Summary of NPR News Now – May 5, 2025, 3PM EDT

On the May 5, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Lakshmi Singh delivers a comprehensive roundup of the latest national and international news. The episode covers a range of topics, including President Donald Trump's recent announcements, significant developments in education policy, actions taken by the Trump administration regarding gun violence memorials, the Vatican's papal selection process, and commemorations marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

1. President Trump Announces 2025 NFL Draft in Washington D.C.

At the outset [00:25], Lakshmi Singh reports that President Donald Trump has declared Washington, D.C., as the host city for the 2025 NFL Draft, set to take place on the National Mall. The President anticipates a significant boost in tourism revenue from the event, which coincides with the ramp-up of his campaign for the 2028 presidential elections.

During the announcement, Trump was joined by notable figures, including the Mayor of D.C., the owner of the Washington Commanders, and the NFL Commissioner. Addressing the media, Trump emphasized his commitment to supporting American jobs and the importance of keeping industries within the United States:

“So we're going to meet with the industry. I want to make sure they're happy with it because we're all about jobs. That's all. What I'm, you know, it's very important. It's a big industry, but it's an industry now that's it's really left it's abandoned the USA where it started.”
— Donald Trump [00:59]

2. Potential Tariffs on Hollywood and Canadian Prime Minister’s Visit

Continuing his economic strategy, President Trump indicated plans to discuss imposing tariffs on foreign-produced movies with representatives from the film industry. This move is part of his broader agenda to protect American jobs and industries. Additionally, Trump hinted that these tariff considerations might be influencing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to the White House [00:59]. While he did not provide specific details, Trump suggested that the meeting could revolve around negotiating deals beneficial to the U.S. film sector.

3. Resumption of Collections on Defaulted Federal Student Loans

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced significant changes in student loan policies [01:37]. The U.S. Department of Education is resuming the treasury offset program, targeting approximately five million borrowers who are in default on their federal student loans and have not made payments in at least 270 days. This program will allow the federal government to seize portions of tax refunds or Social Security benefits to recover owed amounts. Additionally, starting this summer, the department will begin garnishing the wages of borrowers in default.

McMahon highlighted that these measures are not new but had been paused for five years due to the pandemic:

“These measures are not unprecedented. They've just been paused for five years since the pandemic began.”
— Linda McMahon [01:37]

Borrowers seeking assistance are directed to visit studentaid.gov for more information on exiting default.

4. Removal of Gun Violence Memorial Exhibits by the Trump Administration

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has dismantled an exhibit honoring victims of gun violence housed in a federal building in Washington, D.C. NPR’s Kristen Wright reports [02:19] that all 120 portraits from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were removed. This includes the portrait of Robert Godwin Sr., which was part of the “Faces of Gun Violence” exhibit.

The removal has sparked disappointment and anger among affected families. Brenda Joyner, daughter of Robert Godwin Sr., expressed her frustration [02:51]:

“Should there have been some bit of notification to us? Absolutely. But do I want my pictures, Dad's picture sitting at the bottom of a dumpster? Hell, no. No.”
— Brenda Joyner [02:51]

The Department of Justice stated that the ATF will continue to honor victims of violent crime while preserving the rights of law-abiding Americans. However, they did not disclose the current location of the removed portraits.

5. Vatican Cardinals Begin Selection Process for New Pope

The Vatican is entering a pivotal phase as 133 cardinals prepare to select a new pope [03:20]. These cardinals are sworn to extreme secrecy, with breaches potentially resulting in excommunication. NPR’s Sylvia Poggioli provides an in-depth look [03:36] into the factions within the College of Cardinals:

• Progressives: Supporters of reform initiatives championed by Pope Francis.
• Conservatives and Traditionalists: Those seeking to slow down or reverse current reforms.
• Centrists: Individuals seeking a balanced approach between progress and tradition.

Despite the expectation of secrecy, there have been leaks indicating mounting tensions among these groups as they vie for influence over the selection process.

6. 80th Anniversary of World War II’s End Commemorated in Europe

Marking 80 years since the conclusion of World War II, several European countries are observing the anniversary with various events. Today, Britain commenced four days of parades and memorials to celebrate VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). NPR’s Lauren Frayer reports from London [03:56] that Big Ben's bells signaled the start of a military parade heading toward Buckingham Palace. The ceremony included an actor reciting former Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s iconic speech [04:26], echoing sentiments of resilience and victory.

During the parade, King Charles and current Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood alongside World War II veterans, including Ukrainian soldiers participating this year. An excerpt from Churchill’s speech was notably highlighted:

“My dear friends, this is your hour.”
— Winston Churchill (recitation) [04:26]

The inclusion of Ukrainian soldiers underscores the enduring legacy and global impact of World War II commemorations.

Conclusion

The May 5, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a detailed and engaging overview of significant developments across various domains. From political announcements and policy changes to historical commemorations and religious proceedings, the episode ensures that audiences are well-informed about the pressing issues of the day.