NPR News: 04-13-2025 5AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: April 13, 2025, 5 AM EDT – Detailed Summary

Host: NPR

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1. Wrongful Deportation Case Update

Monica Johnston reports from Washington on a significant legal development concerning Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was erroneously deported to El Salvador.

Following a Supreme Court order last week, the Trump administration has been instructed to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the United States. In a recent court filing, a State Department official stated that Abrego Garcia is, at [00:36] "alive and secure in El Salvador's terrorism confinement center." This comes after Abrego Garcia was arrested in March and deported alongside other individuals alleged by the Trump administration to be members of a Venezuelan gang. The federal judge had previously mandated daily updates on the administration's efforts to repatriate him, highlighting the case's urgency and the administration's compliance with the court order.

2. European Union's Defense Funding Strategies

Terry Schultz reports from Brussels on the European Union's recent two-day economic ministers' meeting in Warsaw, Poland, focused on mobilizing increased funding for defense amidst escalating challenges posed by U.S. tariffs.

The EU is exploring several initiatives to bolster defense investments among its 27 member states. These include suspending penalties for governments that exceed debt thresholds and offering EU-backed loans specifically earmarked for defense spending. EU Economy Commissioner Valdostambroska emphasized the broader economic benefits, stating at [01:50] "Beyond enhancing Europe's security, we expect additional defense spending to also boost competitiveness and economic growth, drive innovation and create jobs."

However, these efforts face headwinds from the 25% tariffs imposed by President Trump on EU steel and aluminum exports. Dabrowskis highlighted that these tariffs are likely to impact the EU more severely than the U.S., complicating the bloc's economic landscape ([01:59]).

3. U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Tensions

In a developing story, Nina Kravinsky of KJZZ reports on President Trump's escalating threats towards Mexico over unmet water delivery obligations as per a 1944 treaty.

For years, Mexico has struggled to fulfill its water delivery commitments to the United States, a situation exacerbated by prolonged droughts. Trump has indicated potential tariffs and sanctions if Mexico continues to fall short, using social media to communicate his stance. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum asserted at [02:28] that Mexico has complied with the treaty to the extent possible given water availability constraints. She added, "But she says her government is making an immediate water delivery to Texas and has reached out to US Officials to come to an agreement moving forward." Efforts are underway to ensure immediate relief and negotiate a sustainable path forward.

4. Elton John's Record-Breaking UK Album

Vicki Barker brings exciting news from London as Elton John celebrates a milestone in his illustrious career. His latest album, a collaboration with country star Brandi Carlisle, has reached the number one spot on the UK charts, marking the tenth time Elton John has achieved this feat.

The album, which includes the track "Little Richard's Bible," pays homage to the legendary Little Richard. During a feature with BBC Radio 2, Brandi Carlisle shared at [03:55] "He never won a one award. You know that, Brandy." Responding, Elton John added, "It's devastating. He is the architect of rock and roll." The collaboration has been hailed for its heartfelt tribute and musical excellence, solidifying Elton John's enduring legacy in the music industry.

5. Bernie Sanders' Rally Advocates for Democratic Reform

In political news, Windsor Johnston reports on Senator Bernie Sanders' recent rally held in downtown Los Angeles, where he addressed thousands of supporters, including activists, union members, and climate advocates.

Speaking passionately to the crowd, Sanders challenged current economic policies, urging President Trump to dismantle what he describes as the "oligarchy" undermining American democracy. At [04:31], Sanders provocatively stated, "Tell the people here why you think it's a great idea to cut Medicaid and nutrition and health care so you can give tax breaks to billionaires." The rally underscored widespread frustration with both major political parties and highlighted ongoing demands for systemic change to address economic inequality and promote social welfare.

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This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, from legal battles and international relations to cultural milestones and political movements, ensuring listeners are well-informed on current events shaping the world.

Transcript

[Nature Conservancy Representative]

This message comes from the Nature Conservancy. Working together to create a future with a livable climate, healthy communities and thriving nature. Explore ways to act during Earth Month and every [e-mail] NPR Live from NPR News.

