NPR News: May 11, 2025 | 7 PM EDT
US-China Trade Talks Show Substantial Progress
Jeanine Herbst reports from Washington
The recent trade negotiations between the United States and China, held in Switzerland over the weekend, have concluded with promising outcomes. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen announced significant advancements, stating at [00:34] "I'm happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in these very important trade talks." Bessen emphasized that detailed information about the discussions will be made available the following day.
China characterized the talks as "candid and constructive", a positive sign amidst global economic uncertainties exacerbated by President Trump's imposing of 145% tariffs on Chinese goods and China's retaliatory 125% tariffs on all U.S. products. These measures have raised alarms about potential shortages of goods in U.S. stores and increasing costs for American consumers.
President Trump Embarks on Middle East Tour for Business Deals
Continuing his aggressive trade and foreign policy agenda, President Donald Trump is set to visit the Middle East this week. The four-day trip includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The primary focus of the visit will be securing business deals and attracting new investments into the United States from these oil-rich nations, aiming to bolster the U.S. economy and strengthen strategic alliances in the region.
FAA Faces Ongoing Telecommunications Issues at Newark Liberty International Airport
NPR's Joe Hernandez reports from Newark, New Jersey
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has encountered yet another telecommunications setback at Newark Liberty International Airport, marking the third incident in recent weeks. At [01:39], Joe Hernandez explains, "The Federal Aviation Administration says the latest issue occurred in an area that guides planes in and out of Newark Airport's airspace." While operations have since normalized, the FAA previously reported a [92nd] telecommunications outage affecting radar guidance and a significant outage late last month that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and delays.
In response to these technical failures, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a nationwide initiative to modernize the aging air traffic control systems. This plan aims to enhance the reliability and safety of air travel across the United States.
White South Africans Granted U.S. Refugee Status Amid International Tensions
Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg
Under a February executive order, President Trump extended refugee status to Afrikaners, the white South African descendants of Dutch colonists. This week, approximately 50 Afrikaners are expected to arrive in the U.S., having been swiftly processed for entry. Vincent Mguenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, condemned the move, stating at [02:59], "One has to admit that our sovereignty as a country has been grossly undermined and violated by the United States." Mguenya further asserted that "none of the provisions of international law on the definition of refugees are applicable in this case."
Pope Leo XIV's First Sunday Ignites Hope Among Catholics
Lucio Vasquez reports from Houston
The Catholic community welcomes Pope Leo XIV with optimism on his inaugural Sunday as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. At [03:36], Lucio Vasquez shares sentiments from St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Houston, where lifelong Catholic Angie Spencer expresses her excitement: "We're real excited about that," in response to the Pope being American. Angie Spencer further adds at [04:01], "I think he's going to have a good love of people that will make a difference in what the church needs as far as leadership and America needs as a nation."
Many congregants hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue the inclusive legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, fostering unity and renewal within the church.
Sex Trafficking Trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs Enters Critical Phase
Jeanine Herbst reports from Washington
The high-profile sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is gearing up as opening statements are slated to begin tomorrow in New York. Central to the case is a controversial piece of evidence: a video clip showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Despite multiple attempts by Combs' legal team to exclude this footage, it is set to be presented in court. Following the video's release last May, Combs publicly apologized via Instagram.
Cassie Ventura is anticipated to be one of the first three witnesses called to testify, with her account expected to occupy a significant portion of the week's proceedings. The trial has garnered widespread media attention and public interest, spotlighting issues of consent and accountability in high-profile relationships.
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