NPR News: 04-13-2025 5PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on April 13, 2025

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Source: NPR News Now
Release Date: April 13, 2025

NPR News Now's episode from April 13, 2025, delivered a comprehensive overview of the day's pressing issues, ranging from international trade policies and energy funding cuts to geopolitical conflicts, public safety measures, and significant religious events. Below is an in-depth summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and attributions.

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1. US Electronics Tariffs Update

Overview:
The Trump administration initially announced that imported electronics, including computers and smartphones, would not face tariffs. However, a subsequent policy shift indicated that these products might soon be subject to new tariffs, particularly focusing on semiconductors.

Key Points:

• Exemption from Reciprocal Tariffs:
  Companies such as Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft currently benefit from exemptions that allow them to import technology without facing steep reciprocal tariff rates.

• Introduction of Semiconductor Tariffs:
  Kevin Hassett, Trump's Director of the National Economic Council, announced to CNN that new tariffs on semiconductors are imminent, citing national security concerns. He emphasized, "Semiconductors are a key important part of a lot of defense equipment" (00:41).

• Implementation Timeline:
  Commerce Secretary Lutnick informed ABC News that these tech tariffs are expected to be implemented within a "couple months" (00:41).

• Further Clarifications:
  Julia Simon explained that while electronics are exempt from reciprocal tariffs, they fall under the new semiconductor tariffs, which are set to take effect in the near future (01:07). Additionally, Trump clarified via social media that all Chinese tech remains subject to a 20% fentanyl tariff (01:18).

Implications:
The impending semiconductor tariffs could significantly impact the technology sector, influencing pricing, supply chains, and international trade relations, especially with China.

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2. Energy Department's Funding Cuts and Impact on Research

Overview:
The Energy Department announced plans to reduce its funding to colleges and universities by $400 million, targeting indirect costs associated with academic research.

Key Points:

• Areas Affected:
  The cuts will affect research areas such as nuclear energy, solar power, and battery technology, aiming to eliminate what the department considers "inefficient spending" (01:32).

• Impact on Research Facilities:
  Indirect costs include expenses like cleaning laboratories and ensuring safety. Researchers argue that these funds are essential for maintaining clean and safe research environments.

• Consequences for Innovation:
  Julia Simon reported that the reduction could drive researchers overseas, thereby diminishing the United States' innovative edge and competitive stance globally (01:42).

• Legal Challenges:
  The National Institutes of Health encountered similar funding cuts earlier in the year, which were halted by a federal judge. Researchers anticipate that the Energy Department's latest cuts might also face judicial intervention (02:24).

Implications:
The funding cuts could hinder scientific advancements and lead to a brain drain, adversely affecting the nation's ability to compete in critical technological and energy sectors.

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3. Russian Missile Strike on Sumy, Ukraine

Overview:
Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles targeting the Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in significant casualties and escalating regional tensions.

Key Points:

• Casualties and Damage:
  More than 30 people were killed, and dozens were wounded when the missiles struck Sumy's busy downtown area on Palm Sunday (02:24).

• Context of the Attack:
  This assault comes after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire brokered by the United States a month prior. Sumy, located approximately 25 miles from the Russian border, has been a focal point in Russia's spring offensive aimed at capturing the region (02:33).

• Visual Impact:
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a harrowing video depicting the aftermath, with burning cars, a damaged trolley bus, and devastated civilians (02:33).

• Escalation of Conflict:
  Joanna Kakissis highlighted that this attack represents the latest in a series of deadly strikes by Russia, indicating a possible intensification of military efforts in the area (02:33).

Implications:
The missile strike underscores the fragile state of peace in the region and raises concerns about the potential for renewed large-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

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4. Proposal to Pedestrianize Bourbon Street in New Orleans

Overview:
In the wake of the New Year's Day truck attack that resulted in 13 deaths and several injuries, there is a growing movement to convert Bourbon Street into a pedestrian-only zone to enhance public safety.

Key Points:

• Safety Concerns:
  Ann Kirkpatrick, New Orleans Police Superintendent, stated that consulting firm Teneo advises that closing Bourbon Street to vehicular traffic altogether would best mitigate the risk of future attacks (03:39).

• Community Decision:
  Kirkpatrick emphasized that the final decision rests with the city's mayor and City Council, underscoring the need for community input (03:39).

• Mixed Reactions:
  The proposal has received divided opinions. Some residents advocate for the change as a sensible safety measure, while business groups worry about potential disruptions to deliveries and daily operations (03:54).

• Call for Community Direction:
  Matt Bloom reported that Mayor and City Council members believe community feedback is essential in determining the future of Bourbon Street’s traffic policies (04:00).

Implications:
Transforming Bourbon Street into a pedestrian zone could significantly improve safety and reduce the likelihood of vehicular attacks but may also impact local businesses and traffic logistics.

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5. Pope Francis Celebrates Palm Sunday Amid Health Concerns

Overview:
Pope Francis marked Palm Sunday from St. Peter's Square, delivering blessings and well-wishes to the assembled faithful as Easter approaches. His appearance was notably cautious due to ongoing health issues.

