NPR News Now: May 9, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

Released May 9, 2025

1. Election of a New Pope: Pope Leo XIV

At 00:15, host Shea Stevens introduces the historic election of the new pope. Catholics worldwide are celebrating Cardinal Robert Prevost's ascension to the papacy. Cardinal Prevost, a Chicago native and missionary with decades of service in Peru, has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. NPR's Jason DeRose provides an in-depth analysis of Pope Leo XIV's perspectives and how they align with those of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.

Jason DeRose elaborates at 00:37:

"I think he resembles Francis in his commitment to the poor and to migrants, though he has been criticized for not doing enough to address clergy sexual abuse at the local level."

DeRose continues to discuss ongoing challenges within the church leadership globally, emphasizing Pope Leo XIV's vision for humility and proximity to the people:

"He told the Vatican news agency that a bishop is not supposed to be a little primitive sitting in his kingdom, but rather a church leader who's called to authentically be humble, to be close to the people he serves." (00:37)

2. Trump's Deportation Push Faces Challenges

Transitioning to national policy, at 01:05, Shea Stevens highlights growing concerns among immigration experts regarding the Trump administration's aggressive deportation strategy. NPR's Windsor Johnston reports on the administration's plan to deport migrants to Libya, a move that has sparked significant debate over its feasibility and legality.

Windsor Johnston details at 01:22:

"The Trump administration wants to use wartime era powers to deport certain migrants more quickly, but opponents say the legal and logistical barriers are steep."

Kathleen Bush Joseph from the Migration Policy Institute voices critical opposition at 01:41:

"We're really talking here about the bare minimum of process of handing people a piece of paper, letting their attorneys know where the government is planning on sending them, and then giving people time."

Despite the pushback, the Trump administration maintains that swift removals are essential for national security and deterring unlawful entry:

"The Trump administration argues that swift removals are necessary to maintain national security and to deter unlawful entry." (01:56)

3. State-Level Restrictions on Ballot Initiatives Intensify

At 02:07, Shea Stevens shifts focus to the evolving landscape of voting laws in the United States. Many states are enacting legislation aimed at restricting the ability of voters to propose issues on the ballot, a move predominantly spearheaded by Republican lawmakers who argue it is necessary to reduce voter fraud.

Ashley Lopez of NPR reports at 02:20:

"Kelly Hall is with the Fairness Project, a group that uses ballot measures to pass economic and social justice policies. She says laws limiting citizen-led ballot initiatives are not new, but her group is seeing more of them this year than ever before."

This trend is partly a reaction to highly publicized ballot measures related to reproductive rights. Windsor Johnston adds at 02:34:

"That is in no small measure, I think, a response to the high profile nature of reproductive rights ballot measures."

Ashley Lopez further explains the motivations behind these legislative changes at 02:43:

"Republican-led governments in Arkansas and Florida have already passed such laws, which they say prevents groups misleading voters and fraud. Both states had citizen-led efforts last year aimed at getting abortion rights protections passed through ballot measures."

These new restrictions are currently facing legal challenges, with opponents arguing they undermine democratic processes. Ashley Lopez concludes:

"The new restrictions in both states are also being challenged in court." (02:43)

4. Multiple National and International Developments

a. Firing of the Librarian of Congress

In a notable administrative shakeup, the White House has dismissed Dr. Carla Hyde, the Librarian of Congress. Representatives report that Hyde was informed of her termination via email on Thursday. The circumstances surrounding her dismissal remain unclear, prompting discussions about the future direction of the Library of Congress.

b. Self-Deportation of a University of Alabama Student

A significant case involves Areza Diroudi, a University of Alabama student who has opted to self-deport to Iran. Diroudi's attorney revealed that he is no longer facing the original charge that led to his arrest but chose to leave the United States to avoid prolonged legal battles. Notably, Diroudi’s visa was revoked in June 2023 under unspecified reasons, and his detention occurred in a facility over 300 miles away from his home in Alabama.

5. Deteriorating Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza Amid Blockade

At 03:02, Shea Stevens brings attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since Israel's comprehensive blockade of aid two months prior, numerous food kitchens have ceased operations, severely impacting the civilian population.

NPR’s Carrie Khan provides a detailed report at 03:59:

"Two Israeli airstrikes this week in and around Gaza City were particularly deadly. One at a UN school housing thousands of displaced Palestinians killed at least 33 people, say Gaza health officials. Another targeted a popular cafe used as an Internet hotspot. More than 30 people were killed there, according to Gaza's health ministry."

When questioned about the targets, the Israeli military did not provide specific responses but noted:

"It did say this week it killed a Hamas militant in Gaza City who participated in the abduction of an Israeli on October 7th of 2023."

The blockade has led to a shortage of essential supplies:

"The U. S. Based World Central Kitchen says it has no more food to distribute due to Israel's aid blockade." (03:59)

Health officials in Gaza report deteriorating conditions, with daily airstrikes exacerbating the crisis.

6. Financial Markets Update

In brief financial news, at 04:44, Shea Stevens reports that U.S. futures remained flat in after-hours trading on Wall Street, influenced by mixed performance in the Asian markets. Specifically, Shanghai's shares saw a modest decline.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant global and national events, from the election of a new pope and contentious immigration policies to evolving voting laws and a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Through expert interviews and on-the-ground reporting, listeners are offered deep insights into the complexities shaping today's world.

This summary was prepared based on the official transcript of the NPR News Now episode released on May 9, 2025.