NPR News Now: April 15, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary
Hosted by NPR, “NPR News Now” delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the April 15, 2025, 7 AM EDT episode.
1. US-El Salvador Relations: Deportation Controversy
Host Korva Coleman opens the episode with significant developments in US-El Salvador relations. "President Trump met Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at the White House yesterday," (00:16) Coleman reports. The central issue revolves around the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man alleged by the White House to be a gang member—a claim his lawyers firmly deny.
Franco Ordona provides further context, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Garcia's return. However, Attorney General Pam Bondi interprets the court's directive narrowly, stating, "The Supreme Court's order to facilitate simply means they need to provide a plan to return them. But first, El Salvador has to release him," (00:48).
The administration appears reluctant to compel President Bukele to release Garcia, signaling a potential standoff over the extradition process.
2. Antitrust Battle Against Meta: A Landmark Trial
Shifting focus to the tech industry, Korva Coleman highlights a pivotal antitrust trial in Washington, D.C., against Meta (formerly Facebook). Rachel Miro from KQED reports, "A landmark antitrust trial is underway... federal prosecutors may seek to force Meta to undo its purchases of Instagram and WhatsApp," (01:08).
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, is embroiled in controversy over his extensive lobbying efforts. "Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying President Donald Trump to force the FTC to settle with Meta," (01:40) Miro adds.
However, Jen Howard, Chief of Staff at the FTC under former chair Lina Khan, counters, "Antitrust advocates and Trump alike distrust big Tech, whether Chinese or American," (02:00). An unnamed antitrust advocate underscores the stakes, stating, "If we continue to protect them by allowing them to do this sort of monopolies moating, China's gonna come and come with something better," (02:00).
In a Meta blog post, the company's chief legal officer critiques the FTC's case: "The FTC's case ignores how the market actually works and chases a theory that doesn't hold up in the real world," (02:09).
3. Escalating Tensions: Ukraine's Drone Attacks on Russia
Korva Coleman updates listeners on escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Charles Maynes from Moscow reports, "Russia says one woman died and nine others were injured after Ukraine launched a wave of drone attacks on its neighboring border region of Kursk," (02:21).
The Russian Defense Ministry claims over 100 drones were intercepted, though these figures remain unverified: "Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down more than 100 drones over the skies of Kursk, claims it could not be independently confirmed," (02:32). Visual evidence shows significant damage to residential buildings, echoing recent violence, including Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities like Sumy.
Russian authorities assert their attacks targeted military officers, but lack supporting evidence, further complicating the narrative of ongoing conflict in the region.
4. Federal Funding Cut to Harvard University
A significant development in education and federal funding is reported by Korva Coleman. The Trump administration has withdrawn over $2 billion in federal funds from Harvard University due to the institution's refusal to comply with governmental mandates. These demands include the elimination of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and the implementation of third-party assessments to ensure viewpoint diversity across academic departments.
Harvard responds, asserting, "No government should dictate what a private university may teach," emphasizing academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
5. FEMA Denies Washington State's Storm Recovery Request
Emergency management becomes a focal point as Korva Coleman reports FEMA's denial of Washington State's request for assistance in recovering from last year's "bomb cyclone." Scott Greenstone from KUOW explains, "In the Seattle area last year, winds from a bomb cyclone felled trees onto homes and power lines. The damage topped 30 million," (03:56).
Despite meeting all criteria, Washington officials face rejection without explanation. A political analyst speculates, "You would like to think that our federal government would not be making decisions about emergency assistance based on how a state leans politically or how a state voted in the last presidential election. But, you know, we have to acknowledge that that is certainly a possibility here," (04:15). This skepticism is grounded in past experiences where aid was delayed until the change in presidential administration, as seen with a wildfire relief application previously stalled until President Biden took office.
6. WNBA Draft Highlights: Paige Beckers Selected by Dallas Wings
Concluding the episode on a lighter note, Korva Coleman announces the latest developments in sports. The WNBA draft saw UConn star Paige Beckers selected as the top pick, destined to join the Dallas Wings. This marks a significant moment for Beckers and the league, highlighting the continued growth and talent within women's basketball.
Conclusion
This episode of "NPR News Now" provided a comprehensive overview of pressing international relations issues, significant legal battles in the tech industry, ongoing conflicts, educational funding challenges, emergency management controversies, and noteworthy sports achievements. Through detailed reporting and insightful quotes, NPR offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the day's most critical events.