NPR News Now: April 13, 2025, 6 PM EDT
Hosted by NPR, "NPR News Now" delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. This summary captures the key stories, discussions, and insights from the April 13, 2025, episode.
Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst
Timestamp: [00:24] - [00:50]
In a shocking incident early this morning, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion was targeted in an arson attack. Authorities have apprehended Cody Ballmer, a 38-year-old man, in connection with the assault. District Attorney Fran Charta stated at [00:38], “The charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. These are all very serious charges.”
According to Herbst, Ballmer bypassed security by jumping a fence and evaded state troopers before forcibly entering the residence. He set the mansion ablaze using homemade incendiary devices before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the mansion sustained significant damage. Governor Josh Shapiro shared on social media that he and his family were awakened at two in the morning by state police knocking on their door. Despite the chaos, Governor Shapiro mentioned, “My family is doing okay but is shaken,” and confirmed they would proceed with their second seder that evening.
A comprehensive security review of the mansion is currently underway, with the FBI involved in the investigation. It remains unclear whether Ballmer will face federal charges.
President Donald Trump's Annual Physical Exam
Reporter: Mara Liasson
Timestamp: [01:42] - [02:17]
The White House has released the results of President Donald Trump’s annual physical examination, conducted on Friday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Mara Liasson reports that the findings indicate the President "exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health" and is "fully fit to execute his duties as commander in chief and head of state" ([01:42]).
The comprehensive exam included a neurological assessment, blood work, EKG, abdominal ultrasound, and a psychological evaluation. Remarkably, Liasson adds, "14 specialists took part in the exam," ensuring a thorough examination of the President's health. The White House press office shared a letter from the White House physician to the press secretary, underscoring the President's robust health status.
Russian Missile Attack on Sumy, Ukraine
Reporters: Jeanine Herbst & Teri Schultz
Timestamp: [02:17] - [03:17]
European leaders have condemned a recent Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals and injured approximately 100 others. Jeanine Herbst introduces the story, noting that the attack occurred as residents were celebrating Palm Sunday.
Teri Schultz provides further insights, quoting European Council President Antonio Costa at [02:36], who expressed that he is "outraged by Russia's criminal missile attack on the city center of Sumy, coming just two days after US Envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace talks." Costa emphasized, "Russia is choosing to continue this war. Those responsible must be held accountable."
Additionally, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katerina Matronova condemned the attack on Facebook, labeling it a "war crime" for targeting churchgoers during a religious celebration. She urged global support for Ukraine, stating, "We need the whole world to wake up and provide more support for Ukraine."
In response to the escalating conflict, NATO allies and other supporters have pledged billions in additional military assistance, focusing on enhanced air defense capabilities to aid Kyiv.
Blue Origin's All-Female Space Flight
Reporter: Eva Pukach
Timestamp: [03:17] - [04:17]
In a historic milestone for commercial space travel, Blue Origin, the private space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing to launch an all-female flight crew tomorrow. Eva Pukach details that the six-person crew will include prominent figures such as journalist Gayle King and pop star Katy Perry ([03:38]).
The mission, scheduled to lift off from West Texas, will involve an approximately 11-minute suborbital spaceflight. Pukach highlights Perry’s perspective, noting her statement to the Associated Press: "It's an important moment for the future of commercial space travel." She further remarks that currently, "less than a quarter of people who have gone to space have been women," underscoring the significance of this all-female mission.
This flight marks the 11th human spaceflight undertaken by Blue Origin since the commencement of their space tourism flights in 2021, representing a continued commitment to diversifying space exploration.
Weekend Box Office Highlights
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst
Timestamp: [04:17] - [05:02]
The weekend box office sees a standout performance from the "Minecraft" movie, which has quickly risen to become the top-grossing Hollywood release of the year. After just two weeks in theaters, the video game adaptation has amassed an estimated $80 million in ticket sales.
In second place, "The King of Kings," an animated retelling of Jesus' life inspired by a children's book by Charles Dickens, garnered $19 million. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Oscar Isaac, Kenneth Branagh, and Uma Thurman.
Claiming the third spot is "The Amateur," a 20th Century production featuring Rami Malek as a CIA cryptographer on a quest to uncover his wife's killers. This thriller has attracted $15 million at the box office, indicating strong audience interest in diverse genres.
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