NPR News Now: May 8, 2025, 12AM EDT

Hosted by NPR

1. President Trump's Upcoming Trade Deal Announcement

Shea Stevens opens the episode by reporting that President Donald Trump is set to announce a trade deal on Thursday, marking the first agreement since the implementation of US tariffs on global imports. The specifics of the involved country remain undisclosed.

Shea Stevens [00:18]: "In what would be the first agreement since US Tariffs on global imports took effect, President Trump says he will announce a trade deal on Thursday."

Despite the potential positive development, NPR’s Emily Fang highlights that many Americans are currently bearing the brunt of the existing tariffs.

2. The Impact of Tariffs on American Consumers and Businesses

Emily Fang delves into the tangible effects of tariffs on everyday Americans. NPR conducted a survey requesting shopping bills from U.S. residents, revealing significant financial burdens due to increased costs.

• Consumer Hardships:
  Sandy Alonso, a respondent, shared her distress over a wheelchair purchase exclusively manufactured in China. Facing a staggering 145% tariff, she incurred nearly $6,000, with $3,500 attributable solely to tariffs.

  Sandy Alonso [01:09]: "I'm just sitting here going, wow, I, I can't believe I've just paid this much for this chair."

• Small Business Struggles:
  Small business owners reported having to pass on price hikes to customers, further exacerbating economic strains.

Fang underscores that while sharing tariff data can be politically sensitive, the evidence points to a significant cost increase for Americans.

Emily Fang [01:15]: "Small businesses also sent in screenshots of new price hikes they've had to pass on to customers."

3. House Republicans Propose Public Land Sale Amid Tax Cut Plan

Returning to Shea Stevens, the focus shifts to domestic policy, where House Republicans have introduced a proposal to sell thousands of acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah as part of a comprehensive tax cut plan. The land sales aim to facilitate economic development, mining, and infrastructure projects, with portions earmarked for affordable housing initiatives.

Shea Stevens [01:26]: "The proposal calls for the sale of thousands of acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah. The land could be used for economic development, mining and infrastructure projects, but some partials would also be considered for building affordable housing."

4. Legal Outcomes in the Tyre Nichols Case

Shea Stevens reports on the acquittal of three former police officers charged with state-level offenses related to the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. Despite state-level acquittals, all five officers involved have been convicted on federal charges.

Shea Stevens [01:26]: "In Memphis, three former police officers have been acquitted of state charges stemming from the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old motorist was pepper-sprayed and hit with batons after fleeing a traffic stop. All five officers involved in the incident have been convicted of federal charges."

5. The Ongoing Papal Conclave and Election of Pope Francis’s Successor

NPR’s Jason DeRose provides an update on the clandestine meetings of the 133 cardinal electors at the Sistine Chapel, tasked with electing a new pope. The process is shrouded in tradition and religious significance, with “black smoke” signaling continued deliberations.

Jason DeRose [02:27]: "Black smoke emanated from the chimney of the chapel late Wednesday after the first round of voting following a day of religious rituals."

DeRose outlines the key considerations facing the cardinals, including whether to continue Pope Francis's reforms, opt for a more conservative direction akin to Benedict XVI, or pursue a balanced approach. The cardinals emphasize the spiritual nature of their mission, viewing the election as choosing the successor to St. Peter rather than merely to Pope Francis.

Jason DeRose [02:27]: "Those are political considerations. And the cardinals also view this as a profound, profoundly religious, spiritual time. They believe the Holy Spirit is helping them discern God's will."

6. President Trump Nominates Wellness Influencer as Surgeon General

Shea Stevens announces that President Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, to serve as the Surgeon General. Trump lauds Means for her "impeccable credentials" aimed at making America healthier and highlights her close relationship with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. This nomination follows the withdrawal of Trump's initial candidate due to concerns over her medical education.

Shea Stevens [03:09]: "President Trump has nominated a wellness influencer to become surgeon general. Trump says Dr. Casey Means has impeccable credentials to make America healthy again."

7. Weight Watchers Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

NPR’s Yuki Noguchi reports that Weight Watchers has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing overwhelming debt and declining customer interest as major factors.

Yuki Noguchi [03:55]: "Weight Watchers was started by a housewife struggling with overeating in the 1960s. It gained a worldwide following using a method to track food intake, using a point system and encouraging members to attend regular support meetings to stay on track."

The company faces competition from newer obesity medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, which have diverted customers away from traditional weight loss programs. Weight Watchers aims to eliminate over a billion dollars in debt while continuing its operations by pivoting towards telehealth services that offer prescriptions for these medications.

Yuki Noguchi [03:55]: "Weight Watchers hopes to shed over a billion dollars in debt in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. While it continues operations, the company is trying to pivot by focusing more on offering telehealth prescriptions for the newer drugs."

8. Disney's Financial Turnaround and Future Expansion Plans

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens covers Disney's impressive second-quarter performance. The entertainment conglomerate reported substantial profits and revenue, reversing a $20 million loss from the previous year. Disney successfully added over one million subscribers during this period and generated more than $3 billion in the first three months of the year.

Shea Stevens [04:34]: "Disney posted profits and revenue in the second quarter. The entertainment giant added well over 1 million subscribers during the period. It earned over $3 billion in the first three months of the year, a turnaround from Disney's $20 million loss in 2024."

Additionally, Disney has unveiled plans to build a new waterfront theme park in Abu Dhabi, signaling continued global expansion and investment in new attractions.

Shea Stevens [04:34]: "Disney has also announced plans to build a waterfront theme park in Abu Dhabi."

This summary was compiled from the NPR News Now episode released on May 8, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.