NPR News Now: May 9, 2025 – Comprehensive Episode Summary
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host: Dave Mattingly
Duration: 5 Minutes
Title: NPR News: 05-09-2025 5AM EDT
1. Historic Election: Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV's First Mass and Significance
The episode opens with Dave Mattingly announcing a historic moment for the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV is celebrating his first Mass following his election yesterday, marking a significant milestone as he is the first American to ascend to the papacy. Cardinal Robert Prevost, the newly elected pope, holds the distinction of being the first American leader of the Catholic Church.
Sylvia Paggioli provides historical context, highlighting that the previous Pope Leo was Leo XIII. Leo XIII was known for his 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers' rights, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the establishment of trade unions. This document positioned the Catholic Church against both socialism and laissez-faire capitalism, laying the foundation for the Church's social doctrine. Leo XIII earned the titles "the Social Pope" and "the Workers Pope" for his advocacy on these issues.
Celebrations in Chicago: Michael Puente's Report
Catholics in the Chicago area are particularly jubilant, celebrating Pope Leo XIV as a native of the Windy City. Michael Puente of member station WBEZ reports from Chicago, detailing the local reactions to the pope's election.
Mary Simons (01:51): "I found out that the pope was from here. This is his church. I said I better get over there because it's very exciting. It's a historical moment."
Many residents stopped by St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Dalton, the pope's former parish, to take pictures, pray, and express their emotions. The community hopes the church will reopen and be transformed into a basilica, honoring Pope Leo XIV's legacy.
2. Presidential Appointment: Jeanine Pirro Named Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C.
Trump's Appointment of Pirro
In a significant political move, Dave Mattingly reports that President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host and former judge and prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. This decision follows Trump's withdrawal of his initial nominee, Ed Martin.
Elena Moore elaborates on the appointment:
President Trump (02:28): In a social media post, Trump praised Pirro, stating she is "incredibly well qualified for this position."
Background on Pirro and Controversies
Jeanine Pirro previously served as the district attorney of Westchester County in New York but left the position two decades ago. Since then, she has become a prominent figure on Fox News and other conservative media outlets. Pirro is known for her strong support of President Trump and has been a vocal advocate for his policies. Notably, she promoted unfounded claims regarding the 2020 presidential election results, challenging their legitimacy.
As of the podcast's release, it remains unclear when the Senate will review Pirro's nomination to serve as the interim U.S. attorney for the nation's capital.
3. Political Developments: Firing of Carla Hayden and Wisconsin's Congressional Map Lawsuit
Democrats' Reaction to Firing of Carla Hayden
The episode highlights Democratic backlash against President Trump's decision to dismiss Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress. Hayden holds the distinction of being the first woman and first African American to serve in this prestigious role. Her termination has sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, who view it as a politically motivated move undermining a historic figure in the nation's library system.
Wisconsin Lawsuit for Redistricting: Mayan Silver's Report
A significant legal battle is unfolding in Wisconsin, where a group of Democratic voters is petitioning the state Supreme Court to declare the current congressional district maps unconstitutional. Mayan Silver from member station WUWM reports from Milwaukee:
Mayan Silver (03:34): "The lawsuit seeks to have the state's eight congressional district lines redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterms. Republicans currently hold six of eight congressional districts, even though Wisconsin is relatively evenly split in national and statewide elections."
The plaintiffs argue that following the state's 2023 decision to redraw legislative district maps, there is now an opportunity to revisit the boundaries for U.S. House districts. This challenge comes after a similar lawsuit was dismissed last year.
Perspectives from J.R. Ross
J.R. Ross, editor of WizPolitics.com, provides insight into the potential legal ramifications:
J.R. Ross (04:06): "State court, you could get the U.S. Supreme Court involved. And if that happened, it makes it really, really tough to see new lines in place for 2026."
This statement underscores the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the lawsuit, suggesting that the process could face significant judicial hurdles before any redistricting could take place.
4. Legal Update: Charges Against Father in Madison School Shooting
Details of the Shooting and Charges Filed
The episode also covers a tragic incident from the previous year—a deadly shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Dave Mattingly reports that prosecutors in Wisconsin are now filing charges against the father of the teenage girl who perpetrated the attack. During the mass shooting, a student and a teacher were killed in a study hall, and six others sustained injuries.
Prosecutors' Claims
Jeffrey Rupp, the father, faces two felony charges:
- Intentionally Giving a Dangerous Weapon to a Person Under the Age of 18
- Causing Death and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child
Prosecutors allege that Rupp provided his daughter with access to semi-automatic pistols, facilitating the tragic events. These charges highlight the legal accountability being pursued in the aftermath of the shooting.
This episode of NPR News Now presents a blend of global religious milestones, significant political appointments, contentious legal battles, and a sobering update on a local tragedy. By weaving together these diverse stories, the podcast offers listeners a comprehensive snapshot of the day's most pressing issues.