NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 9, 2025

Released on May 9, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5-minute news update

1. Notable Passings and Papal Transition

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Passes Away

NPR reports the passing of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter at the age of 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 with Republican support, Justice Souter garnered attention for his unexpected liberal leanings on the bench. His tenure was marked by significant decisions that often aligned him with the court's liberal faction, surprising many of his conservative backers. Justice Souter retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of judicial independence and thoughtful deliberation.

Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass

In Vatican news, the recently appointed Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel today. The Vatican has announced that his official installation will take place during a mass on Sunday, May 18. This marks the beginning of his papacy, which is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives to the Catholic Church's global initiatives.

2. Russia Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Victory in WWII

Vladimir Putin’s Address in Moscow

As Russia marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, President Vladimir Putin addressed crowds in Moscow. Speaking through a BBC interpreter at [01:02], Putin stated:

"All of us are filled by feelings of joy and sadness, of pride and gratitude. We bow our heads to the generation that crushed Nazism at the cost of millions of lives, the one peace and freedom for the whole of humanity."

However, Putin's commemorative remarks are overshadowed by ongoing tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the complex interplay between historical remembrance and current geopolitical conflicts.

3. U.S. Policy Update: Refugee Status for White South Africans

Granting Refugee Status Amidst Controversy

The Trump administration is set to grant refugee status to over 50 white South Africans, with arrivals expected at Dallas Airport as early as Monday. NPR's Kate Buttit reports [01:42] that this decision follows an executive order signed three months ago, which claims that Afrikaners face persecution in South Africa. Afrikaners, descendants of mainly Dutch colonists, have been granted the ability to apply for asylum in the United States.

However, the South African government disputes these claims, asserting there is no evidence of persecution and accusing the U.S. administration of propagating disinformation. Three sources within the U.S. government, who requested anonymity, confirmed the arrangements to NPR.

4. U.S.-China Trade Relations Influence Market Movements

Stock Markets Rise as Trade Talks Loom

U.S. stock markets opened higher this morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up by approximately 100 points, as preparations for upcoming trade talks between the U.S. and China take center stage. NPR's Scott Horsley reports [02:23] that U.S. officials are scheduled to meet with their Chinese counterparts in Geneva this weekend.

President Trump has suggested reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 80%, though this remains significantly higher than typical import taxes. In response, China reported over a 20% drop in exports to the U.S. last month due to intensified trade tensions. While China has redirected exports to other markets, the overall export costs have risen, adversely affecting global trade dynamics.

Additionally, the trade war is impacting international travel, with Expedia noting a nearly 30% decrease in bookings to the U.S. from Canada.

“China says exports to the U.S. dropped more than 20% last month after Trump intensified his trade war,” – Scott Horsley [02:31].

5. Legal Proceedings and Electoral Laws in the U.S.

Deportation Hearing for Rameza Ozturk

A federal judge in Vermont is conducting a hearing concerning Tufts University doctoral student Rameza Ozturk, whom the Trump administration seeks to deport. NPR's Korva Coleman reports [03:12] that a federal appeals court has mandated the relocation of Ozturk from detention in Louisiana to Vermont while her case is under review. Notably, Ozturk has not been charged with any crime and is being deported following the publication of an essay criticizing her university's stance on the war in Gaza.

State-Level Restrictions on Ballot Measures

Several U.S. states are enacting new laws that restrict voters from placing certain issues on their ballots. NPR's Ashley Lopez covers this development [03:12], highlighting that Republican lawmakers argue these measures are necessary to prevent voter fraud and misinformation.

Kelly Hall from the Fairness Project, which advocates for economic and social justice through ballot initiatives, comments [03:54]:

"Laws limiting citizen-led ballot initiatives are not new, but her group is seeing more of them this year than ever before."

Ashley Lopez adds [04:08] that these legislative changes largely respond to the high-profile nature of reproductive rights ballot measures. States like Arkansas and Florida have already implemented such restrictions, citing the prevention of misleading voters and fraud. However, both states are currently facing legal challenges to these new laws, particularly as they have been used to counter citizen-led efforts to secure abortion rights protections through ballot initiatives last year.

6. Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Renewed Hostilities and Military Actions

India and Pakistan have reignited their long-standing conflict, engaging in attacks involving drones, projectiles, and military aircraft. This latest round of hostilities targets regions that have remained largely untouched for approximately half a decade. Korva Coleman reports [04:36] that India initiated these aggressive actions as retaliation for the killing of 26 tourists, signaling a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical global and domestic issues, from significant political shifts and international relations to legal battles and economic policies. With incisive reporting and timely updates, listeners are kept informed on matters that shape both national and international landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Vladimir Putin at Moscow Rally [01:02]:

  "All of us are filled by feelings of joy and sadness, of pride and gratitude. We bow our heads to the generation that crushed Nazism at the cost of millions of lives, the one peace and freedom for the whole of humanity."

This summary provides a detailed account of the NPR News Now episode from May 9, 2025, encapsulating essential news topics, insightful discussions, and significant developments across various sectors.