NPR News Now: May 9, 2025 – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 9, 2025

1. Election of Pope Leo XIV

Shea Stevens opens the episode with groundbreaking news from Vatican City. After a two-day conclave, American missionary Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

• Shea Stevens [00:18]: "Cheers among the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square Thursday as white smoke billowed from the chimney at the Sistine Chapel. And after a second day of voting, the 133 cardinal electors chose American missionary Robert Prevost to succeed Pope Francis."

Interpreter's Message [00:44]: Through an interpreter, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity and peace:

• "Us and all others to build bridges with dialogue with meeting to be one common people living always in peace. Thank you to Pope Francis."

Reaction from Mexico City:

Ada Peralta reports from Mexico City, highlighting the joyous reception in one of the world's most Catholic nations.

• Ada Peralta [01:20]: "Faithful gathered in front of screenshots. And when the American Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo xiv, there was surprise. ... 61-year-old Josefina Contreras was shaking with emotion. 'The Lord did not punish us,' she said. 'The new pope spoke in Spanish. He cares about Latin America and he will stand up to President Trump.'"

Nota Bene: Contreras's remark about standing up to President Trump remains unverified independently.

2. US-UK Limited Trade Deal Announced

Shea Stevens transitions to international trade developments between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Lauren Freer brings insights from London, detailing the specifics of the new agreement.

• Keir Starmer [02:10]: "In an era of global insecurity and instability, that is so important."

Details of the Agreement [02:23]:

• Keir Starmer: "Britain is the first country to secure such a deal with the US."

  • The agreement eliminates US tariffs on British steel and aluminum.

  • Tariffs on most British cars are reduced from 27.5% to 10%.

• President Trump's Statement: Delivered via speakerphone from the Oval Office:

  • "It'll give US Companies better market access for beef and machinery and that final details are still being written up."

• Lauren Freer [02:53]: Concludes the report by highlighting the mutual benefits and ongoing finalization of the deal's details.

3. Pentagon Orders Transgender Service Members to Exit Military

Shea Stevens reports on a significant policy change affecting transgender individuals in the U.S. military.

• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hackeseth: Has mandated the Pentagon to begin the process of removing transgender service members, aligning with President Trump's ban on transgender troops.

  • Shea Stevens [02:53]: "Service members with gender dysphoria have 30 days to leave voluntarily or be dismissed."

4. Dismissal of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

Continuing on political shifts, Shea Stevens touches on a controversial decision by President Trump.

• Carla Hayden's Dismissal:

  • President Trump has removed Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, ahead of her term's natural expiration.

  • House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries: Praises Hayden's tenure.

    • Shea Stevens: "House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries calls Hayden accomplished, principled and distinguished, and says her dismissal is the latest effort to ban books."

5. NOAA to Defund Sea Ice Data Program

Environmental concerns take center stage as Shea Stevens reports on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) decision.

Shelby Herbert of KUAC provides an in-depth look at the implications of defunding the Sea Ice Index.

• Shelby Herbert [03:58]: "NOAA funds the Sea Ice Index, which is basically an interactive catalog of the long term retreat of Arctic sea ice updates stopped rolling in on Tuesday."

Climate Impact:

• Rick Thoman [04:18]: "The index allowed scientists to track how the ice was changing over time."

• Shelby Herbert [04:18]: "People ask me, you know, what's the sea ice concentration look like in the Bering Sea? What's the ice extent now compared to last year? In the short term, the answer is going to be we don't know."

• Rick Thoman [04:28]: Emphasizes the loss of a crucial tool for climate scientists studying the rapidly warming Arctic.

6. Entertainment Highlight: Lainey Wilson Named Entertainer of the Year

Concluding the episode on a lighter note, Shea Stevens shares exciting news from the world of country music.

• Shea Stevens [04:41]: "Singer songwriter Lainey Wilson has been named Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. The 60th Annual ACM Awards was again hosted by country music Legendary Reba McEntire."

Note: This summary excludes sponsor announcements and non-content segments to focus solely on the informative aspects of the podcast episode.