NPR News Now: April 12, 2025

Host: Dale Willman
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. U.S. Ends Temporary Protection for Afghans

Host Introduction:
Dale Willman opens the episode by highlighting a significant policy shift affecting Afghan immigrants in the United States.

Key Details:
The Trump administration has decided not to renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Afghans residing in the U.S., paving the way for their deportation starting in late May. Juliana Kim reports on the implications of this decision.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS):
TPS is a humanitarian program that protects individuals from deportation when their home countries are experiencing extraordinary conditions such as war or natural disasters. Afghanistan was granted TPS by the Biden administration in 2022 amid the country's turmoil under Taliban rule.

Department of Homeland Security Statement:
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security announced that Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem reviewed the current conditions in Afghanistan and concluded that the country no longer satisfies the requirements for TPS.

Advocates' Response:
Organizations supporting Afghans in the U.S. have rejected the administration's decision, asserting that the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated since the U.S. military withdrawal, contrary to the claims made by the Trump administration.

“Conditions in Afghanistan have worsened ever since the withdrawal of U.S. troops,” advocates stated, challenging the DHS’s assessment.
(Juliana Kim, [00:31])

2. European Allies Pledge €23 Billion to Ukraine

Host Introduction:
Dale Willman transitions to international affairs, focusing on U.S. and European support for Ukraine.

Key Details:
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein Group, comprises 57 countries committed to providing military assistance to Ukraine. Eleanor Beardsley reports that on Friday, the group pledged 23 billion euros in aid.

Leadership and Dynamics:
This meeting marked a departure from previous sessions, which were predominantly led by the United States. This time, leadership shifted to Germany and the UK, signaling a potential shift in U.S. involvement within NATO.

Strategic Implications:
The move comes amid indications from the Trump administration suggesting a diminishing U.S. role in NATO, leading Western allies to prepare for the possible withdrawal of thousands of troops from Europe.

Ukraine's Defense Concerns:
Ukraine’s defense minister issued a warning that Russia is accelerating its military production, heightening tensions in the region.

“For the first time, the meeting was chaired by Germany and the UK,” Eleanor Beardsley notes, highlighting the evolving leadership dynamics within the alliance.
(Eleanor Beardsley, [01:24])

3. Kentucky Battles Severe Flooding

Host Introduction:
Dale Willman shifts focus to domestic news, reporting on severe flooding in Kentucky.

Key Details:
A week-long flooding event has severely impacted parts of Kentucky, with rivers expected to crest further this weekend and early next week. Karen Zar provides an update from Frankfort.

Impact on Infrastructure:
Early in the week, significant flooding submerged several roads and buildings in Frankfort, leaving them caked in mud. Firefighters and road crews are actively working to clear debris and restore access.

Cleanup Efforts:
Brad Parker from the City Streets Department describes the arduous cleanup process:

“We're scooping water out of the boat ramp and using it out of the bucket to dump and kind of get waves to clear it out.”
(Brad Parker, [02:50])

Government Response:
Governor Andy Beshear has redeployed emergency rescue teams to the western region of Kentucky in anticipation of worsening conditions.

“Officials expect rivers to crest this weekend and early next week,” Karen Zar reports, emphasizing the ongoing threat.
(Karen Zar, [02:56])

4. UN Humanitarian Agency Cuts and President Trump's Health Update

UN Humanitarian Agency Cuts:
The head of the United Nations humanitarian agency announced a 20% reduction in staff across more than 60 countries. This strategic downsizing is attributed to severe funding cuts, primarily stemming from reduced international spending by the U.S.

“The cuts will involve 20% of the agency's remote staff,” the UN official explained, highlighting the global impact.
(Dale Willman, [03:10])

President Donald Trump's Annual Physical:
In a separate report, Danielle Kurtzleben discusses the implications of former President Donald Trump's recently completed annual physical examination.

Limited Disclosure:
While the completion of the physical could provide insights into Trump's health, the White House is expected to release only select information. Historically, administrations have withheld certain health details, leading to speculation about the comprehensiveness of the report.

Trump’s Comments:
Addressing reporters on Air Force One, Trump confidently remarked:

“I took a cognitive test and I don't know what to tell you other than I got every answer right.”
(Donald Trump, [04:00])

He also hinted at forthcoming details regarding his physical, asserting:

“It's not clear how thorough the information released by the White House will be,” commentators suggest a pattern of selective disclosure similar to past administrations.
(Danielle Kurtzleben, [04:08])

Trump is currently at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida, awaiting the official release of his medical results in the coming days.

5. Masters Golf Tournament Highlights

Host Introduction:
Dale Willman wraps up the news segment with updates from the world of sports, specifically the Masters Golf Tournament.

Key Highlights:

• Bernhard Langer announced that this year's tournament will be his last, following his narrow miss of the cut at Augusta. At 67 years old, Langer has an impressive record, having participated in 41 Masters tournaments.

• Justin Rose leads the tournament after shooting a 71 on Friday, maintaining his position heading into the weekend.

• Bryson DeChambeau is trailing just one stroke behind Rose, while Rory McIlroy remains in third place, two strokes back.

“Bernhard Langer says he's played in his last Masters golf tournament,” Dale Willman reports, underscoring the significance of a venerable athlete’s retirement.
(Dale Willman, [04:27])

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump:
  “I took a cognitive test and I don't know what to tell you other than I got every answer right.”
  (04:00)

• Brad Parker:
  “We're scooping water out of the boat ramp and using it out of the bucket to dump and kind of get waves to clear it out.”
  (02:50)

• Eleanor Beardsley:
  “For the first time, the meeting was chaired by Germany and the UK.”
  (01:24)

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical developments ranging from U.S. immigration policies affecting Afghan refugees, substantial European support for Ukraine amidst shifting NATO dynamics, emergency response to severe flooding in Kentucky, significant staffing cuts within the UN humanitarian sector, updates on President Trump's health disclosures, and notable happenings in the Masters Golf Tournament. Through clear reporting and insightful quotes, the episode encapsulates the pressing issues of the day, offering listeners a concise yet thorough news briefing.