Wednesday morning news: May 28, 2025

Editor's note: The following text is a transcript of a podcast story. To listen to the story, click on the arrow beneath the headline above.

Trump-Russia » President Trump may be closer than ever to pulling the trigger on new sanctions against Russia.

He’s grown more frustrated with Vladimir Putin’s lack of cooperation with efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. Special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired general Keith Kellogg said Tuesday:

KELLOGG: One thing you don’t do, I really believe this, is you put President Trump in a position where he feels he’s being used. And I think that is a terrible position for everybody to be in.

And Trump is increasingly angered by Russia’s continued attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine. In a social media post, Trump said—quote—“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”

LAVROV: [Speaking in Russian]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov brushed off Trump’s remarks:

LAVROV: [Speaking in Russian]

He accused Trump of reacting emotionally and said the Kremlin does not focus on his rhetoric.

But Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev said of Trump’s “really bad things” remark quote—“I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!”

President Trump has not threatened US military action against Russia but has threatened new sanctions.

COVID vaccine CDC recommendation changes » The federal government is no longer recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:

KENNEDY:   We're now one step closer to realizing President Trump's promise to make America healthy again.

He announced the changes in a video message, joined by the FDA Commissioner and the director of the National Institutes of Health. Kennedy went on to say:

KENNEDY:  Last year, the Biden administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot, despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children.

But critics, like Dr. Michael Olsterholm, who served on then-President-elect Joe Biden’s Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board say it is the decision to lift those vaccine recommendations that lacks scientific basis.

Last week, the FDA announced routine COVID vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and those with underlying health risks.

California rule change after trans athlete qualifies » The governing body for California high school sports has changed its rules for this weekend's state track and field championship after a so-called transgender student athlete qualified for the meet. WORLD’s Benjamin Eicher has more.

BENJAMIN EICHER: California officials will still allow boys who identify as girls to compete in female athletics. But in response to criticism the governing body says it’s changing the rules to allow more girls to qualify for the meet.

President Trump has threatened to pull federal funding in California if the state did not protect girls from having to compete against boys.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office says the rule change ahead of the championship meet is reasonable.

Newsom earlier this year said he believed that allowing biological males to compete in girls and women’s sports is unfair.

For WORLD, I’m Benjamin Eicher.

King Charles III speech » Britain's King Charles III delivered a historic address in Canada Tuesday, a rare so-called Speech from the Throne.

CHARLES: As the anthem reminds us, the true north is indeed strong and free.

The king is the ceremonial head of state in Canada, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.

His speech marked the opening of Canada's Parliament. That made him the first monarch to do that in nearly 50 years.

CHARLES:  Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the king’s appearance underscores Canada’s sovereignty. That follows President Trump’s repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.

Liverpool parade attack » In the U.K., Liverpool police say they do not believe the incident in which a man drove his vehicle into a crowd of soccer fans Monday was an act of terrorism.

Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Jenny Sims says the investigation is ongoing:

SIMS:  And we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.

Authorities arrested a local 53-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and possibly driving under the influence of drugs.

Hundreds of thousands of people were gathered in the city to celebrate the Liverpool Football Club’s championship.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer:

STARMER:  Scenes of joy turn to utter horror, um, and devastation. And my thoughts and, and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected.

At least four children were among the injured.

Rick Derringer obituary » Guitarist and singer Rick Derringer has died at the age of 77. The musician shot to fame at age 17 when his band The McCoys recorded this song:

AUDIO: “Hang on Sloopy”

“Hang On Sloopy” was a number one hit in 1965.

Derringer also enjoyed some solo success, and worked behind the scenes producing or performing with acts like Steely Dan, Bonnie Tyler, and Cyndi Lauper.

I'm Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: the budget bill passed the House, but the Senate version could get held up by fiscal conservatives. Plus, a young man’s journey to find role models.

This is The World and Everything in It.

WORLD Radio transcripts are created on a rush deadline. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of WORLD Radio programming is the audio record.