NPR News Now: May 11, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Hosted by NPR, "NPR News Now" delivers the latest news updates every five minutes. In this episode released on May 11, 2025, the program covers a range of topics from high-profile legal cases and international diplomacy to trade negotiations, aviation disruptions, historical discoveries, and entertainment news.

1. Sean Combs Faces Trial Amidst Legacy Scrutiny

The episode opens with a focus on Sean Combs, a prominent figure in hip-hop music and fashion, who is now under trial for sex crimes.

• Transcript Highlight [00:00]:

  Sean Combs was at the forefront of hip hop music and fashion, but now he's on trial for sex crimes this weekend.

• Expert Insight [00:12]:

  "There's a culture of fear and silence that really surrounded Combs for decades, and it's what allowed him to maintain control of his public image."
  — Unnamed Expert

• Upcoming Story Tease [00:19]:

  The rise and dramatic fall of Sean Combs. That's on the next Sunday STORY from Up first.

This segment delves into how Combs' public image was meticulously managed and the implications of his current legal challenges on his longstanding legacy.

2. Hamas Announces Release of Israeli-American Captive

Jeanine Herbst reports on a significant development in the Middle East involving Hamas and the potential for a ceasefire with Israel.

• Initial Report [00:26]:

  Hamas says it will release an Israeli American captive in Gaza as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire with Israel.

• Daniel Estrin's Coverage from Tel Aviv [00:52]:

  "In a statement, Hamas said it had been holding secret talks with the US from the last several days and that the captive Idan Alexander... will be released as part of the steps taken to establish a ceasefire."

Idan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier with dual US-Israeli citizenship, remains the last American held by Hamas in Gaza. His release is anticipated to coincide with the opening of Gaza's border crossings and the delivery of aid, following over ten weeks of an Israeli blockade. The timing is significant as it precedes President Trump's planned visit to the Gulf region to engage with Arab allies.

3. U.S. Advances on Multiple Trade Agreements

The White House announces substantial progress in trade negotiations, with a focus on China and several other nations.

• Jeanine Herbst Reports [01:40]:

  The White House says it's made substantial progress toward a trade agreement with China. Meanwhile, President Trump's top economic adviser says a score of trade deals with other countries are also developing.

• Luke Garrett's Details [01:56]:

  "Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jameson Greer have two dozen trade deals in the works."
  — Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council Director

• Howard Lutnick on Deal Characteristics [02:07]:

  "About 24 deals that he and Jameson have been working on, and they all look a little bit like the UK Deal, but each one is bespoke."

• Trade Tariffs Insight [02:16]:

  "These trade deals would keep a tariff on foreign imports, also much like the recent deal with the United Kingdom."

An unnamed official added:

"So we do expect a 10% baseline tariff to be for the foreseeable future."
— Unnamed Official [02:23]

While details remain sparse, the administration appears to be pursuing a series of tailored trade agreements aimed at maintaining protective tariffs, similar to those established in the UK deal.

4. Aviation Disruptions Highlight Need for Technological Upgrades

Transportation infrastructure issues once again plague Newark Airport, prompting calls for urgent action.

• Jeanine Herbst's Update [02:35]:

  A glitch affecting operations caused a 45-minute ground stop at Newark Airport this morning, the third such incident in several weeks. Operations have since returned to normal.

• FAA and Political Response [02:35-02:58]:

  The FAA identified a telecommunications issue at the Philadelphia TRACON facility as the culprit. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to prioritize Newark: "The FAA must put Newark first and must put everything they've got into fixing Newark asap."
  — Unnamed Official [02:58]

• Broader Air Traffic Control Issues [03:10]:

  Last week, Secretary Duffy announced a plan to update the aging technology used in air traffic control systems nationwide. Additionally, hundreds of flights were delayed in Atlanta due to runway equipment problems at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

This ongoing series of disruptions underscores the critical need for modernization in air traffic management systems to prevent future incidents and ensure the reliability of major airports.

5. Historical Revelation: Shipwrecks Linked to Danish Slavery

A fascinating historical discovery sheds new light on two shipwrecks off the coast of Costa Rica.

• Jacob Fensten Reports [03:10]:

  Two shipwrecks long believed to be sunken pirate vessels have been identified as Danish ships carrying enslaved Africans.

• Research Findings [03:45]:

  "In the early 1700s, the ships were headed from Ghana to the Danish colony of St. Thomas and its brutal sugar plantations. They missed that island by more than 1,000 miles."
  — Jacob Fensten

• Potential Outcomes for the Enslaved [04:04]:

  "They could have gone into the mountains. They could have joined with the Mosquito Indians, with the British. So we really don't know where the remaining 500 went."
  — Andreas Block, National Museum of Denmark

• Research Methods [04:13]:

  Researchers matched shipwreck cargo samples to materials unique to Denmark at the time, confirming the ships' origins.

This discovery suggests that up to 500 enslaved Africans may have escaped their grim fate, possibly finding freedom through integration with local indigenous populations or other means.

6. Entertainment Spotlight: Weekend Box Office Overview

The latest trends in the film industry reveal the successes and standings of major releases.

• Jeanine Herbst's Box Office Report [04:24]:

  At the weekend box office, the Marvel superhero movie "Thunderbolts" took the top spot with an estimated $33 million in ticket sales in its second weekend. In second place, "Sinners" garnered $21 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its total domestic earnings to over $280 million.

  "It was a relatively quiet weekend, but the year-to-date box office is still up about 16% from last year."

  "In third place, a 'Minecraft' movie with $8 million, bringing its total to over $900 million worldwide. In fourth place, 'The Accountant,' bringing in $6 million this weekend."

The strong performance of "Thunderbolts" and enduring interest in "Sinners" and "Minecraft" highlight the continued popularity of superhero and gaming franchises, contributing to a robust year-to-date box office growth.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and developments featured in the May 11, 2025 episode of "NPR News Now." For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.