NPR News Now: May 11, 2025, 10 PM EDT Summary

President Trump's Ambitious Plan to Slash Drug Prices

In a significant policy announcement, President Donald Trump declared his intention to sign an executive order aimed at reducing drug prices by an impressive 30 to 80% almost immediately. Speaking via social media, Trump emphasized the administration's commitment to making medications more affordable for Americans. At [00:29], NPR's Luke Garrett reports:

"President Trump is promising to reduce drug prices by 30 to 80% almost immediately. Posting on social media, Trump says his executive order will lower pharmaceutical costs. To quote, 'the same price as the nation that pays the lowest price.' He's calling it a most favored nation policy."

This executive order seeks to implement a "most favored nation" policy, which would require Medicare to pay no more for certain drugs than the lowest prices paid by other developed countries. Although a similar initiative was introduced in 2020, it faced legal challenges and was ultimately revoked by President Joe Biden. The pharmaceutical industry has criticized the proposal as "unworkable and irresponsible," highlighting uncertainties regarding which drugs and payments would be affected under the new order ([00:58]).

Middle East Diplomacy: Efforts Towards Ceasefire and Prisoner Release

The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to evolve as diplomatic efforts intensify. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Israel to negotiate the release of Eden Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and the last known American captive remaining in Gaza. Announced by Jeanine Herbst at [01:14], Witkoff's mission is part of broader initiatives to broker peace between Israel and Hamas, which has proposed releasing prisoners as a step towards ending the ongoing conflict and initiating ceasefire talks.

Concurrently, President Trump is embarking on a four-day diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the administration's active role in regional peace efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also playing a pivotal role, as he prepares to visit Turkey on May 15th for direct negotiations proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. As reported by Joanna Kakisis at [02:00], Zelenskyy expressed optimism in his nightly address:

"I will be in Turkey on May 15th and I will be waiting there for Putin. I hope this time Putin will not look for reasons why he cannot do something."

This optimism follows Putin's recent statement indicating readiness for direct talks, though he has yet to commit to a ceasefire. European leaders, alongside Zelenskyy, have advocated for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning the following Monday, a proposal that has garnered support from Trump ([02:40]).

Breakthroughs in US-China Trade Negotiations

In a positive development for international trade relations, the Trump administration announced progress in trade talks with China. Following two days of negotiations in Switzerland over the weekend, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen confirmed substantial advancements, which he plans to elaborate on the following day ([02:49]). Chinese officials have described the discussions as "candid and constructive," contributing to a favorable market response. Wall Street futures are trading higher, with Dow futures up 1% and Nasdaq futures rising by 1.9% ([04:33]).

NPR's Joanna Kakisis adds:

"I'm happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in these very important trade talks."

This progress is seen as a promising step towards resolving tariff disputes and fostering a more stable economic relationship between the two global giants.

High-Profile Legal Battle: Sean "Diddy" Combs Faces Sex Trafficking Trial

The legal spotlight is on music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs as he prepares to face opening statements in New York tomorrow for charges related to sex trafficking. Despite multiple attempts by his legal team to exclude damaging evidence, a video depicting Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, is set to be presented in court ([02:58]). When the video emerged last May, Combs issued an apology on Instagram, but the incident continues to haunt his legal standing.

Cassie Ventura is expected to testify as one of the first three witnesses, with her testimony anticipated to dominate the proceedings for the majority of the week. This high-stakes trial is closely watched by both the entertainment industry and the public, highlighting issues of accountability and personal conduct in the spotlight.

Nature's Renewal: Spring Blooms at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Amidst political and economic headlines, nature enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as rare and diverse spring flowers bloom at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jackie Sieber from W UOT reports on the vibrant display of "spring ephemerals" that typically go dormant in summer, now flourishing in the park's lower elevations ([03:51]).

"The spring ephemerals in lower elevations of the park usually go dormant in the summer months. Some flowers, like the yellow trillium, can only be found in southern Appalachia," explains Todd Witcher, Executive Director of Discover Life in America.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with the park's biodiversity by using the Inaturalist app to document sightings of specific plants and wildlife. The nonprofit organization relies on this data to monitor and preserve the park's rich ecosystem. However, tourists are advised against picking the flowers to help maintain their natural beauty and sustainability.

Market Movements and Economic Indicators

In addition to the positive developments in US-China trade talks, Wall Street futures reflect optimistic sentiments, with Dow futures rising by 1% and Nasdaq futures up by 1.9% ([04:33]). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen's upcoming release of detailed discussions between the US and China is expected to further influence market trends and investor confidence.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, from President Trump's healthcare initiatives and Middle East diplomacy to significant legal proceedings and environmental highlights. The balanced coverage ensures listeners are well-informed on critical developments shaping the world today.