NPR News Now - April 15, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens

NPR News Now provides the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly to keep you informed on the most pressing issues both nationally and internationally.

1. Trump Administration Suspends $2.2 Billion in Grants to Harvard University

Shea Stevens begins the episode by reporting a significant move by the Trump administration, which has frozen $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University. This suspension follows Harvard's refusal to comply with the administration's conditions for receiving $9 billion in federal funding.

Details from Janaki Mehta:

• The Trump administration issued a list of demands to Harvard, including the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• Additional demands included the screening of international students for potential ties to terrorism.
• Harvard's president responded by asserting that no government, regardless of political party, should dictate the internal policies of private universities, including teaching curricula, admissions, hiring practices, and areas of study.
• The White House defended the suspension by stating that President Trump is committed to "making higher education great again," targeting what it perceives as unchecked antisemitism and racial discrimination supported by Harvard's programs.

Notable Quote:

"No government, regardless of which party is in power, should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, in which of study and inquiry they can pursue."
— Harvard University President [00:37]

2. Detention of Palestinian Students at Columbia University Amid Gaza Protests

Shea Stevens reports troubling developments involving Palestinian students at Columbia University in the midst of campus protests against the war in Gaza.

Key Points:

• Mohsen Madawi, a Palestinian student, was arrested at a Vermont immigration office during a citizenship interview.
• Two other international students associated with Madawi, who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, have also been detained and now face possible deportation.
• These actions have raised concerns about the administration's stance on activism and international student rights.

3. Potential Medicaid Cuts Threaten Addiction Treatment Access

Democratic lawmakers are raising alarms over Republican proposals that aim for substantial cuts to Medicaid, the largest provider of insurance for individuals seeking treatment for fentanyl and other addictions.

Insights from Brian Mann:

• Republican Budget Cuts: The GOP is advocating for deep reductions in Medicaid funding, which experts warn could severely limit access to addiction treatment services.
• Impact Analysis: A report by Democrats on Congress’s Joint Economic Committee indicates that hundreds of thousands currently benefiting from Medicaid for drug treatment would lose their coverage under the proposed cuts.
• Additional Study: The Brookings Institution highlights that hospitals and clinics in low-income rural and urban areas would be disproportionately affected by the withdrawal of Medicaid funds.
• Public Health Consequences: Despite a noted decline in drug overdose deaths, attributed partly to increased access to affordable treatment, shrinking Medicaid could reverse these positive trends.

Notable Quote:

"Republicans are pushing for deep budget cuts that many experts say will shrink Medicaid, the biggest source of insurance coverage in the US for people seeking treatment for fentanyl and other forms of addiction."
— Brian Mann, NPR News [01:55]

4. Trump Eases Some Tariffs on Chinese Goods Amid Trade Tensions

In a strategic move, President Trump has temporarily eased certain tariffs on Chinese imports, specifically targeting popular items like iPhones and laptops. This adjustment comes just a week after Trump imposed a staggering 145% tariff on U.S. goods, prompting China to retaliate by increasing tariffs on American products to 125%.

Additional Insights:

• Presidential Commentary: Trump stated, “And you know what? I don't blame China at all. I don't blame President Xi. I like him. He likes me. I mean, you know, think, who knows? Who the hell cares?” [02:57]
• Potential Auto Industry Exemption: Trump is considering temporarily exempting the auto industry from the new tariffs to give automakers time to adjust their supply chains, aiming to mitigate potential disruptions in this critical sector.

5. Legal Developments: Harvey Weinstein's Upcoming Trial

Former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday for a new rape trial concerning incidents that occurred in 2006 and 2013. This follows a New York appeals court's decision to overturn his 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence due to improper rulings and prejudicial testimony. Weinstein is also appealing a separate 2022 rape conviction, prolonging his legal battles.

6. Hungary Passes Restrictive Amendment Targeting LGBTQ Communities

In international news, Hungary's parliament has approved a controversial amendment that significantly restricts the freedom of assembly for the LGBTQ community, as reported by NPR’s Rob Schmitz.

Key Details:

• Ban on Public Events: The amendment explicitly bans public events organized by LGBTQ communities, including the annual Budapest Pride Parade.
• Constitutional Basis: It provides a constitutional foundation for denying recognition of gender identities or sexual characteristics of minority groups.
• Supporting Legislation: The amendment reinforces a March law that criminalizes attendance at events promoting homosexuality and grants police the authority to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees of such prohibited events.
• Legal Concerns: Legal experts argue that both the law and the amendment violate Hungary's constitution and fear they could pave the way for banning public assemblies of other groups in the future.

Notable Quote:

"The amendment codifies a ban on public events held by LGBTQ communities in Hungary, including the annual Budapest Pride Parade."
— Rob Schmitz, NPR News [03:50]

7. Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Strikes Near Julian, California

Shea Stevens reports a seismic event that shook the region near Julian, California, on Monday.

Event Details:

• Magnitude: 5.2 earthquake located east of San Diego.
• Impact: Fortunately, there were no reports of widespread damage or major injuries.
• Aftermath: The California Highway Patrol noted several rock slides in the affected area. The quake and its aftershocks were felt across most of Southern California.
• Local Area: Julian is a small town with a population of approximately 1,500 residents.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key developments covered in NPR News Now's April 15, 2025, episode, offering listeners a detailed overview of significant national and international events.