odyssey, and it's evoked space ever since. On May 31, the European Space Agency plans to transmit a live performance of the piece into deep space, using a transmitter in Spain that usually works on missions to Mars and the Sun.

The event commemorates the founding of the European Space Agency 50 years ago and the birth of the composer Strauss 200 years ago. Rebecca Herscher, NPR News. And from Washington, this is NPR. The Texas House on Sunday passed by a wide margin and sent the Senate a bill that would mandate displaying a copy of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said if the legislation gets to his desk, he'll sign it. The measure could take effect as early as September 1st.

It is almost certain to provoke a court challenge as similar legislation has been adopted in Louisiana and Arkansas. After a fire, several crashes and cautions, the Indy 500 has a new winner. Samantha Horton reports the winner made history as the first Spanish driver to win the race. Out of the 33 car field, only 23 cars completed the 109th running of the Indy 500. When the checkered flag dropped, Alex Pillo won the 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. Pillo says he hopes his win will bring more Spanish fans into the sport.

I don't know what it'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. 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. Reality TV star Phil Robertson of cable TV's Duck Dynasty has died at the age of 79. This announced by his family, he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Duck Dynasty aired on A&E ending in 2017. From Washington, this is NPR News. Support for NPR. When Malcolm Gladwell is NPR News.