NPR News Now: May 7, 2025, 5AM EDT

Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on global and national events in a concise, engaging format. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode released on May 7, 2025.

1. Selection of a New Pope

Overview: More than 130 Roman Catholic Cardinal electors convened at the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican to begin the crucial process of selecting a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis last month at the age of 88.

Key Points:

• The Cardinals assembled for Mass in St. Peter's Basilica an hour before the selection process commenced.
• The conclave marks a significant moment for the global Catholic community as they seek to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Notable Quote:

"Today's the day more than 130 Roman Catholic Cardinal electors assemble at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to begin the process of selecting a new pope."
— Dave Mattingly [00:17]

2. Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Overview: A recent missile attack by India on Pakistan has heightened tensions between the two South Asian neighbors. Pakistan's Prime Minister has condemned the attack and vowed a response, with immediate impacts on airspace and public safety measures.

Key Points:

• Attack Details: The missile strike resulted in at least 26 fatalities, including a child, sparking outrage in Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s Response: Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif labeled the attack "cowardly" and declared it "would not go unpunished" (00:55).
• Immediate Aftermath: Pakistan temporarily closed parts of its airspace in two major cities and shut down schools in Punjab province, where some of the strikes occurred.
• Background: This incident follows heightened tensions after militants killed over two dozen people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. Pakistan denies involvement in supporting that attack.

Notable Quotes:

"The prime minister, Shabaz Sharif, described the attack as, quote, cowardly in a post on X and said it would not go unpunished."
— Betsy Joels [00:55]

"Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high since militants killed more than two dozen people in Indian controlled Kashmir last month."
— Dave Mattingly [01:10]

3. US-China Trade Negotiations in Switzerland

Overview: Amid ongoing trade conflicts, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer are set to meet with China's lead economic representative, He Lifang, in Switzerland. These meetings signal a potential thaw in the prolonged US-China trade war.

Key Points:

• Meeting Participants: Scott Besant and Jamison Greer from the U.S. are scheduled to meet with He Lifang from China.
• Purpose: The discussions aim to lay the groundwork for broader trade negotiations and possibly mitigate the extensive tariffs both nations have imposed on each other’s goods.
• Economic Stakes: The trade war has severely impacted global trade, with both sides imposing hefty tariffs, resulting in strained trade relations and concerns over a potential global recession.
• China’s Stance: A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce indicated openness to negotiations but emphasized that China would not compromise its principles for just any agreement.

Notable Quotes:

"Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer will meet Beijing's lead economic representative, He Lifang, in Switzerland."
— Charisse Pham [01:35]

"China's door remains open for negotiation, but it will not sacrifice its principles for just any agreement."
— Chinese Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson [01:35]

4. Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy Outlook

Overview: The Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain current US interest rates as it concludes its latest policy meeting. This decision comes in the context of declining inflation rates and a resilient job market.

Key Points:

• Inflation Trends: Inflation has been decreasing, aided by lower gasoline prices, with the Fed's preferred measure showing a 2.3% increase from the previous year as of March.
• Tax Concerns: President Trump’s implementation of a 10% tax on nearly all US imports, including higher taxes on imports from China, poses a risk of renewed price hikes.
• Job Market: The US labor market remains strong, with employers adding 177,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate steady at 4.2%.
• Fed’s Caution: Given the potential for rising inflation and the robust job market, the Fed is likely to exercise caution regarding any further interest rate cuts.

Notable Quotes:

"Inflation has been coming down in recent months, thanks in part to lower gasoline prices."
— Scott Horsley [02:32]

"But with President Trump ordering 10% taxes on nearly everything the U.S. imports and higher taxes on imports from China, there's a risk that price hikes could accelerate once again."
— Scott Horsley [02:32]

"The job market has been surprisingly resilient. Surprisingly resilient US employers added 177,000 jobs last month, while the unemployment rate held steady at a low 4.2%."
— Scott Horsley [02:32]

5. Columbia University Faces Layoffs Amid Federal Grant Cuts

Overview: Columbia University in New York is initiating layoffs of approximately 180 employees in response to President Trump’s cancellation of $400 million in federal grants. The decision was influenced by concerns over the university’s handling of student protests related to the war in Gaza.

Key Points:

• Layoff Details: Nearly 180 employees are being laid off, with officials not confirming if further layoffs might occur.
• Reason for Grants Cancellation: The federal grant cuts stem from the administration’s displeasure with Columbia’s management of student protests against the war in Gaza.
• Ongoing Legal Proceedings: Concurrently, jury selection is underway in the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, adding to the institution's current challenges.

Notable Quotes:

"Columbia University in New York says it's laying off nearly 180 employees. Officials say the move is in response to President Trump canceling $400 million in federal grants because of concerns about how the university handled student protests against the war in Gaza."
— Dave Mattingly [03:11]

6. Jury Selection in Sean "Diddy" Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial

Overview: The high-profile sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is underway in New York, with jury selection in progress. Combs has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Key Points:

• Jury Dynamics: Over a dozen potential jurors have been exposed to video evidence showing Combs allegedly in violent interactions, which they have viewed or obtained screen grabs of.
• Juror Impartiality: While many jurors assert their ability to remain impartial and base their decisions solely on court evidence, some have been dismissed for potential bias.
• Legal Friction: Combs’ attorneys have expressed frustration regarding the impact of the video evidence on the jury selection process.

Notable Quotes:

"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."
— Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [03:54]

"Some jurors, however, have been dismissed because they say they might be biased against Combs."
— Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [03:54]

7. Wall Street Reacts to Record US Trade Deficit

Overview: Wall Street experienced a downturn following the Commerce Department’s report indicating that the US trade deficit reached a record high of nearly $141 billion in March. The surge is attributed to increased stockpiling of goods, particularly pharmaceuticals, in anticipation of President Trump's broad tariff implementations.

Key Points:

• Trade Deficit Surge: The deficit hit a new peak as businesses and consumers stockpiled goods ahead of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the administration.
• Market Impact: The significant increase in the trade deficit has led to a negative response from the stock markets, reflecting investor concerns over the sustainability of current trade policies.
• Economic Implications: The record trade deficit underscores the complexities and challenges of the ongoing trade war, highlighting its potential to affect economic growth.

Notable Quotes:

"Wall street is coming off a down day of trading after the Commerce Department reported the US Trade deficit hit a record high in March. It totaled nearly $141 billion as businesses and consumers stockpiled goods, especially pharmaceuticals, ahead of the president's sweeping tariffs."
— Dave Mattingly [04:34]

Conclusion: This episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of significant global and national events, ranging from the solemn proceedings of selecting a new pope to the intense geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. Economic narratives highlighted the precarious balance of US-China trade relations and the impacts of trade deficits on the stock market. Additionally, domestic issues such as federal grant cancellations affecting major institutions and high-profile legal trials were thoroughly examined, offering listeners a well-rounded perspective on the current state of affairs as of May 7, 2025.