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

Episode Date: May 11, 2025

NPR News: 05-11-2025 4PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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. Noor Ahram Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Noor

Ahram. The Federal Aviation Administration says a runway equipment issue caused delays at the Atlanta airport today. Plane arrivals were slowed while technicians worked to address the problem. In a separate announcement, the FAA says operations have now returned to normal at the Newark airport. It slowed air traffic today because of what it called a telecommunications issue. The Trump administration warns such problems could happen elsewhere. NPR's Luke Garrett reports. 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. I want you to get to where you're traveling. And if that means slowing down flights into Newark, but flight volume needs to be scaled back. 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. Duffy says the outdated air traffic control systems are to blame, and it's an issue that other airports face across the country. I'm concerned about the whole airspace.

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. Duffy says the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the nation's air traffic control system will take three to four years. In the meantime, he says planes remain the safest way to travel. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington. A ceasefire between India and Pakistan appears to be holding hours after both countries blamed each other for violating

the agreement. President Trump is now offering to negotiate the territorial dispute over the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Amkar Kandakar reports. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that he is, quote, going to increase trade substantially with both of these great nations. Additionally, he said he will work with both countries to see if a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.

The latest escalations between the countries started in Kashmir, after India accused Pakistani gunmen of killing 26 civilians in late April. Pakistan denies this. The ceasefire on Saturday came after days of military action between the countries that killed more than 70 people. Omkar Khandekar in PR News, New Delhi. Pope Leo XIV said today he hoped the ceasefire between India and Pakistan will lead to a lasting peace.

He delivered his first Sunday message today as pontiff. He's heard here through a Vatican interpreter. I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call never again war. The Pope also urged peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and that all Israeli hostages be released by Hamas. Hamas announced today that it has been in contact with the Trump administration on the release of an Israeli soldier who also holds U.S. citizenship. A statement said the release would be part of steps being taken towards a ceasefire,

opening crossings into Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. This is NPR News in Washington. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said today he's ready to meet his Russian counterpart in Istanbul on Thursday, although he still wants a 30-day ceasefire to begin tomorrow. Vladimir Putin had proposed direct talks this week on ending the war without agreeing to a ceasefire advance. The lead U.S. negotiator in trade talks with China and Oman said today substantial progress has been made. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson said the details will be released tomorrow. Texas-born country music singer Johnny Rodriguez died Friday at the age of 73. He was known

for chart-topping hits in the 1970s. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton reports. Born in Sabinal, Texas, of 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 Riding 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. A survey by the National Retail Federation finds some 84 percent of American adults observe Mother's Day and they're spending more, an estimated 34 billion dollars, that works out to about 260 dollars per person. I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News in Washington. dollars per person. I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News in Washington. Tariffs, recessions, how Colombian drug cartels gave us blueberries all year long. That's the kind of thing the Planet Money podcast explains. I'm Sarah Gonzalez, and on Planet Money, we help

you understand the economy and how things all around you came to be the way they are. Para que sepas. So you know. Listen to the Planet Money podcast from NPR.