NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-11-2025 10AM EDT

Episode Date: May 11, 2025

NPR News: 05-11-2025 10AM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Look, we get it. When it comes to new music, there is a lot of it, and it all comes really fast. But on All Songs Considered, NPR's music recommendation podcast, we'll handpick what we think is the greatest music happening right now and give you your next great listen. So kick back, settle in, get those eardrums wide open, and get your dose of new music from All Songs Considered, only from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Joel Snyder. In his first Sunday message before a crowded St. Peter's Square, newly elected Pope Leo XIV appealed to world leaders to bring war to an end. I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call never again war.

Speaking in Italian through an interpreter, Pope Leo recalled the end of World War II 80 years ago and quoted the late Pope Francis in saying the world is currently experiencing a third world war in pieces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's ready for direct talks with the Kremlin to set the groundwork for ending Russia's three-year war on his country. NPR's Yulia Kokissis reports from Kyiv that Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the direct talks this weekend. Writing on social media, Zelensky said it's quote a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the

war. However, Zelensky suggested Putin must agree to a ceasefire before Ukraine steps into direct talks. Ukraine and its Western allies proposed a 30-day ceasefire starting tomorrow if Russia agrees. If Russia declines, Zelensky told reporters on Saturday, additional sanctions must be imposed on Russia's energy and banking sectors. The leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland traveled to Kiev on Saturday to show support for Ukraine and a ceasefire. Joanna Kekesis, NPR News, Kiev.

The U.S. mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan appears to be shaken but holding. Residents and officials in the disputed Kashmir region say there was overnight fighting between Pakistani and Indian troops but that the fighting has since died down. Four days of clashes were sparked by a gun massacre in Kashmir that India blames on Pakistan. Ongoing threats to man TikTok and the broader debate over online platforms could shape the choices younger voters make at the polls and next year's midterm election. And Pierce Windsor-Johnston reports on youth-led groups who are starting to organize online around access to social media and digital rights. These groups are warning lawmakers that targeting social media sites like TikTok could alienate an entire generation. Iona Litterat is a professor at Columbia University who studies youth civic engagement. She says for many young voters, attempts to restrict digital

spaces feel deeply personal. On a platform like TikTok, because it has to do with self-disclosure and kind of storytelling in a way. This talk really helps facilitate these connections between the personal and the political. Literate says content moderation and digital freedom are issues that could sway how young people vote in next year's midterms and future elections. Windsor-Johnston, NPR News. This is NPR. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is standing by the three Democratic House members from New Jersey who were involved in a scuffle with law enforcement outside an immigration

detention facility where Newark Mayor Ross Baraka was arrested Friday. He issued a statement after a Homeland Security Department spokesperson told CNN there will likely be more arrests. Jeffries said the charge against Baraka should be dropped and the identities of mass agents involved in the scuffle should be revealed. The final steps of jury selection for the Sean Combs trial have been pushed to Monday. There are fears that selected jurors may back out of serving on the closely watched case, as NPR's Isabella Gomez-Armiento reports. MS.

RADDATZ-WILKINSON On Monday, the prosecution and defense in the Sean Combs trial will select the 12 jurors who will serve on the trial, plus six alternates. Opening statements are expected to begin that same day. A judge finished questioning jurors earlier this week, but further winnowing of the pool was pushed twice to avoid having jurors drop out in the days leading up to the trial. Prosecutors protested the delay, saying they're working against the clock. Combs' lead defense attorney, Mark Agnifilo, told the judge that finalizing jury selection should not take long on Monday.

He said the trial timeline should ultimately stay on track. The hip-hop mogul faces charges that include sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR News. Voters in Albania are going to the polls in a parliamentary election today. Prime Minister Eddie Brahma is seeking a fourth term following a campaign dominated by an effort to join the European Union. I'm Giles Snyder, NPR News. Know that fizzy feeling you get when you read something really good, watch the movie everyone's I'm Gile Snyder, NPR News.