NPR News Now: April 6, 2025, 7 PM EDT

The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. President Trump's Tariffs Remain Unwavering Amid Unpopularity

Reporter: Mara Liasson
Hosts: Jeanine Herbst

President Donald Trump's implementation of tariffs continues to face significant disapproval from the American public. Despite voter sentiment and market reactions, the administration shows no signs of reversing these policies.

• Public and Market Response:

  • A majority of Americans express disapproval of Trump's tariffs.
  • The S&P 500 has declined by 15% since Trump's inauguration.

• Trump’s Stance:

  • Quote: “My policies will never change.”
    Timestamp: [00:28]
  • Contrary to previous administrations where negative feedback from markets or voters led to policy reversals, Trump's advisors confirm a steadfast commitment to the current tariff strategy.

• Rationale Behind Tariffs:

  • The White House has presented mixed justifications for the tariffs:
    • Economic Revival: Aimed at bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.
    • Fiscal Goals: Intended to generate hundreds of billions of dollars to fund tax cuts and balance the budget.
    • Negotiation Tactic: At times suggested as a leverage tool in international trade negotiations.

Economic Indicators:

• U.S. crude oil futures have also fallen by 3.6%, reflecting broader economic uncertainties tied to the administration's policies.

2. Federal Pressure Mounts on Universities Over Compliance Issues

Reporter: Alyssa Nadworny
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Academic institutions are under intense scrutiny as federal authorities investigate dozens of colleges and universities for alleged discrimination against Jewish students and non-compliance with President Trump’s interpretation of civil rights laws.

• Investigations and Probes:

  • Institutions like Harvard University and Columbia University are being reviewed for billions in funding compliance.

• University Leaders' Response:

  • Mary Dana Hinton, President of Holland University:
    Quote: “It feels like you have to be the calm in the center of a storm.”
    Timestamp: [01:55]
  • Leaders are proactively engaging with Washington officials to advocate the essential role of universities in the national economy and societal development.

3. Severe Flooding Claims Lives and Displaces Residents in Kentucky

Reporter: Karen Zahr
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Four days of relentless rain have led to catastrophic flooding across multiple states, resulting in at least 18 fatalities. Kentucky has been particularly hard-hit, with Governor Andy Beshear urging residents to seek higher ground.

• Flood Impact:

  • Numerous roads remain closed due to rising water levels.
  • Approximately 250 barricades have been deployed to manage and divert traffic safely.

• Governor's Statement:

  • Andy Beshear:
    Quote: “The rivers haven't crested in many areas of the state. And so there are a day, if not several days left on this event.”
    Timestamp: [02:43]

• Rescue Efforts:

  • Swiftwater rescue teams are operating around the clock.
  • Tragic incidents include the deaths of a nine-year-old boy swept away near a bus stop and a 74-year-old individual found in a submerged vehicle.

4. UConn Women's Basketball Secures Historic Championship Victory

Reporter: Steve Futterman
Host: Jeanine Herbst

The University of Connecticut (UConn) triumphs in the women's college basketball championship, marking a significant milestone in the program's illustrious history.

• Game Highlights:

  • Final Score: UConn defeated South Carolina 82-59.
  • The Huskies established a comfortable lead, maintaining and expanding a 10-point advantage by halftime.

• Key Players:

  • Az Fudd and Sarah Strong: Each contributed 24 points.
  • Paige Beckers: Scored 17 points in her final college game, securing the elusive national championship.

• Historic Achievement:

  • This victory marks UConn's 12th national title in women's basketball.
  • UConn becomes the first basketball program, both men’s and women’s, to achieve a dozen championships.

Significance:

• The win not only enhances UConn's legacy but also highlights the enduring strength and dominance of their women's basketball program.

5. Blockbuster Weekend at the Box Office with "Minecraft" Leading the Charge

Reporter: Jeanine Herbst

The weekend box office saw a record-breaking debut for the "Minecraft" movie, surpassing previous video game adaptations in popularity and revenue.

• Top Grossing Films:

  1. "Minecraft" Movie:

     • Estimated Sales: $157 million
     • Remark: Biggest release of the year, breaking the previous video game adaptation record held by the "Super Mario Brothers" movie.

  2. "A Working Man":

     • Starring: Jason Statham
     • Genre: Action
     • Sales: $7.3 million in its second weekend.

  3. "The Last Supper – Second Installment":

     • Sales: $7 million
     • Note: The third and final batch of episodes is scheduled to arrive in theaters the following weekend.

Industry Impact:

• The success of "Minecraft" underscores the lucrative potential of adapting popular video games into mainstream films, setting a new benchmark for future projects in the genre.

For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.