NPR News Now: April 15, 2025, 8 AM EDT – Detailed Summary

On the April 15, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman delivers a comprehensive roundup of the latest national and international news. This summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and insights from various NPR reporters.

1. Trump Administration Withdraws $2 Billion in Funding from Harvard University

Korva Coleman opens the episode with a significant development involving Harvard University:

“[The Trump administration has] pulled more than $2 billion of federal funding from Harvard University. The university has refused to comply with several Trump administration demands.” [00:16]

The administration's demands included the elimination of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and the tracking of students who support terrorism or antisemitism. Harvard staunchly opposes these mandates, asserting the autonomy of private educational institutions.

Jasmine Garz adds context by highlighting Harvard's response:

“Harvard actually updated the homepage of its website to reflect how federal dollars support research they do... [They] list research on treatments for [various] forms of cancer, heart disease, organs and transplantation.” [00:51]

The university emphasizes that federal funding is crucial for its groundbreaking research initiatives, asserting that no political party should influence the curriculum or hiring practices of private universities.

2. Detention of Pro-Palestinian Protester, Mossad Mandawi

In another contentious issue, Korva Coleman reports on the detention of a pro-Palestinian activist:

“Another pro-Palestinian protester has been detained by federal immigration officials. Mossad Mandawi was an organizer at Columbia University's protests last year.” [01:10]

Ping Huang provides a detailed account of Mandawi's situation:

“He was detained yesterday at an immigration office in Vermont after arriving for a citizenship test.” [01:10]

Mandawi, originally from a refugee camp in the West Bank, moved to the U.S. in 2014 and recently earned his BA with plans to pursue a master's degree. Despite holding a green card, his unexpected detention has raised concerns about potential transfers to more conservative jurisdictions, a fate that befell several other demonstrators. A temporary restraining order has been granted to prevent such a transfer, offering a glimmer of hope for Mandawi's case.

3. CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee Holds First Public Meeting Under Trump Administration

Korva Coleman shifts focus to public health, announcing a pivotal meeting:

“A vaccine advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold its first public meeting of the Trump administration today.” [02:14]

Originally postponed last February, the two-day meeting aims to review data and provide recommendations on various vaccines, including those for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and chikungunya.

Claire Hannon, head of the Association of Immunization Managers, expresses optimism:

“She’s reassured by the meeting’s agenda.” [02:27]

Further emphasizing the meeting's importance, Ping Huang notes:

“The committee's advice shapes access and insurance coverage for vaccines.” [02:52]

Vaccine advocates had previously feared administrative interference, such as the removal of committee members. However, as of now, these concerns have not materialized, fostering a sense of relief among public health officials.

4. Wall Street and National Headlines

While detailed reports on Wall Street and other national issues are briefly touched upon, the episode underscores several noteworthy points:

• Market Movements: Dow futures are down by approximately 130 points in premarket trading, indicating investor caution.

• Reproductive Health: The Guttmacher Institute reports a slight increase in the number of abortions in the U.S. for 2024, surpassing one million. The availability of abortion medication is cited as a contributing factor.

• Environmental Concerns: Over two dozen rivers in the eastern U.S. remain at moderate or major flood stages following catastrophic rainstorms earlier in the month.

5. WNBA Draft: Paige Beckers Selected as Top Pick by Dallas Wings

Concluding the episode on a celebratory note, Jasmine Garz covers the excitement surrounding the WNBA draft:

“The number one pick this year was no surprise. The Dallas Wings select Paige Beckers, University of Connecticut.” [04:07]

Paige Beckers, a 23-year-old standout from UConn, has been a remarkable talent since her high school days. Despite facing injuries, she excelled by winning national player of the year awards in 2021, reaching four Final Fours, and ultimately securing the national championship with the UConn Huskies.

Post-draft, Beckers shared her sentiments:

“Nothing is guaranteed, sort of for this moment to be here, it's nerve-wracking. You just have a level of excitement.” [04:37]

Her transition to the professional arena with the Dallas Wings marks a significant milestone, with the WNBA season slated to commence in mid-May.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a blend of critical political developments, public health updates, social issues, and uplifting sports news. Through detailed reporting and insightful interviews, listeners are kept informed on matters that shape both national and community landscapes.