NPR News Now: April 7, 2025, 7AM EDT

In today’s episode of NPR News Now, a range of critical issues are covered, from global economic instability and controversial immigration decisions to public health crises, severe weather events, and significant sports achievements. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

Global Stock Markets Plummet Amid U.S. Tariff Fears

Korva Coleman opens the report highlighting the turbulence in global stock markets triggered by President Trump’s new tariffs. Investors worldwide are apprehensive about the broader economic repercussions of these tariffs. John Bruwich provides an in-depth analysis:

• Asian Markets: Experiencing a severe downturn, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropping over 13%, marking its steepest single-day fall since 1997. Taiwan’s market also saw a historic decline of nearly 10%.

• European Markets: Similar patterns of decline are observed, with major indexes across Europe sliding.

• U.S. Markets: Dow futures are down by 730 points, nearly a 2% decrease, reflecting the heightened uncertainty impacting investor confidence.

“The economic uncertainty is slamming other markets,” Bruwich notes at 00:36.

Trump Administration Faces Deportation Controversy

The episode delves into the contentious deportation of Kilmaro Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly sent to El Salvador. Luke Garrett reports on the unfolding legal battle:

• Judicial Order: A U.S. district judge has mandated the White House to repatriate Garcia by Monday night (originally by tonight at 01:24).

• Government Stance: Attorney General Pam Bondi defends the administration’s actions, asserting Garcia’s affiliation with the MS-13 gang despite lacking substantial evidence. Bondi stated on Fox News Sunday at 01:52:

  “We have to rely on what Homeland Security says. They’re our clients and I firmly believe in the work they are doing.”

• Legal Proceedings: The Justice Department is appealing the judge’s order, labeling the deportation as “wholly lawless”.

Measles Outbreak in Texas Claims Another Child's Life

Health crises take center stage as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary, visits West Texas to address a severe measles outbreak. David Martin Davies reports from Gaines County:

• Outbreak Details: Texas has reported nearly 500 cases, with the latest fatality being an unvaccinated school-aged child with no underlying conditions (02:23).

• Public Health Response: Kennedy emphasizes the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles spread. Despite his reputation as a vaccine skeptic, he stated:

  “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.” (02:23)

Catastrophic Flooding Continues Across Central U.S.

Heavy storms have subsided, but the aftermath is devastating. Korva Coleman provides an update on the ongoing flooding:

• Geographical Impact: Approximately a dozen states from Ohio to Texas are under flood warnings, primarily for river flooding.
• Human Toll: At least 18 lives have been lost due to the recent storms affecting the Midwest and the South (03:11).
• Current Situation: Many residents remain displaced, seeking higher ground as recovery efforts continue.

University of Connecticut Wins 12th NCAA Women's Basketball Championship

In sports news, Steve Futterman brings uplifting news from the NCAA:

• Championship Victory: The University of Connecticut (UConn) women's basketball team clinched their 12th national title, defeating South Carolina by 23 points in Tampa (03:52).

• Historic Achievement: This marks the first time any college basketball program, men's or women's, has secured twelve championships.

• Star Player Highlight: Paige Beckers, UConn’s standout player, expressed her joy and emotional journey leading to the championship:

  “Emotions, the journey of the ups and downs, everything that it took to get to that point, and just overwhelming joy.” (04:16)

• Future Prospects: Beckers is anticipated to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft (04:23).

Upcoming NCAA Men's Basketball Title Game

Looking ahead, Korva Coleman notes that the men's NCAA basketball championship game is scheduled for tonight in San Antonio, featuring a rematch between Florida and Houston (04:40).

Market Recap

The episode concludes with a brief update on the stock market, reiterating that the Dow is down by more than 2% amidst ongoing economic uncertainties (04:40).

This comprehensive overview of today’s NPR News Now episode encapsulates the critical developments across economic, political, health, environmental, and sports arenas, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the current events shaping our world.