NPR News Now: April 5, 2025, 4 PM EDT

Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on national and international events, economic shifts, judicial decisions, humanitarian efforts, and sports highlights.

Protests Erupt in Washington Over Executive Actions

Timestamp: [00:26]

Thousands of demonstrators have congregated around the Washington Monument to voice their opposition to what they perceive as executive overreach by President Trump and his ally, billionaire Elon Musk. This protest is part of a broader movement against actions including trade tariffs, the dismissal of federal employees, and stringent immigration policies.

Notable Quote:

Austin Shriver [01:12]: "If the president can decide that he's gonna ignore the courts when they tell him he's doing the wrong thing, then the courts have no power to check the executive."

Emily Fang reports that this gathering is among over 1,000 protests planned nationwide, marking the first significant organized dissent against President Trump in his second term.

Stock Markets Plunge Following New Tariff Announcements

Timestamp: [01:29]

The stock markets experienced a sharp decline this week after President Trump declared a new series of tariffs targeting products from nearly all countries. In retaliation, China has imposed a substantial 34% tax on U.S. goods, effective next week.

Notable Quote:

Ron Elving [01:47]: "They say the retaliation we're seeing from China and elsewhere will be transitory. They say our trading partners will knuckle under and lower their own tariffs. And most important, they say American companies will bring home the jobs that they've shifted overseas and that other countries will shift their manufacturing to the US, creating jobs here rather than in their own countries."

Despite the immediate market turbulence, Trump remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of these tariffs, believing they will ultimately strengthen the U.S. economy by encouraging domestic job growth and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing.

Supreme Court Supports Trump Administration on DEI Grants

Timestamp: [02:09]

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with President Trump’s administration in a contentious dispute involving the Department of Education's freeze on grants deemed related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These grants, totaling $65 million, were intended for teacher training and professional development.

Notable Quote:

Nina Totenberg [02:35]: "At issue are grants totaling $65 million for teacher training and professional development... Chief Justice Roberts noted his disagreement. The other three dissenters were more pointed. They noted that not only was the TRO about to expire anyway, but that the court was making a mistake by making significant changes in the law with bare bones briefing, no argument and scarce time for reflection."

The Supreme Court's majority decision effectively blocked the lower court's temporary restraining order, despite dissenting opinions that criticized the abrupt legal maneuvering.

United Nations Appeals for Assistance in Earthquake-Stricken Myanmar

Timestamp: [03:20]

Tom Fletcher, the United Nations relief chief, is on the ground in Myanmar, urging global support to aid recovery efforts following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that resulted in over 3,300 fatalities last month. The United States' response has been notably limited due to the Trump administration's suspension of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary agency responsible for international disaster relief.

Additional Report: Reuters highlights that three U.S. aid workers who recently arrived in Myanmar to assist with the relief efforts have been notified of their termination, further complicating the humanitarian response.

Final Four Semifinals Highlight Rivalries and Underdogs in College Basketball

Timestamp: [04:12]

The excitement builds for tonight's Men's Final Four semifinals, featuring a face-off between Auburn and Florida, followed by a clash between Duke and Houston. Houston holds a particular narrative as a perennial contender without a national championship, making their seventh tournament appearance.

Notable Quotes:

Austin Shriver [04:12]: "College basketball has made it to the Final Four more times without winning a national championship than the Houston Cougars, who are making their seventh trip overall."

L.J. Cryer [04:12]: "It's part of the team culture to play with a chip on their shoulder because we are the overlooked players, the players that didn't get recruited by all the blue bloods and stuff like that. So you definitely gotta carry that on the court when you go out and play."

Houston's guard, L.J. Cryer, emphasizes the team's resilience and underdog mentality, which has been a driving force since their narrow exit against Duke in last year's Sweet 16 round. Meanwhile, the matchup between Florida and Auburn rekindles their rivalry, reminding fans of their recent February conference showdown won by the Florida Gators.

Women's Championship Preview: Additionally, the women's championship is set for tomorrow, featuring Connecticut against South Carolina, promising another high-stakes game in collegiate basketball.

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