Key Points:

• Health Conditions:
  Despite celebrating from his wheelchair, the 88-year-old Pope Francis did not require supplemental oxygen and did not wear nasal tubes during the event (04:16).

• Uncertainty About Future Events:
  The Vatican has expressed uncertainty regarding the Pope's role in upcoming Holy Week activities, as Francis continues to recover from pneumonia following a prolonged hospitalization for bronchitis and pneumonia affecting both lungs (04:16).

• Significance of the Event:
  The Palm Sunday celebration is a pivotal moment leading up to Easter, emphasizing the Pope's role in guiding and uplifting the Catholic community during significant religious observances.

Implications:
Pope Francis’s health remains a concern, potentially impacting the visibility and participation of the Catholic Church in major Holy Week ceremonies.

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Conclusion

The April 13, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a multifaceted examination of current events, highlighting significant developments in international trade policies, scientific research funding, geopolitical conflicts, public safety initiatives, and religious leadership. Through in-depth reporting and expert commentary, NPR continues to inform and engage its audience on critical issues shaping the national and global landscape.

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This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the NPR News Now episode for those who have not listened to the original podcast.

Transcript

[Jeanine Herbst]

NPR informs and connects communities around the country, providing reliable information in times of crisis. Federal funding helps us fulfill our mission to create a more informed public and ensures that public radio remains available to everyone. Learn more about safeguarding the future of public media, visit protectmypublicmedia.org live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. The Trump administration said on Friday that imported electronics, from computers to smartphones, smartphones won't face tariffs. But today Trump's top economic leaders say these electronics will face a new sort of tariff soon. NPR's Luke Garrett has more.

[Luke Garrett]

Companies like Apple, Nvidia and Microsoft can now import their technology and skip steep reciprocal tariff rates. But Trump's director of the National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett, tells CNN new tariffs on semiconductors, a key electronic component, are in the works for haccp. It's a national security issue. Semiconductors are the key important part of a lot of defense equipment. And Commerce Secretary Lutnick tells ABC News these tech tariffs are a couple months away.

[Julia Simon]

So what he's doing is he's saying they're exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they're included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two.

[Luke Garrett]

It's unclear which products will be included in these yet to be announced semiconductor tariffs. And Trump clarified in a social media post Sunday that all Chinese tech is still under a 20% fentanyl tariff. LUKE Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Jeanine Herbst]

The Energy Department says it plans to cut $400 million in funding to colleges and universities. NPR's Julie Simon says researchers say this will hurt innovation.

[Joanna Kakissis]

The Energy Department supports academic research in areas like nuclear energy, solar and batteries. Now, the department says it will cut inefficient spending by cutting what it calls indirect costs. This includes things like cleaning laboratories or making sure labs are safe. But researchers tell NPR things like clean, safe labs help help the research. And without this money, some researchers may leave the country, making the US Less innovative and less competitive. The Energy Department didn't respond to NPR's request for comment. The National Institutes of Health made similar cuts to university funding earlier this year. A federal judge halted that action. Researchers say these cuts could also end up in court. Julia Simon, NPR News.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Russian forces shot two ballistic missiles in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing more than 30 people and wounding dozens of others. NPR's Joanna reports.

[Matt Bloom]

The missiles hit Sumy's busy downtown on Palm Sunday as churchgoers prepared for Easter. In this video posted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, bodies are seen on a street filled with burning cars and a trolley bus. A woman screams as rescue workers help bloodied survivors. Russia has escalated attacks since Ukraine agreed to a 30 day ceasefire brokered by the US a month ago. Sumy is about 25 miles from the Russian border. Ukraine's military says Russia has launched a spring offensive to try to capture the region. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Cave and that attack is the latest deadly strike by Russia. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. A report out of New Orleans finds that Bourbon street should be made into a pedestrian only zone. Matt Bloom with member station WWNO reports that's in response to the New Year's Day truck attack that 13 people dead and several others injured.

[Ann Kirkpatrick]

Consulting firm Teneo says anything short of permanently closing off Bourbon street to vehicular traffic increases the risk of another attack. New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says it's a decision for the mayor and City council to make.

[Matt Bloom]

The community needs to give direction what the community wants.

[Ann Kirkpatrick]

Council members have agreed the idea merits more discussion. It has brought mixed reactions among residents. Some argue it's a common sense safety improvement, while some business groups say it could make deliveries more difficult. For NPR News, I'm Matt Bloom in New Orleans.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Pope Francis celebrated Palm Sunday today, greeting the crowd in St. Peter's Square and wishing the thousands gathered a good Holy week before Easter next Sunday. Francis made the comment from his wheelchair, but the 88 year old wasn't wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, and the Vatican says it's not clear what role he will play in upcoming Holy Week events. Francis is still recovering from pneumonia after spending more than a month in the hospital for bronchitis and then pneumonia in both lungs. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News, in Washington.

[Julia Simon]

Listen to this podcast sponsor, free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now +@ +npr.org that's +npr.org.