NPR News Now: April 7, 2025, 6PM EDT
Host: Jack Spear
Publisher: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
1. Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Deportation Order for Maryland Resident
Reporter: Jasmine Garz
Timestamp: [00:00 - 00:45]
The Supreme Court has intervened in a case involving Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador last month. Garcia, who has resided in Maryland with legal protection for over a decade, was returned to his home country due to an administrative error admitted by the Trump administration.
Jasmine Garz reports that despite acknowledging the mistake, the administration has continued to assert that Garcia is affiliated with a gang. However, U.S. District Judge Paula Zinis found "no evidence" supporting this claim and ordered the Trump administration to reinstate Garcia in the United States by midnight on the day of the report.
In response, the Trump administration sought a Supreme Court injunction, labeling the lower court's decision as "absurd." Chief Justice John Roberts issued a brief order, stating, “Zinni’s order is stayed until the Supreme Court weighs in on the case,” and set a deadline for responses by 5 PM on Tuesday.
Notable Quote:
- Chief Justice John Roberts: “Zinni’s order is stayed until the Supreme Court weighs in on the case.” [00:45]
2. President Trump's Tariff Initiative Faces Legislative Pushback
Reporter: Claudio Grosales
Timestamp: [01:29 - 02:53]
Amidst global market instability, President Trump is steadfast in his commitment to imposing an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods. This move comes after China retaliated with 34% tariffs against the U.S., sparking international concern and uncertainty.
Claudio Grosales reports that several countries, including Japan, Israel, South Korea, and Pakistan, are sending officials to Washington to address the escalating tensions. President Trump indicated ongoing communications, stating, “I've spoken to Japan's prime minister today.” [02:09]
In response to the tariff threats, Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell introduced legislation requiring the president to negotiate with Congress before implementing new tariffs. This bipartisan effort has garnered support from both Democrats and a number of Republicans, including prominent figures like former Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski. Although the legislation faces significant challenges in the Republican-controlled House, it signifies a notable rift within the party regarding Trump's trade policies.
Notable Quotes:
- President Trump: “I've spoken to Japan's prime minister today.” [02:09]
3. Economic Indicators and Public Health Concerns
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [02:53 - 03:59]
The spring housing market is showing signs of becoming more favorable for buyers, primarily due to a substantial increase in housing inventory compared to the previous year. However, elevated mortgage rates continue to pose affordability challenges. Concurrently, the stock market remains volatile amid ongoing tariff tensions, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 349 points while the Nasdaq saw a minor increase of 15 points on the day.
In public health news, a measles outbreak has claimed three lives and spread across West Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The number of measles cases has more than doubled since last year, reversing the previous trend of eradication in the United States. Unvaccinated individuals, who are most vulnerable, face heightened risks as measles is a highly contagious airborne virus.
Notable Quote:
- Jack Spear: “The spring home buying market is shaping up to be a bit more favorable to buyers than perhaps it’s been that, of course, as long as they can afford to buy.” [02:53]
4. 'All Boys Aren’t Blue' Becomes Most Challenged Book in Libraries
Reporter: Andrew Limbong
Timestamp: [03:59 - 04:42]
The American Library Association (ALA) has released its annual report on the most challenged books in American libraries, revealing that George M. Johnson's memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue, has become the most challenged book of the year. Maya Kobabe's Genderqueer ranks second, while both Steph Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye are tied for third place.
The ALA's report highlights that over 70% of challenges to library materials originated from organized groups and elected officials, with parents and individual library users accounting for approximately 20%. This surge in book challenges coincides with President Trump's recent move to dissolve the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency responsible for federal funding to libraries.
Notable Quote:
- Andrew Limbong: “More than 70% of challenges... came from organized groups and elected officials.” [03:59]
5. Weather Disrupts Annual Masters Tournament at Augusta
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:42 - End]
The annual Masters Tournament at Augusta National has faced unexpected delays due to heavy rainfall and the threat of thunderstorms. Parking lots were closed, and a scheduled practice round was suspended, disrupting the event’s usual schedule. Despite the weather setbacks, conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, allowing the opening round of the storied golf tournament to proceed as planned on Thursday.
Notable Quote:
- Jack Spear: “The annual Masters tournament at Augusta National, heavy rain and a threat of thunderstorms closed parking lots and suspended today’s scheduled practice round.” [04:42]
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, ranging from legal battles and economic policies to public health crises and cultural debates. Through detailed reporting and insightful analysis, listeners are kept informed on the multifaceted developments shaping the current landscape.