NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on May 7, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman

On May 7, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive five-minute update covering significant global and national events. This summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, providing insightful details and notable quotes to inform listeners who missed the episode.

1. Papal Conclave: Selection of the Next Pope

Reporter: Jason DeRose

The Roman Catholic Church is in the midst of the papal conclave, where cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect the new pope. The process commenced with a public morning Mass at St. Peter's Basilica—the only public event of the conclave. Following the Mass, the cardinal electors donned their traditional scarlet and white robes for a private gathering in the Vatican's Pauline Chapel.

Key Events:

• Procession and Oath: The cardinals proceeded to the Sistine Chapel, singing the litany of saints with the refrain, "Save us, Lord." Inside the chapel, beneath Michelangelo's fresco, they sang the ancient hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus" and swore an oath with their hands touching the Gospels.

• Voting Procedure: A master of ceremonies announced "extra omnis," signaling the removal of those not participating in the election. After a final sermon, the voting commenced.

Notable Quote:

• Jason DeRose (00:30): “A morning Mass in St. Peter's Day Basilica, the only event that's public... Under Michelangelo's creation fresco, the cardinals sing the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus.”

The conclave's proceedings are steeped in tradition, reflecting the solemnity and significance of selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.

2. India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate

Reporter: Dia Hadid

India has conducted missile strikes targeting several locations in Pakistan, marking the most significant military action between the two nations in over half a century. These strikes are in response to a militant attack last month that resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack.

Key Points:

• India’s Claims: The Indian army stated that it targeted "militant training camps and terror infrastructure" within Pakistani-held Kashmir, a disputed Himalayan territory central to the enduring conflict between India and Pakistan.

• Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan alleges that the strikes primarily hit mosques and a hydropower dam, disputing India’s justification for the military action.

Notable Quote:

• Dia Hadid (01:31): “India's army says it struck militant training camps and what they call terror infrastructure... But Pakistan says the strikes mostly hit mosques and part of a hydropower dam.”

The situation remains tense, with Pakistan reportedly shooting down Indian warplanes—a claim yet to be confirmed.

3. U.S. Immigration Policy and Sino-American Trade Talks

U.S. Immigration Policy:

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, disclosed plans by the Trump administration to transport migrants to Libya as part of its efforts to curb illegal immigration. This strategy follows previous attempts to send migrants to El Salvador, where they are detained in maximum-security prisons. The official noted that the administration is not authorized to publicly discuss these plans, and similar efforts have faced legal challenges.

Trade Talks Between U.S. and China:

Reporter: Scott Horsley

High-level trade negotiations between the United States and China are set to occur in Geneva, marking the first face-to-face meeting since President Trump's imposition of a triple-digit tariff on nearly all Chinese imports. The tariffs have significantly reduced cargo shipments from China to the U.S., with a reported 35% decrease in container arrivals at the Port of Los Angeles compared to the previous year.

Economic Implications:

• The Federal Reserve is evaluating the economic impact of the trade war as it concludes a two-day policy meeting in Washington.
• Interest rates are expected to remain steady, but investors are keenly awaiting signals regarding potential future rate adjustments.

Notable Quote:

• Scott Horsley (02:32): “Cargo shipments from China to the US have dropped sharply since those tariffs took effect last month... The Fed is expected to hold interest rates steady, but investors will be listening for any clues about possible interest rate changes in the months to come.”

The trade talks are crucial in determining the future economic relationship between the two largest economies, with significant ramifications for global markets.

4. Allegations Against R&B Legend Smokey Robinson

Reporter: Korva Coleman

Four women have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles accusing R&B icon Smokey Robinson of sexual assault spanning multiple years. The plaintiffs, who remain unidentified, allege that Robinson assaulted them while they were employed as housekeepers in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Additionally, they accuse Robinson’s wife of failing to prevent these attacks.

Key Details:

• The lawsuit seeks millions in damages for the alleged misconduct.
• Smokey Robinson, aged 85, has yet to issue a public statement regarding the accusations.

This development has stirred significant attention, highlighting issues of abuse and accountability within the entertainment industry.

5. Climate Change: Methane Emissions and Global Warming

Reporter: Jeff Brady

A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) underscores the persistent issue of methane emissions contributing to climate warming. Methane is recognized as a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and fossil fuel companies are identified as major sources of this pollution.

Key Insights:

• Global Emissions: Despite regulatory efforts, global temperatures have reached record highs for two consecutive years. Reducing methane emissions is critical to mitigating future global heating.

• Industry Compliance: Tim Gould from the IEA highlighted that only approximately 5% of global oil and gas production meets near-zero methane emissions standards.

Notable Quote:

• Jason DeRose (04:11): “We estimate that only around 5% of global oil and gas production can credibly demonstrate that they meet a near zero methane emissions standard.”

• Jeff Brady (04:24): “The IEA projects that even with Trump administration deregulation policies, US methane emissions will decline 35% by the end of the decade because of state and individual company methane reduction goals.”

The report emphasizes the need for accelerated efforts in methane reduction to combat climate change effectively.

6. Horse Racing: Triple Crown Prospects

Reporter: Korva Coleman

The Triple Crown of horse racing will see a change this year as Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, will not compete in the ensuing Preakness Stakes. Instead, Sovereignty is slated to participate in the Belmont Stakes scheduled for June.

Implications:

• The absence of a Triple Crown contender this year marks a notable shift in the horse racing landscape.
• Stakeholders and fans will watch closely as Sovereignty aims to secure a Belmont victory, maintaining interest in the Triple Crown series.

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a succinct yet comprehensive overview of pressing international conflicts, significant legal allegations, environmental challenges, and noteworthy developments in sports and trade. Through clear reporting and inclusion of pivotal quotes, the episode ensured that audiences remained informed on critical issues shaping the world.