NPR News Now: May 7, 2025, 3PM EDT – In-Depth Summary
NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth reporting in just five minutes. The May 7, 2025, 3PM EDT episode covers significant developments in U.S. economic policy, international relations, immigration, national security measures, religious leadership transitions, and political commentary. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.
Federal Reserve Maintains Steady Interest Rates Amid Trade Tensions
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [00:26]
The Federal Reserve announced it is keeping interest rates steady in its latest meeting, a decision influenced by ongoing trade tensions initiated by President Trump. The central bank is closely monitoring the effects of these tariffs on the U.S. economy.
In-Depth Report:
Reporter: Scott Horsley
Timestamp: [00:39]
This marks the Fed's first rate-setting meeting since President Trump implemented a 10% tax on nearly all U.S. imports and a staggering 145% tariff on most imports from China. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell highlighted the potential repercussions, stating, “These tariffs are likely to lead to higher prices and slower economic growth, at least in the short term” (00:39). Despite inflation hovering slightly above the target and unemployment remaining low at 4.2% as of last month, policymakers unanimously decided to maintain the current benchmark interest rate. This rate is crucial as it influences borrowing costs for consumers and businesses alike.
President Trump Remains Resolute on China Tariffs Ahead of U.S.-China Talks
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [01:18]
President Trump is steadfast in his stance on tariffs targeting China as high-level U.S.-China negotiations are slated to take place in Switzerland over the weekend.
Controversial Plan to Deport Migrants to Libya Faces Strong Opposition
Reporters: Lakshmi Singh & Tom Bowman
Timestamps: [01:18], [01:54]
The Trump administration is considering deporting migrants to Libya using a C17 aircraft, potentially as early as this week. However, this plan faces significant hurdles:
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Libya's Response: Libya's government of national unity has rejected the proposal, stating, “There has been no coordination with the United States regarding these migrants being sent to Libya” (01:54). Additionally, Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army emphasized that accepting migrants “violates the sovereignty of the homeland” (01:54).
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Potential U.S. Reversal: Sources suggest that the White House might ultimately abandon this deportation plan despite initial discussions (01:54).
Implementation of Real ID Requires Immediate Action Starting Today
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [02:25]
Starting today, U.S. citizens must present a Real ID to board airplanes or enter federal buildings. This mandate is the culmination of a two-decade effort to enhance national security through stricter identification standards.
In-Depth Report:
Reporter: Martin Costi
Timestamp: [02:38]
The Real ID Act of 2005 significantly raised the bar for state-issued IDs, making them more secure and harder to counterfeit. Brian Zimmer, the law’s author, explained, “It also took time to outfit airports with the right technology. These new scanners... are now going to be able to recognize fakes” (02:38). Despite the long implementation timeline, the transition is now complete, with TSA scanners capable of detecting fraudulent IDs with high accuracy—“It's highly unlikely that more than 1 in 10,000 will pass through those scanners” (03:04). Eligible IDs are marked with a star or a flag, and federal pictures like passports are also accepted.
Cardinals Begin Conclave to Select New Pope Following Pope Francis’s Passing
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [03:21]
In a significant religious event, 133 Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church convened to begin the conclave for selecting Pope Francis’s successor. The process commenced with sung prayers, marking the continuation of tradition as the Church seeks new leadership after Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday at age 88.
Former President Biden Criticizes Trump's Early Presidency in First Interview Post-White House
Reporter: Lauren Frayer
Timestamp: [04:21]
In his first interview since leaving office, former President Joe Biden spoke with the BBC from his home in Delaware. He addressed his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, stating it did not influence the election outcome.
Key Statements:
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On Trump's Early Actions: Biden criticized Trump’s unconventional policies, such as “President Trump's efforts to acquire Greenland and to make Canada the 51st state” (04:21).
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On Ukrainian Peace Talks: Addressing Trump's attempts to pressure Ukraine into ceding territory to Russia, Biden remarked, “I think it's not common sense. It's perhaps modern-day appeasement” (04:42), drawing a parallel to Britain’s failed attempts to appease Hitler in the 1930s.
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On U.S.-European Relations: Biden warned that strained relations under Trump's administration “would... change the modern history of the world” (04:44).
Supporting Quote:
Tom Bowman: “It is modern-day appeasement” (04:42).
Closing Remarks
The episode concluded with reminders for listeners to access the podcast without advertisements via Amazon Music or other podcast platforms by subscribing through NPR's channels.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and updates presented in the NPR News Now episode, offering listeners a detailed overview of the latest developments across various sectors.