NPR News Now: May 12, 2025, 9 AM EDT – Detailed Summary

Live from NPR News in Washington, Korva Coleman brings you the latest developments shaping our world today. This summary captures the key stories, discussions, and insights from the May 12, 2025, episode of NPR News Now.

1. Escalation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia Launches Drone Attacks

At [00:17], Korva Coleman reports a significant escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict:

“Russia launched dozens of drone attacks across Ukraine overnight, killing at least one person and injuring nearly two dozen more.” — Korva Coleman

Details of the Attacks and Geopolitical Implications

NPR's Charles Maynes provides an in-depth analysis at [00:38]:

“According to Ukrainian officials, Russia launched more than 100 drones across multiple regions of Ukraine beginning late Sunday. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the attacks but said its forces struck a range of military targets, including Ukrainian army air bases and arms depots.” — Charles Maynes

Despite calls from Kyiv and European allies for an immediate ceasefire ahead of potential peace talks later in the week, Russia signals its refusal. President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct negotiations in Istanbul, aiming to gain diplomatic leverage:

“Instead, Russia President Vladimir Putin called for direct talks with Ukraine and Istanbul, Turkey, later this week in an apparent attempt to seize the diplomatic initiative.” — Charles Maynes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has tentatively agreed to the talks but insists on a face-to-face meeting with Putin:

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has since agreed to the talks, but challenged Putin to meet in person.” — Charles Maynes

2. U.S. House Republicans Unveil Budget Proposal

GOP's Plan to Slash Federal Spending

At [01:20], Korva Coleman introduces the House Republicans' new budget framework:

“House Republicans have released an initial proposal for parts of their budget, and it includes general ideas about Medicaid.” — Korva Coleman

Elena Moore Explains the Details

NPR's Elena Moore elaborates on the fiscal strategy at [01:32]:

“GOP members have to come up with 1.5 trillion dollars in proposed savings or cuts to offset the cost of things like making Trump's 2017 tax cuts permanent. That's about a quarter of annual federal spending.” — Elena Moore

The proposal includes restructuring programs like Medicaid. However, there's a divide within the GOP:

“Some conservative Republicans say one way of getting there is restructuring some programs like Medicaid. But moderate Republicans who face competitive reelection races next year are very much against massive changes to the program.” — Elena Moore

This internal conflict highlights the challenges the GOP faces in balancing fiscal conservatism with political realities.

3. President Trump's Initiatives on Healthcare and Immigration

Executive Order to Cut Prescription Drug Prices

At [02:01], Korva Coleman updates on President Trump's latest healthcare move:

“President Trump says he'll sign an executive order today that he claims will cut prescription drug prices between 30 and 80%.” — Korva Coleman

This initiative harkens back to efforts during Trump's first term, which were previously blocked by federal courts and ultimately rescinded by President Biden.

Afrikaner Refugees from South Africa

Simultaneously, the Trump administration is facilitating the relocation of dozens of white South Africans to the U.S., a move met with controversy:

“Dozens of white South Africans are en route to the US after being given refugee status by the Trump administration.” — Korva Coleman

South African Government's Response

Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg at [02:33]:

“The South African government firmly denies that [the Afrikaners] face persecution at home.” — Kate Bartlett

Official Denial of Refugee Claims

Vincent McGwenya, a spokesman for the South African presidency, states at [02:52]:

“There are no legal or any factual basis for the executive order sanctioning this action. None of the provisions of international law on the definition of refugees are applicable in this case.” — Vincent McGwenya

This development has sparked international debate on refugee criteria and the geopolitical implications of such moves.

4. U.S.-China Tariff Agreement and Wall Street Reactions

Tariff Reductions Announced

At [03:10], Korva Coleman reports a significant breakthrough in U.S.-China trade relations:

“The U.S. and China have mutually agreed to lower their steep tariffs on each other's products for 90 days.” — Korva Coleman

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen has been actively engaging with Chinese officials to facilitate these changes:

“The US will lower its tariffs on Chinese goods from about 145% to 30%. China will lower its tariffs on US goods from about 125% to 10%.” — Korva Coleman

Market Response

This agreement has had a positive impact on Wall Street, with Dow futures surging:

“On Wall street and pre-market trading, the Dow futures are up 1,000 points.” — Korva Coleman

The tariff adjustments aim to ease trade tensions and stimulate economic interactions between the two largest economies.

5. Emergence of a Rare Cicada Brood in the Eastern U.S.

Brood 14 Cicadas Making Their Return

At [03:10], Korva Coleman shifts to an environmental story:

“For many, the perennial sound of spring or summer is on its way back. That is the sound of cicadas.” — Korva Coleman

Amy Held Discusses the Phenomenon

NPR's Amy Held provides insights at [03:57]:

“For the first time since 2008, Brood 14 is back. Some have been sighted in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Ohio. They're expected to emerge from Georgia to Massachusetts.” — Amy Held

These periodical cicadas emerge every 17 years in massive numbers, playing a crucial role in local ecosystems:

“They're expected to emerge from Georgia to Massachusetts. Considered the second biggest of the dozen or so known periodical broods, they develop underground, then come out by the billions and buzz.” — Amy Held

Environmental Impact

Held further explains the benefits of cicadas:

“Improving water filtration, providing birds an important food source, and their decomposing bodies provide nutrition to the soil, but not until they've ensured the next generation to be heard from in 2042.” — Amy Held

This rare event underscores the intricate balance of natural ecosystems and the significance of insect cycles.

6. Celebrating the Flower Moon

Full Moon Observance Tonight

Closing the episode, Korva Coleman shares a celestial update at [04:43]:

“This month's full moon is peaking tonight. Full moons have nicknames. This one is called the Flower Moon.” — Korva Coleman

Viewing Recommendations

According to Earth Sky, viewers in the Southeast should look for the Flower Moon just after sunset, offering a picturesque end to the day's events.

Stay Informed

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal stories discussed in the latest episode of NPR News Now. For real-time updates and in-depth coverage, continue tuning into NPR.