NPR News Now: April 15, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

NPR News Now delivered a concise yet comprehensive update on significant national and international events. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed in the April 15, 2025, 5AM EDT episode, complete with notable quotes and speaker attributions.

1. Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

Reporter: Kristen Wright
Reporter: Greg Allen

Former President Donald Trump faces ongoing legal challenges following an attempted assassination incident on his golf course in Florida last year. Ryan Ruth, the individual charged with the attempt, is scheduled for a court hearing in Fort Pierce, Florida.

• Details of the Incident:

  • Ruth allegedly planned to use a semiautomatic rifle during his attempt to assassinate Trump.
  • A member of Trump's security detail observed a gun barrel protruding from the tree line near the golf area, prompting immediate action.
  • The Secret Service agent on duty discharged the weapon, incapacitating Ruth, who subsequently fled and was apprehended shortly thereafter ([00:36] Greg Allen).

• Legal Proceedings:

  • Ruth faces five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate.
  • His legal team is requesting permission for an expert to test fire the rifle to assess its accuracy and operability.
  • Prosecutors maintain that the functionality of the gun is secondary to Ruth's clear intent to kill Trump ([00:36] Greg Allen).

Notable Quote:

"What is important is Ruth's intent to kill then presidential candidate Donald Trump."
— Greg Allen ([00:36])

2. President Trump's Controversial Deportation Remarks

Reporter: Kristen Wright

During a live-streamed meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office, former President Trump made alarming statements suggesting the deportation of U.S. citizens. Clips from the exchange, shared by Bukele's office on social media, captured Trump stating, "Homegrown are next," raising significant constitutional concerns among legal experts.

• Key Points:
  • Trump's remarks imply the deportation of U.S. citizens, a move deemed unconstitutional by legal authorities.
  • The discussion also touched upon the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, with both nations unable to facilitate his return.

Notable Quote:

“Homegrown are next.”
— President Trump ([01:16])

3. Harvey Weinstein Returns to Court

Reporter: Kristen Wright

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former film producer, is set to face trial once more in Manhattan. This follows the overturning of his initial MeToo verdict and the nullification of his 23-year prison sentence due to procedural errors, specifically the admittance of an improper witness.

• Case Details:
  • Jury selection for Weinstein's trial begins today.
  • He is charged with sexually assaulting three women.
  • Additionally, Weinstein has been convicted in a separate rape case in California, a verdict he is currently appealing while maintaining his innocence.

Notable Quote:

"He’s appealing that verdict and has pleaded not guilty."
— Kristen Wright ([01:16])

4. CDC's New Vaccine Advisory Committee Holds First Meeting

Reporter: Ping Wang

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosted the first public meeting of its new vaccine advisory committee under the Trump administration, rescheduled from February.

• Meeting Highlights:

  • The two-day session involved presenting data and updates on various vaccines, including RSV and Chikungunya.
  • Independent advisors reviewed and voted on recommendations for these vaccines.

• Expert Opinions:

  • Claire Hannon, Head of the Association of Immunization Managers, expressed confidence in the meeting's agenda, stating, “Really glad to see that it's scheduled and that, you know, they're holding public comments” ([02:56] Becky Sullivan).

• Administration Oversight:

  • The committee's guidance significantly influences vaccine access and insurance coverage.
  • Concerns from vaccine advocates about potential interference from the Trump administration, such as the removal of committee members, have not materialized to date.

Notable Quotes:

“Really glad to see that it's scheduled and that, you know, they're holding public comments.”
— Becky Sullivan ([02:50])

“They’re holding public comments.”
— Ping Huang ([02:56])

5. WNBA Draft: Paige Beckers Selected as Top Pick

Reporter: Kristen Wright
Reporter: Becky Sullivan

Paige Beckers, a standout from the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, was selected as the number one overall pick in this year's WNBA draft, marking the beginning of her professional career with the Dallas Wings.

• Beckers’ Achievements:

  • At 23, Beckers has been a prominent talent since her high school days.
  • Her collegiate career includes four Final Four appearances and a recent national championship win.
  • Despite battling injuries, Beckers secured national player of the year awards in 2021.

• Beckers’ Reaction:

  • Expressing her excitement and humility, Beckers stated, “You just have a level of excitement” ([03:59] Paige Beckers).

• Upcoming Season:

  • The WNBA season is scheduled to commence in mid-May.

Notable Quote:

“You just have a level of excitement.”
— Paige Beckers ([03:59])

6. Trump Administration Freezes Funds to Harvard University

Reporter: Kristen Wright

In a contentious move, the Trump administration has frozen over $2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard University. This action follows Harvard President’s refusal to comply with federal demands aimed at dismantling the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and implementing screenings for anti-Semitism among international students.

• Federal Demands:

  • Elimination of DEI initiatives.
  • Enhanced screening processes targeting anti-Semitic sentiments among prospective international students.

• Harvard’s Stance:

  • The university's president asserted, “No government should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study they can pursue.”

• Implications:

  • The freezing of funds represents a significant federal challenge to Harvard’s operational autonomy and commitment to inclusive education.

Notable Quote:

“No government should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study they can pursue.”
— Harvard’s President ([04:14])

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulated pivotal developments across political, legal, health, and sports sectors, providing listeners with succinct yet thorough insights into ongoing national narratives.