[Windsor Johnston]

In Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The White House has provided an update to a federal judge on a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to El Salvador. NPR Chandelies Duster reports the Supreme Court last week week ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the man's return.

[Chandelies Duster]

A State Department official wrote in a court filing on Saturday that Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is, quote, alive and secure in El Salvador's terrorism confinement center. The filing from the Trump administration follows an order from a federal judge on Friday asking for daily updates on efforts to return Abrego Garcia to the United States. He was arrested in March and placed on a flight with other men alleged by the Trump administration to be members of a Venezuelan gang. The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to help return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. chandelyse Duster, NPR News.

[Windsor Johnston]

European Union economic ministers have wrapped up a two day meeting in Poland that was aimed at how to mobilize more money for defense. Terry Schultz reports U.S. tariffs on the EU are adding to the bloc's difficulties.

[Terry Schultz]

EU economic and finance ministers met in Warsaw to discuss new ways the bloc is offering to help the 27 member states invest more in their own security. These include suspending the penalties governments incur for going into too much debt and offering loans backed by the EU itself. As long as the money is spent on defense. EU economy Commissioner Valdostambroska says such investment will pay off in other ways, too.

[Valdostambroska]

Beyond enhancing Europe's security, we expect additional defense spending to also boost competitiveness and economic growth, drive innovation and create jobs.

[Terry Schultz]

Dabrowskis says the 25% tariffs on EU steel and aluminum exports that President Trump has left in place will hurt the US More than the eu. For NPR News, I'm Terri Schultz in Brussels.

[Windsor Johnston]

President Trump is threatening Mexico with tariffs and sanctions if it doesn't deliver the water it owes to the United States. Nina Kravinsky of member station KJZZ reports. The demand falls under a 1944 treaty between the two countries.

[Nina Kravinsky]

Mexico has for years fallen behind on the amount of water it owes the US under the treaty. Trump said on social media that if Mexico continues to be delinquent on its deliveries, the US Will keep escalating consequences, including tariffs and possibly sanctions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in response that Mexico has been complying with the treaty to the extent that water is available, but the country has experienced years of drought. It has to do with the availability of water, Shanebaum says. But she says her government is making an immediate water delivery to Texas and has reached out to US Officials to come to an agreement moving forward. For NPR News, I'm Nina Kravinski in Hermosillo, Mexico.

[Windsor Johnston]

This is NPR News. Elton John's new album has reached the top of the British charts, making it the 10th number one UK album of his career. Vicki Barker reports from London.

[Vicki Barker]

The Color of the Lies why who Believes in Angels? Elton John's collaboration with country star Brandi Carlisle has topped the UK charts 52 years after John's first number one album, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player. It includes a track, Little Richard's Bible, that the pair told BBC Radio 2 tries to shine a light on an underappreciated trailblazer.

[Brandi Carlisle]

He never won a one award. You know that, Brandy.

[Elton John]

It's devastating. He is the architect of rock and roll.

[Brandi Carlisle]

He is.

[Elton John]

He's right.

[Brandi Carlisle]

Yeah. My rock and roll. The piano, rock and roll.

[Vicki Barker]

John says he's blown away by reaching the UK's number one album spot for the 10th time. For NPR News, I'm Vicki Barker in London.

[Windsor Johnston]

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, the independent called on President Trump to dismantle the oligarchy that he says has taken over American democracy.

[Bernie Sanders]

Tell the people here why you think it's a great idea to cut Medicaid and nutrition and health care so you can give tax breaks to billionaires.

[Windsor Johnston]

The event drew thousands of activists, union members and climate advocates, many of whom expressed frustration with both major political parties. This is NPR News.

[Nature Conservancy Representative]

This message comes from bombas. Socks, underwear and T shirts are the top three requested clothing items by people experiencing homelessness. Bombas makes all three and donates one item for every item purchased. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off.