NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-11-2025 4AM EDT

Episode Date: May 11, 2025

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Does the idea of listening to political news freak you out? Well, don't sweat it. The NPR Politics Podcast makes politics a breeze. Every episode will break down the day's headlines into totally normal language and make sure that you walk away understanding what the day's news might mean for you. Take a deep breath and give politics another chance with the NPR Politics Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman.

Leaders of four European countries were in Ukraine on Saturday where they said they would increase sanctions on Russia if it does not agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in its war with Ukraine. The ceasefire would begin on Monday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly agreed to the deal. We accept the American proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. In fact, we ourselves are proposing it. Russia, as of now, is rejecting even that, even a ceasefire.

And if they refuse something as basic as that, it means they don't want to end the war at all. Zelensky says Russia is not serious about peace in the region and instead is continuing its aerial assault on his country. Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday. The deal came from US-led talks aimed at ending the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear armed rivals in decades. But just hours after the deal was announced, multiple explosions were heard in two large cities in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In prison, former tech executive Elizabeth Holmes is advising her partner on a new blood testing company.

Holmes is serving an 11-year federal sentence for defrauding investors, and Piers Bobby Allen has more. Elizabeth Holmes' partner Billy Evans has raised millions of dollars for a biotech company. It's called Hermanthus. It's the Greek phrase for blood flower. It hopes to use AI to detect diseases early That's according to two sources familiar with the venture who are not authorized to speak publicly since the company has not yet launched

The startup bears a striking resemblance to Theranos Holmes is fraudulent blood testing company that led to her 11-year sentence A source close to the effort told NPR homes has been providing advice to Evans as he develops the company as a result of a federal Settlement homes cannot be an officer of a publicly traded company for a decade, but it does not affect her ability to work with a new private startup, even from prison. Bobby Allen, NPR News. The Trump administration says it wants to move ahead with a controversial plan to deport migrants to Libya, but Libyan officials say they reject the idea and view the plan as

a violation of their sovereignty. As NPR's Windsor Johnston reports, if Trump's plan goes ahead, some immigration experts are warning of potential human rights violations and logistical challenges. The Trump administration's plan could strain immigration courts, detention facilities, and enforcement resources. Kathleen Bush Joseph is with the Migration Policy Center. She says the approach may also send migrants into dangerous and unfamiliar territory. They might be trying to project this image that even if you come from the Philippines

or Laos or Mexico, that you could be sent to a country that is completely foreign to you and where you might face real violence. The White House says it's operating within its authority, arguing that the policy is a necessary tool to deter unlawful immigration. Windsor-Johnston, NPR News, Washington. And you're listening to NPR News. Pope Leo XIV says he hopes to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and attentive to the faithful.

He made his comments during his first formal audience on Saturday. He also wants the Church to look out for the least and the rejected, and Leo identified artificial intelligence as one of the most critical matters facing humanity. The Department of Agriculture has laid out a timeline to send aid to farmers who suffered losses from Hurricane Helene. But as Bradley George of Member Station WUNC reports, some state governments have already stepped in to help. Thousands of farmers from Florida to the Carolinas suffered catastrophic damage from Helene last

September. But Congress didn't pass a relief bill until three months later. USDA says it's finally ready to start doling out that funding. Affected states will have to negotiate with the agency, which will distribute aid in block grants. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kempf signed a law this week that exempts crop insurance and disaster payments from state taxes. North Carolina lawmakers have approved payments to cover farm losses, but Governor Josh Stein and legislative leaders say money will have to be set aside later this year.

For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill. Anthony Edwards hit a baseline three-pointer with a minute 19 remaining to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Golden State Warriors Saturday 102-97. The Timberwolves now have a two to one lead in their second round playoff series. The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, got their first win in the Eastern Conference semifinals by routing the New York Knicks on Saturday 115 to 93.

The Celtics will now try to tie that series up on Monday night. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News. You may have heard that President Trump has issued an executive order seeking to block night. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.