NPR News Now: May 7, 2025, 12 PM EDT Summary

On this episode of NPR News Now, released on May 7, 2025, host Lakshmi Singh delivers a comprehensive roundup of the latest national and international news. The episode covers pivotal events ranging from the Vatican's conclave to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, significant changes in U.S. identification requirements, Wall Street movements, high-profile legal cases, and ongoing challenges at Newark Liberty International Airport. Below is a detailed summary of each major topic discussed.

1. Vatican City Conclave: Selecting Pope Francis' Successor

Overview:
The global Catholic community watches closely as the conclave convenes within Vatican City to elect the new pope following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at the age of 88. With 133 cardinals sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, the world awaits the emergence of a new spiritual leader, a process that concludes with the distinctive sign of white smoke signaling the election.

Key Discussions:

• Progressive vs. Conservative Directions:
  Cardinals are deliberating between a continuation of Pope Francis' progressive focus on issues such as poverty, migration, and environmental concerns, and a swing towards more conservative stances emphasizing traditional church doctrines.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeRose highlights the internal debate, stating at [01:02], "More progressive Catholics might be delighted by someone like Pope Francis because of his focus on issues like poverty, migration and the environment. At the same time, more conservative Catholics are looking for someone more traditional, focused on that church doctrine."

2. Heightened Tensions: India-Pakistan Military Strikes

Overview:
Tensions escalate between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan following an Indian military strike that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals. The strike was purportedly in response to last month's attacks on Indian civilians in the Himalayan valley of Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistani militant groups—a claim Pakistan denies.

Key Developments:

• Pakistan's Retaliation and Denials:
  Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shahabad Sharif, refutes India's claims, asserting that the strikes targeted mosques and civilians rather than terror infrastructure. In a strong statement, he declared the strikes an act of war and announced Pakistan's successful downing of five Indian aircraft and drones, warning of further retaliatory actions.

Notable Quote:
Omkar Khandekar reports at [01:35], "Pakistan has denied the Indian army's claims that its missiles hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan. In a statement, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shahabad Sharif said India's military had hit mosques and killed civilians and it was an act of war."

3. U.S. Implements Real ID Requirements After Two Decades

Overview:
A significant milestone is reached as the United States enforces the Real ID Act requirements. Starting this day, travelers must present a Real ID-compliant identification to board airplanes or access certain federal buildings, a change that marks the culmination of a 20-year implementation process.

Implementation Details:

• Enhanced Security Features:
  The 2005 legislation mandated stricter ID verification processes and the issuance of harder-to-counterfeit identification cards. States comply by marking acceptable IDs with a star or a flag, and the TSA accepts these alongside federal IDs like passports.

Notable Quotes:
Brian Zimmer emphasizes the security improvements at [02:46], "These new scanners that you can find at the airport are now going to be able to recognize fakes. Highly unlikely that more than 1 in 10,000 will pass through those scanners."
Martin Casi adds at [02:56], "Acceptable state IDs are marked with a star or a flag. And TSA will also accept federal picture IDs such as passports."

4. Wall Street Update: Dow Up by 259 Points

Overview:
In a brief financial update, it was reported that the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced an increase of 259 points, equating to roughly half a percent. This movement reflects ongoing market dynamics and investor sentiment.

5. High-Profile Legal Case: Jury Selection in Sean Diddy Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial

Overview:
The sex trafficking trial of renowned rapper and record producer Sean "Diddy" Combs commences in New York, with jury selection underway. Combs faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Jury Selection Challenges:

• Impact of Pre-Trial Publicity:
  Over a dozen potential jurors have admitted exposure to a CNN-obtained video depicting Combs in altercations with an ex-partner. While many jurors assert their ability to remain unbiased, the presence of such evidence complicates the selection process.

Notable Quote:
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento reports at [03:29], "More than a dozen potential jurors say they have watched or seen screen grabs of a video obtained by CNN that shows Sean Diddy Combs kicking and dragging one of his ex partners in a hotel hallway. Regardless, many say they'll be able to remain impartial and will only be informed by the evidence presented in court."

6. Operational Struggles at Newark Liberty International Airport

Overview:
Newark Liberty International Airport continues to grapple with significant operational challenges following last week's disruptions caused by outage delays and cancellations. As one of the nation's busiest hubs, Newark faces a confluence of issues that may affect its functionality in the near future.

Ongoing Challenges:

• Infrastructure and Staffing Issues:
  The airport's busiest runway remains closed until June for renovations. Additionally, a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers impacts operations. Last week's radar and communication blackout left controllers unable to interact with incoming and outgoing flights, highlighting vulnerabilities in airport infrastructure.

Notable Quote:
Jacqueline Diaz explains at [04:20], "Bad weather is one. The airport's busiest Runway is closed until June for renovation. ... About a week ago, controllers lost all radar and communications with the plane. That left them unable to hear or talk to the pilots."

Conclusion:
This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a diverse range of critical issues shaping current events globally and domestically. From the sacred deliberations within the Vatican to escalating military tensions in South Asia, policy implementations in the U.S., significant legal battles, and infrastructure challenges at major transportation hubs, listeners are provided with a nuanced and thorough overview of the day's most pressing news.