NPR News Now: April 17, 2025 – Key Highlights

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter Contributions: Greg Allen, Jackson Sineberg, Ayah Batrawi, John Hamilton

Campus Shooting at Florida State University

[00:26] Jeanine Herbst:
A tragic incident unfolded on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee today, resulting in several injuries.

[00:36] Greg Allen:
The shooting commenced just before noon near the student union. Quick police response led to the evacuation of students, ensuring their safety. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital reported receiving six trauma patients: one in critical condition and the others in serious condition.

Supreme Court and Birthright Citizenship Debate

[00:49] Jeanine Herbst:
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has deferred its decision on President Trump's assertion that the Constitution does not guarantee automatic birthright citizenship. The Court has scheduled arguments for May 15, with a ruling anticipated this summer.

[00:49] Jeanine Herbst:
Additionally, the Trump administration has intensified its immigration crackdown, revoking or terminating visas for numerous international students across major universities in the D.C. area.

[01:17] Jackson Sineberg:
"Nearly every major university in the D.C. region has reported students having their visas revoked or terminated," reported Jackson Sineberg from WAMU. The affected numbers vary, with institutions like George Mason and Georgetown University experiencing double-digit revocations. Connor Martin, editor of the Georgetown Voice, expressed student anxiety over the lack of clarity, stating, "There's a large sense of fear" [01:37].

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

[01:56] Jeanine Herbst:
Intense Israeli airstrikes have claimed at least 40 lives in Gaza over the past 24 hours, specifically targeting families seeking shelter.

[02:06] Ayah Batrawi:
NPR’s Ayah Batrawi reports that overnight, Israeli forces struck three locations where displaced families were sheltering in makeshift tents—two in northern Gaza and one in the south. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that 23 individuals were killed in these separate attacks. The most devastating strike occurred in Moesi, where the Abu Ruz family lost 10 members as their tent was engulfed in flames. "Video from the incident shared by rescue crews shows a tent engulfed in fire," Batrawi detailed [02:06]. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 51,000 deaths in Gaza over the past 18 months, with children comprising a third of the casualties.

President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell

[02:44] Jeanine Herbst:
President Trump is exerting pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, mirroring actions taken by the European Central Bank in response to the economic impact of Trump's tariffs.

[02:44] Jeanine Herbst:
During a White House briefing, Trump openly criticized Powell, stating, "I'm not happy with him. Let him know it and if I..." [03:02]. Despite Trump's displeasure, