NPR News Now: May 8, 2025, 4 PM EDT

On this episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Lakshmi Singh, listeners are brought up to speed with the day's most pressing global and national events. From historic papal announcements to international trade negotiations, escalating regional conflicts, environmental health concerns, major philanthropic commitments, and notable movements in the stock market, the episode delivers a comprehensive overview of current affairs.

1. A Historic Papal Election: Pope Leo XIV

NPR's Sara Ventri provides live coverage from St. Peter's Square, capturing the jubilant atmosphere as Cardinal Robert Prevost is elected as the new pope, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. This marks a significant moment as he becomes the first American pope.

Sara Ventri [00:45]: "People all around St. Peter's Square are stopping and talking to one another. They are clapping. They are cheering. Some are really emotional. I saw one woman sitting on the steps on the edge of St. Peter's Square just crying, and everyone is really surprised."

In an analysis of Pope Leo XIV's selection, Father Timothy Kosicki, former president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United, reflects on the implications of this historic choice.

Father Timothy Kosicki [01:34]: "Leo XIII also wrote an encyclical letter called Rerum Novarum, which is really the quintessential start of Catholic social teaching. So I think connecting to the author of Rerum Novarum and someone who has given his life to faith and justice is a very powerful testament to what his papacy will reveal."

This election symbolizes a blend of tradition and progressive values, with Pope Leo XIV poised to influence both religious and global sociopolitical landscapes.

2. US-UK Trade Deal Under the Spotlight

In a significant development, President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom. This deal is noteworthy as it is the first major agreement following Trump's initiation of a global trade war.

NPR's Tamara Keith elaborates on the details and current status of the agreement:

Tamara Keith [02:46]: "Will open up markets for American agricultural goods like beef and ethanol, while the US would lower tariffs on vehicles from the UK, think Rolls Royce. But Trump is leaving in place a 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S."

Despite the optimistic outlook, President Trump acknowledges that the deal is not yet finalized.

President Trump [02:31]: "The final details are being written up in the coming weeks. We'll have it all very conclusive, but the actual deal is a very conclusive one. We think just about everything's been approved so good for both countries, the agreement."

The agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade, benefiting key sectors while maintaining certain protective tariffs to safeguard domestic industries.

3. Escalating Tensions: Pakistan and India's Military Engagements

The episode highlights renewed hostilities between Pakistan and India, marking the most significant missile exchanges in over half a century. Pakistan's army spokesman reported that his country successfully downed a dozen Indian military drones responsible for attacking civilians and injuring four Pakistani soldiers.

Lakshmi Singh [03:03]: "Pakistan's army spokesman [said] his country shot down a dozen Indian military drones that had killed a civilian and injured four Pakistani soldiers. This comes after India's most significant missile attacks on Pakistan in more than 50 years."

This surge in military activity raises alarms about regional stability and the potential for broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

4. Rising Concerns Over Microplastics and Human Health

Environmental health takes center stage as research into the impacts of microplastics on human health continues to evolve. This growing concern is influencing household practices, particularly among home cooks and professional chefs who are increasingly limiting their use of plastics around food.

NPR's Joe Hernandez reports on actionable steps individuals can take to reduce plastic exposure in the kitchen:

Joe Hernandez [03:44]: "If you want to reduce plastics in the kitchen, there are a few things you can do."

He references Anne Marie Bonneau's book, The Zero Waste Chef, which offers practical advice for minimizing plastic use.

Tamara Keith [03:52]: "Store food in glass or metal. Save all your jars."

Chef Edward Lee exemplifies these practices at his restaurant, Chia, where he has eliminated plastics entirely.

Joe Hernandez [03:59]: "Chef Edward Lee ditched plastics at his restaurant Chia, including squeeze bottles. Sauces are now stored elsewhere, and vinaigrettes are made as needed."

Sara Ventri [04:12]: "All our vinaigrettes are fresher because we have to make them to order."

While advocating for reduced plastic use, Hernandez emphasizes practicality:

Joe Hernandez [04:16]: "Bono says if you do ditch plastic, don't worry about every last item. These days, it's pretty hard to avoid."

This segment underscores the balance between environmental responsibility and everyday feasibility.

5. Bill Gates' Monumental Philanthropic Plan

In a notable philanthropic move, Microsoft founder Bill Gates has announced his intention to donate 99% of his remaining fortune, estimated at over $100 billion, to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the next two decades. The foundation plans to continue supporting its partners and grantees, particularly those focusing on global health initiatives, before eventually closing after completing its mission.

Lakshmi Singh [04:25]: "Microsoft founder Bill Gates says that he plans to donate 99% of his remaining fortune, estimated at more than $100 billion, to the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years. The foundation says it plans to continue supporting its partners and grantees, including those working to improve global health, before it closes."

This unprecedented pledge highlights Gates' commitment to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges through sustained philanthropic efforts.

6. Positive Movements in the US Stock Market

Concluding the episode, financial news reports indicate a positive trend in the US stock market. Major indices closed higher:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 254 points (+0.5%) to 41,300 DOL.
• NASDAQ: Increased by more than 1%.
• S&P 500: Climbed roughly half a percent.

Lakshmi Singh [04:25]: "US Stocks have ended the day higher, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 254 points, or more than half a percent, to end the day at 41,300 DOL. The NASDAQ was up more than 1%. The S&P climbed roughly half a percent."

This uptick reflects investor confidence and positive market sentiments amid ongoing economic developments.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode offers a rich and engaging synthesis of significant global and national events. From the election of Pope Leo XIV and the intricacies of US-UK trade negotiations to the tense reconfrontation between Pakistan and India, the environmental push against microplastics, Bill Gates' colossal philanthropic endeavor, and optimistic trends in the stock market, listeners receive a thorough briefing designed to inform and enlighten.

By weaving in expert insights, firsthand reports, and notable quotes, NPR ensures that even those who haven't tuned into the episode can grasp the complexities and implications of each story.