NPR News: 05-12-2025 2AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 12, 2025

Released May 12, 2025

---

International Affairs

Host: Dale Willman

The latest episode of NPR News Now opens with significant developments in the Middle East. A Hamas official, speaking anonymously, informed NPR that the American hostage, Idan Alexander, is set for release. This potential exchange hinges on undisclosed commitments from the United States. The official hinted at Israel’s willingness to release some Palestinian prisoners and the provision of aid into Gaza as part of the deal.

In a related international update, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday noon blessing as the Pontiff. Speaking from St. Peter's Basilica to a crowd of approximately 100,000, the Pope emphasized the need for a "just and lasting peace in Ukraine." Utilizing a translator, he stated:

Pope Leo XIV ([00:53]): "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible. May all the prisoners be freed. May children return to their families."

---

U.S. Politics and Government

Host: Dale Willman & Correspondent: Franco Ordonez

The Trump administration is currently engaged in discussions with the Qatari government regarding the acquisition of a luxury airplane that could temporarily serve as Air Force One. According to NPR’s Franco Ordonez, this proposal has sparked ethical and legal debates. The White House confirmed that Qatar has offered to donate the aircraft to the Department of Defense, which would mark one of the largest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government.

Franco Ordonez ([01:29]): "If it happens, the plane would be one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the US Government."

Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified that any foreign gift would comply fully with U.S. laws. However, officials have indicated that the gift is unlikely to be formalized during the President’s upcoming trip to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In transportation news, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported runway equipment issues causing delays at Atlanta Airport on Sunday. While operations at Newark Airport have since normalized, the Trump administration cautions that similar problems could arise elsewhere.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed these concerns:

Sean Duffy ([02:30]): "It is safe to fly out of Newark, but flight volume needs to be scaled back."

He further criticized the outdated air traffic control systems, noting the difficulty in sourcing parts:

Sean Duffy ([02:44]): "We can't buy parts for new; we have to go on eBay and buy parts if one part goes down."

Duffy announced that the administration’s plan to overhaul the air traffic control system is expected to take three to four years, assuring the public that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation despite these challenges.

---

Arts and Entertainment

Host: Dale Willman & Correspondent: Jerry Clayton

The country music world mourns the loss of Texas-born singer Johnny Rodriguez, who passed away on Friday at the age of 73. As reported by Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton, Rodriguez was a trailblazer in both Tejano and country music, becoming one of the first Latino artists to achieve significant success in Nashville. Throughout his career, he amassed 45 Billboard chart singles, including six number-one hits such as "That's the Way Love Goes" and "Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico." In 2007, he was honored with induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. His daughter confirmed that he died in San Antonio, surrounded by family.

---

Sports

Host: Dale Willman

In sports, the Indiana Pacers showcased a dominant performance by establishing a 41-point lead by halftime and ultimately defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109. This victory extends the Pacers' lead to 31 points in the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, positioning them strongly to advance to the Eastern Finals with their upcoming win in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder battled back from an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to overcome the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 92-87, tying their playoff series at two games apiece.

In golf, Sebstraka triumphed over Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas to win the PGA Championship held in Flowertown, Pennsylvania. Straka recorded a two-under 68, securing his victory, while both Lowry and Thomas finished two strokes behind. Three other players tied for fourth place, each at 12 under par.

---

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing international negotiations, significant political developments within the U.S. government, notable updates in the arts and sports arenas, and the enduring impact of influential figures like Johnny Rodriguez. Through timely reporting and insightful commentary, NPR continues to inform listeners on critical issues shaping our world.

---

For more updates and detailed news coverage, visit NPR News Now.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Home Instead. Home Instead provides adaptable in home senior care plans from qualified compassionate caregivers that lend a hand when you need it most. Learn [e-mail], home instead for a better what's next?

[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. A Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly to, tells NPR that American hostage Idan Alexander will be released in return for unspecified things the US Is promising. The official hinted that Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners and ensure some aid into Gaza for the release. Pope Leo XIV made his first Sunday noon blessing as Pontiff. Speaking from St. Peter's Basilica to a crowd of about 100,000 people, he called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. He served here through a translator.

[Pope Leo XIV]

I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible. May all the prisoners be freed. May children return to their families.

[Dale Willman]

The Trump administration is in talks with the Qatari government about accepting a luxury airplane that could temporarily serve as Air Force one. But as NPR's Franco Ordonez reports, the idea is already raising ethical and legal questions.

[Franco Ordonez]

The White House has acknowledged that the Qatari government has offered to donate a plane to the Department of Defense. ABC was first to report about the plane. If it happens, the plane would be one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the US Government. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt issued a statement saying that any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. The president is traveling to the Middle east this week and will stop in Qatar as well as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. But administration officials say not to expect the gift to be presented or accepted this week while the president is in Qatar. Francois Ordonez, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

The Federal Aviation Administration says a Runway equipment issue caused delays at the Atlanta airport Sunday. Plane arrivals were slowed while technicians dealt with the problem. In a separate announcement, the FAA says operations have returned to normal at Newark airport. The Trump administration warns such problems could happen elsewhere. NPR's Luke Garrett explains.

[Sean Duffy]

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tells NBC's Meet the Press it is safe to fly out of Newark, but flight volume needs to be scaled back.

[Transportation Secretary]

I want you to get to where you're traveling, and if that means slowing down flights into Newark, we slow them down to make sure we can do it safely.

[Sean Duffy]

Duffy says the outdated air traffic control systems are to blame, and it's an issue that other airports face across the country.

[Transportation Secretary]

I'm concerned about the whole airspace, right. The equipment that we use, much of it. We can't buy parts for new we have to go on ebay and buy parts if one part goes down.

[Sean Duffy]

Duffy says the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the nation's air traffic control system will take three to four years. It in the meantime, he says, planes remain the safest way to travel. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Dale Willman]

And you're listening to NPR News. Texas born country music singer Johnny Rodriguez died on Friday. He was 73 years old. His family has confirmed his death. Rodriguez was known for chart topping hits in the 1970s. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton reports.

[Jerry Clayton]

Riding My Thumb, MEXICO.

Born in Sabena, Texas, of Mexico Mexican heritage, Johnny Rodriguez became a prolific musical artist in both Tejano and country music and was one of the first Latinos to break into country music in Nashville. He had 45 Billboard chart singles and six number one hits during his career. He was most well known for the hit songs that's the Way Love Goes and Ridin My Thumb to Mexico. Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music hall of fame in 2007. His daughter says he died in San Antonio surrounded by family. I'm Jerry Clayton in San Antonio.

[Dale Willman]

The Indiana pacers had a 41 point halftime lead Sunday before going on to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 129, 109. The Pacers also led at one point by 44 points. They now have a 31 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals and could make it to the Eastern finals with the win Tuesday in Cleveland. And the Oklahoma City Thunders overcame an eight point deficit in the first fourth quarter to beat the Denver Nuggets 92 to 87. That ties the series at two games apiece. Sebstraka shot a two under 68 on Sunday to win the PGA Championship this weekend in Flowertown, Pennsylvania. Shane Lowry, who started the day tied with Straka, and Justin Thomas tied for second at two strokes off the pace. Three other players finished tied for fourth at 12 under. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less and all plans include high speed data, unlimited talk and text and nationwide coverage. See for [e-mail] Switch.