NPR News: May 12, 2025, 6 PM EDT

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Hamas Releases Israeli-American Hostage After US Negotiations

Timestamp: [00:23]

In a significant development, Hamas has released Idan Alexander, a 21-year-old dual US-Israeli national, from Gaza. Jack Spear reports from Washington that this release was facilitated through a deal brokered by the United States.

Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv details the process: "Hamas militants in Gaza handed Idan Alexander to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is then handing him over to the Israeli military to reunite with his family" ([00:38]). Alexander was captured during the October 7 attacks while serving in the Israeli military and was the last living US citizen held captive in Gaza as of 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude towards former President Donald Trump, stating, "Thank you for helping secure Alexander's release." Following this, Israel plans to dispatch negotiators to Qatar to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza and the possibility of further hostage releases.

Harvard University Pushes Back Against Trump Administration's Campus Policies

Timestamp: [01:17]

Harvard University is currently in conflict with the Trump administration over federal intervention in campus matters, particularly regarding allegations of anti-Semitism and discrimination. Jack Spear outlines the tensions as Windsor Johnston reports:

"Harvard University President Alan Garber says the school shares some goals with the Trump administration, like fighting anti-Semitism and encouraging diverse viewpoints. But in a letter to the Department of Education, Garber warns that heavy-handed federal involvement is actually hurting those efforts" ([01:32]).

President Garber emphasizes Harvard's commitment to addressing hate and protecting free expression independently, especially amid increasing pressure from pro-Palestinian demonstrations that emerged following the war in Gaza. The White House has accused Harvard of not adequately protecting Jewish students and allowing anti-Semitism to proliferate.

President Trump Embarks on Middle East Tour Amid Policy Moves

Timestamp: [02:15]

President Donald Trump has initiated a week-long trip to the Middle East, with scheduled stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Concurrently, he has signed a comprehensive executive order aimed at reducing prescription drug costs, setting a 30-day deadline for pharmaceutical companies to comply.

In economic news, Maria Aspen reports on Wall Street's positive reaction to a temporary truce in the US-China trade war: "Investors breathed a huge sigh of relief after weeks of uncertainty over the global impact of President Trump's sweeping tariffs. The US and China have agreed to slash their extreme taxes on each other's goods for the time being. The pause will last 90 days while negotiations continue" ([02:35]).

This agreement led to a bullish market response, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising over 1,100 points (2.8%), the S&P 500 increasing by more than 3%, and the Nasdaq up by over 4%. However, Aspen cautions that the global economy remains fragile, noting that US tariffs remain higher than at the year's start and the trade agreement is only temporary.

New Obesity Drug ZepBound Shows Superior Weight Loss Results Over WeGovy

Timestamp: [03:20]

In health news, the obesity drug ZepBound has demonstrated greater efficacy in weight loss compared to WeGovy, according to a recent study reported by Rob Stein. The research involved 751 obese volunteers who received weekly injections of either ZepBound or WeGovy.

Rob Stein summarizes the findings: "The volunteers who got ZepBound lost an average of about 20% of their body weight. Those taking WeGovy lost an average of about 14%" ([03:34]). These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain. The study was funded by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of ZepBound, and Novo Nordisk, the maker of WeGovy.

Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Press Freedom in Historic Address

Timestamp: [04:15]

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, addressed over 6,000 journalists in Rome shortly after his election. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized the importance of press freedom and the release of imprisoned journalists.

Speaking to the Vatican Auditorium, Pope Leo XIV stated, "the precious gift of free speech in the press" ([04:15]). He received a standing ovation as he entered the venue. The 69-year-old pope, an Augustinian missionary, was elected last week and used his approximately 24-hour conference to urge journalists to "use words for peace, to reject war and give voice to the voiceless criminal futures."

His address comes at a time of heightened tensions, with global markets reacting to geopolitical developments. Jack Speer notes, "Oil up 93 cents a barrel to end the session at 61.95 a barrel" following the US-China tariff agreement ([04:15]).

Market Highlights

• US-China Trade Detente: The agreement to reduce tariffs for 90 days led to significant stock market gains:

  • Dow Jones: +1,100 points (2.8%)
  • S&P 500: +3%
  • Nasdaq: +4%

• Oil Prices: Increased by 93 cents per barrel, closing at $61.95.

This comprehensive overview captures the main events and discussions from the latest NPR News Now episode, providing listeners with essential information and insights from around the globe.