NPR News Now: April 6, 2025, 3 AM EDT
Host: Dale Willman
Release Date: April 6, 2025
Protests Against Government Downsizing
Hundreds of thousands of Americans mobilized across the nation on Saturday to protest against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk's initiatives aimed at reducing the size of the federal government. The largest demonstrations took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where California Democratic Congressman Eric Smallwell addressed the crowd.
Eric Smallwell expressed his enthusiasm about the widespread support, stating, “[00:35] If this was the only place that it was happening, that'd be inspiring. But it's happening in a thousand plus communities across America, and so that is invigorating.” These protests signify a substantial opposition to the proposed governmental changes, reflecting a nationwide concern over potential policy shifts.
In Brattleboro, Vermont, the protests featured poignant messages such as one individual holding a sign that read, “[00:43] Voted for cheap eggs and got a recession,” highlighting public dissatisfaction with economic policies and their perceived impacts on everyday life.
Israeli Politics and Netanyahu-Trump Meeting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., this week in an effort to negotiate the reversal of new tariffs imposed by the United States on Israeli imports. This meeting marks the first engagement between Trump and a world leader since these tariffs were enacted.
Daniel Estrin of NPR reports from Tel Aviv on the geopolitical tensions surrounding this meeting:
“[01:10] Netanyahu is currently in Hungary. When he arrived this week, Hungary withdrew from the International Criminal Court. The court has an arrest warrant out for Netanyahu for alleged crimes in the Gaza war.” This development underscores the complex interplay between international relations and domestic policies affecting Netanyahu’s leadership.
Additionally, Netanyahu has announced the deployment of Israeli troops to a new security corridor in southern Gaza, known as the Moreg corridor. This strategic move aims to isolate the city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza, with Israel already ordering evacuations from the region. The White House confirmed the upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, emphasizing its significance amidst rising tensions.
Severe Flooding in the United States
The Midwest and parts of the Southern United States have been grappling with devastating floods and tornadoes, resulting in at least 16 fatalities this week. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about continued heavy rainfall, predicting that river levels in certain areas will keep rising.
In Kentucky, the situation is particularly dire. Karen Zar of WUKY reports from Lexington on the ongoing flooding:
“[02:14] Norman Jenkins has lived in central Kentucky for more than five decades and has seen his share of flooding. He surveyed what I thought was the nearby creek.”
Norman Jenkins adds poignantly, “[02:26] No, no, no. The runoff across the road.” The rising waters have submerged critical infrastructure, including roads that are the only access points to nearby subdivisions. Jenkins ominously forecasts further deterioration, saying, “[02:39] I'm looking forward tonight to get really bad.” Earlier incidents include the tragic loss of a nine-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters and the discovery of a 74-year-old's body in a submerged vehicle. The state remains under flood watches and warnings, with residents bracing for more severe weather conditions.
Leadership Transformation in a British Family Trust
In a significant move towards diversity and inclusion, one of Britain’s wealthiest family trusts has overhauled its board of directors to welcome leaders of color. Vicki Barker reports from London on this transformative change:
“[03:23] In recent years, the family behind the $400 million Tudor trust had increasingly focused on issues of racial justice and they ultimately decided to be the change they wanted to see, seeking replacements who had both experience of and expertise in racism and colonialism.”
Of the eight new trustees appointed, only one remains white. The new CEO, a woman of South Asian descent, brings extensive experience in driving social change within charities and large organizations. Additionally, the board's new chairman is a black philanthropy advisor known for his writings on race in Britain. He succeeded the founder’s grandson, who expressed hope that other family trusts would emulate this progressive example.
Sad Loss in the Music World
The music community mourns the passing of Amadou Bagayako Mali, the singer and guitarist of the renowned duo Amadou and Mariam, who died at the age of 70 alongside his wife. The couple were celebrated for their contributions to world music, producing over ten award-winning albums. Notably, their 2008 album "Welcome to Mali" garnered nominations for the best Contemporary World Music Album at the Grammy Awards and won France’s equivalent of the American Grammy twice.
College Basketball Highlights
In sports news, the University of Florida is advancing to the NCAA men’s championship game following a dramatic 79-73 victory over Auburn on Saturday night. Walter Clayton Jr. played a pivotal role, scoring 34 points to secure the win. Concurrently, the University of Houston showcased a resilient performance by overcoming a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat Duke 70-67. The Blue Devils struggled offensively in the closing minutes, scoring only one field goal in the last ten and a half minutes, paving the way for Houston's triumph.
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