NPR News Now: Detailed Summary for May 8, 2025, 5PM EDT

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the day's most pressing events, ranging from significant religious milestones and international trade developments to notable legal cases and cultural announcements. Below is a detailed overview of the key topics covered in the episode released on May 8, 2025.

1. Historic Papal Election: Robert Previo Becomes Pope Leo XIV

NPR began the broadcast with the momentous announcement of Robert Previo's election as the new pope, marking a historic first for an American pontiff leading the Roman Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion members.

Key Highlights:

• Celebration in St. Peter's Square: The crowd erupted in cheers as Pope Robert Previo, a Chicago-born missionary, was unveiled as Pope Leo XIV. This event was particularly significant as it highlights the global and inclusive nature of the Catholic Church.

• Pope's Appeal for Unity: In his inaugural remarks, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of building bridges and fostering dialogue. At [00:52], Pope Francis’s message was echoed: “Help us and all others to build bridges with dialogue, with meeting to be one common people living always in peace.”

• Background and Legacy: At 69 years old, Leo is perceived as a balanced figure capable of bridging conservative and liberal factions within the Church. Carrie Kahn of NPR detailed his extensive service in Peru, where he became a naturalized citizen and left a legacy as a “faithful, accessible religious servant” ([01:10]). His humble image has resonated globally, with Peruvian supporters celebrating his roots through memes featuring him in national attire ([01:32]).

2. US-UK Limited Trade Deal Reached

The episode reported on a significant development in international trade, where the United States and the United Kingdom have agreed on a limited trade deal aimed at easing the tensions caused by previous tariffs.

Key Highlights:

• Details of the Agreement: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deal from a car factory in the Midlands at [02:26], stating, “Britain is the first country to secure such a deal with the US.” The agreement eliminates US tariffs on British steel and aluminum and reduces tariffs on most British cars from 27.5% to 10%. In exchange, the UK removes tariffs on US ethanol imports.

• US Presidential Endorsement: President Trump lauded the deal, highlighting enhanced market access for US beef and machinery. He noted that “final details are still being written up” ([02:34]).

• Economic Impact: The trade deal is seen as a step towards stabilizing economic relations between the two nations amidst global uncertainties, as mentioned by Starmer at [02:39].

3. Financial Markets and Technological Advancements

NPR provided an update on the financial markets and significant discussions surrounding technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Highlights:

• Mortgage Rates and Stock Market: The average 30-year mortgage rate remained steady at 6.76% ([03:09]), while the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 254 points.

• Tech Sector on Capitol Hill: Executives from Microsoft and Advanced Micro Devices testified before lawmakers about the transformative potential and risks associated with AI. Consensus emerged on AI's significant impact on business, culture, and geopolitics, indicating a unified recognition of its importance ([03:09]).

4. Legal Battle Against Smokey Robinson

A notable legal case was highlighted, involving allegations of sexual assault against R&B legend Smokey Robinson.

Key Highlights:

• Lawsuit Details: Four former housekeepers filed a lawsuit accusing Robinson of repeated rape and sexual assault dating back to 2007. The plaintiffs allege that Robinson, along with his wife Frances Robinson, orchestrated these assaults, with claims that Frances was aware and complicit ([04:04]).

• Defense Stance: Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, vehemently denied the allegations, describing the lawsuit as “an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon” and labeling the claims as “false and vile” ([04:04]).

• Public and Legal Implications: The case has sparked discussions on accountability and the protection of individuals from abuse, even those with significant cultural impact.

5. The Who Announces Final North American Tour

Concluding the episode on a cultural note, the legendary British rock band The Who announced their final farewell tour in North America.

Key Highlights:

• Tour Details: Frontman Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townsend confirmed the tour, aptly named "The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour", in reference to their 1971 hit ([04:41]). The tour is set to commence in August and conclude in Las Vegas later in the fall.

• Legacy and Final Performances: This announcement marks the end of The Who’s six-decade-long career, promising fans a nostalgic and powerful series of performances featuring their most beloved hits.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and in-depth coverage of global events, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments across various spheres.