NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of May 7, 2025, 6 PM EDT Episode

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive five-minute update on major national and international events on May 7, 2025. This summary captures all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode, organized into clear sections for easy navigation.

1. Vatican Conclave and Black Smoke Signal

Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Ruth Sherlock
Timestamp: [00:24 - 00:45]

The conclave to select a new pope witnessed its first round of voting, marked by the ascent of black smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney—a signal that the cardinals had not yet reached a consensus.
Ruth Sherlock reported, “Black smoke has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in the first round of voting of the conclave to select a new pope” [00:24].
The event attracted thousands to St. Peter's Square, including many priests and nuns praying for divine guidance. Amid the tension, a seagull’s light-hearted landing near the chimney brought a moment of levity: “There was laughter, too, as a seagull landed near the chimney, settling in for a front row seat” [00:45].

2. North Carolina Election Concession Amid Legal Battles

Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Miles Parks
Timestamp: [01:25 - 01:40]

The Vatican’s concession highlighted the finality of the election process. Shifting focus to American politics, North Carolina’s last contested statewide race of the 2024 cycle concluded with the loss of Republican Jefferson Griffin to Democrat Alison Riggs by over 700 votes.
Miles Parks explained, “Jefferson Griffin... filed multiple legal challenges, including one aimed at disqualifying votes in Democratic strongholds” [01:40].
These challenges raised alarms among democracy experts who perceived them as influenced by former President Donald Trump's 2020 election denial. Ultimately, a federal district judge appointed by Trump certified Riggs' victory, with Griffin agreeing to respect the decision: “Griffin says he will respect that decision” [01:40].

3. Federal Reserve Maintains Steady Interest Rates Amid Trade Tensions

Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Scott Horsley
Timestamp: [02:23 - 02:43]

On the first day requiring Real ID-compliant documentation at U.S. airports, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady.
Scott Horsley reported, “Fed policymakers voted unanimously to hold their benchmark interest rate unchanged” [02:43].
This decision comes in the wake of President Trump’s imposing of a 10% tax on nearly all U.S. imports and a 145% tariff on most imports from China. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell warned that these tariffs could lead to “higher prices and slower economic growth, at least in the short run” [02:43].
With inflation slightly above target and unemployment at a low 4.2% last month, the Fed’s decision aims to balance economic stability amid ongoing trade disputes.

4. Aviation Safety Enhancements at Newark Airport

Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: [Unnamed]
Timestamp: [03:21]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively addressing safety issues at Newark Airport.
Initial measures include upgrading radar data technology for air traffic controllers. Furthermore, the FAA is set to announce a multi-billion dollar plan aimed at comprehensive upgrades to the nation’s air traffic control system.
These efforts gain urgency following a tragic January mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., involving a passenger plane and an army helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities. The incident has intensified scrutiny over aviation safety protocols.

5. Harvey Weinstein’s New Accuser Testifies in Second New York Trial

Host: Jack Spear
Reporter: Ilya Merritz
Timestamp: [04:08 - 04:44]

In Harvey Weinstein’s second trial in New York, new accuser Kaya Sokola took the stand, adding to the gravity of the proceedings.
Ilya Merritz reported, “Prosecutors say Kaya Sokola was about 20 years old when Weinstein assaulted her in a Hotel in 2006” [04:08].
Sokola recounted her early modeling success and subsequent move to Paris and New York for work.
“She'll be back on the stand Thursday,” Merritz noted, highlighting that Sokola is the only new accuser in this trial, following six female accusers in Weinstein’s first 2020 trial.
Despite the new testimonies, Weinstein maintains his innocence, although his previous conviction was overturned on procedural grounds, keeping the legal battles ongoing.

6. Alabama's New Regulations on Student Cell Phone Use

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:44 - 05:03]

Alabama is poised to join other states in restricting student cell phone usage in K-12 public schools.
Jack Spear reported, “The Alabama Senate voted for the bill that would ban cell phones in K12 public schools unless the devices are stored in a locker, a car or some other location measure” [04:44].
The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature, reflecting a broader national trend towards limiting distractions and improving academic environments by controlling mobile device usage during school hours.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulated significant global and national developments, from the mysteries of the Vatican conclave to critical updates in American politics, economic policies, aviation safety, high-profile legal battles, and educational reforms. Each segment provided listeners with concise yet thorough insights into pressing issues shaping the world on May 7, 2025.