NPR News Now: April 10, 2025 | Detailed Summary

Hosted by NPR's Shea Stevens, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates from around the globe in just five minutes. The episode covers significant developments in international trade, domestic security, legal battles, royal engagements, and market movements.

1. President Trump's Tariff Reversals and Trade Policies

Overview: In a significant shift in international trade policy, President Donald Trump reversed his administration's tariffs for the second time within the year. Initially implemented at midnight on Tuesday, these tariffs had caused substantial volatility in the futures markets, leading to a sharp decline.

Key Developments:

• Tariff Pause: On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for most countries, a move that was widely welcomed by investors. This reprieve, however, did not extend to China, with tariffs on Chinese imports being increased from 104% to 125% effective immediately.

• Market Reaction: The stock market responded positively to the announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged nearly 8%, recovering much of its previous losses. U.S. futures also showed higher movements in after-hours trading, and Asian markets, including Tokyo, saw shares rise by over 8%.

Notable Quote: President Trump explained his strategy, stating, “We don't want to hurt countries that don't need to be hurt and they all want to negotiate. The only problem is, you know, you can only do so many at one time. It's like it's we want to do it right, we want to get it right.” [00:37]

Reporter Insights: NPR's Maria Aspen detailed the investor relief following the tariff pause, highlighting that more than 75 countries have expressed interest in negotiating new trade deals with the United States. She emphasized the temporary nature of the pause and the potential long-term implications of the heightened tariffs on China.

2. Attempted Assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh

Overview: A disturbing incident unfolded as a California man pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. This marks a significant escalation in domestic security concerns.

Key Details:

• Perpetrator's Intent: Nicholas Roske, a 29-year-old from Los Angeles, admitted to flying to Washington, D.C., in 2022 with the intent to kill a Supreme Court justice. While court records did not specify the intended target, Roske was arrested outside Justice Kavanaugh's residence.

• Evidence and Motive: Roske was found equipped with a gun, ammunition, and a crowbar. He had contacted local authorities, expressing suicidal thoughts and a desire to harm the justice, citing fears that the Supreme Court might weaken abortion and gun laws.

• Legal Consequences: Roske faces the possibility of life imprisonment upon sentencing in October.

Notable Quote: Court documents revealed Roske's intentions, stating he was “concerned the court would weaken abortion and gun laws.” [02:13]

Reporter Insights: NPR's Kristen Wright provided a comprehensive account of the incident, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the attack and the potential policies that motivated Roske's actions. The case raises critical discussions about domestic terrorism and the security of public officials.

3. Federal Appeals Court Ruling on Trump Administration’s Employment Practices

Overview: A federal appeals court has delivered a 2-1 ruling regarding the Trump administration's authority to fire probationary workers, overturning a lower court's order to reinstate them.

Key Details:

• Court's Decision: The appeals panel did not make a definitive ruling on the legality of the firings. Instead, it suggested that the administration could likely demonstrate that the lower court lacked jurisdiction over the matter.

Implications: This ruling potentially affirms the administration's discretion in managing probationary staff and may set a precedent for future employment disputes within federal agencies.

4. OpenAI vs. Elon Musk: Legal Battles Intensify

Overview: In the tech sphere, OpenAI is counter-suing billionaire Elon Musk, accusing him of a sustained pattern of harassment. This legal maneuver seeks to restrain Musk from engaging in what OpenAI describes as "unlawful and unfair actions" against the company.

Key Details:

• Legal Actions: OpenAI has requested a federal court injunction to prevent Musk from continuing his alleged harassment. This countersuit follows Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its co-founders, where he accused them of misleading him with promises of prioritizing public good over profits during his initial investment.

• Background: The animosity stems from conflicting visions for OpenAI's direction and Musk's criticisms of the company's practices.

Implications: This legal tug-of-war highlights the tensions between major tech figures and emerging artificial intelligence companies, raising questions about governance, investment ethics, and the future of AI development.

5. British Royal Couple’s State Visit to Italy and Meeting with Pope Francis

Overview: During their four-day state visit to Italy, King Charles and Queen Camilla engaged in a private audience with Pope Francis, marking the first such meeting since the Pope's hospitalization.

Key Details:

• Meeting Details: Initially postponed due to Pope Francis battling double pneumonia, the royal couple eventually met with him for a 20-minute private exchange of gifts. The Vatican statement highlighted that the Pope extended his best wishes to the royal couple on their 20th wedding anniversary and reciprocated the King’s wishes for a speedy recovery.

• Health and Roles: King Charles, who is also the head of the Church of England, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. The meeting signifies a moment of mutual support and diplomatic goodwill.

Notable Quote: The Vatican conveyed, “Pope Francis expressed his best wishes to the royal couple on this, their 20th wedding anniversary. And the pope reciprocated His Majesty's wishes for a speedy recovery.” [04:01]

Reporter Insights: NPR's Ruth Sherlock elaborated on the significance of the meeting, emphasizing the strengthening of ties between the British monarchy and the Vatican amidst personal and health challenges faced by both leaders.

6. Market Updates

Overview: The episode concludes with a snapshot of current market trends.

Key Developments:

• U.S. Markets: Following the announcement of tariff reversals, U.S. futures are trading higher in after-hours sessions on Wall Street.

• Asia Pacific Markets: Shares in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Tokyo, have risen by over 8%, reflecting a positive investor sentiment in response to the latest economic policies.

Conclusion: This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of pivotal events shaping the economic, political, and social landscapes both domestically and internationally. From high-stakes trade negotiations and legal confrontations to royal diplomacy and market fluctuations, the updates provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs as of April 10, 2025.

For more updates and detailed reporting, visit NPR News Now.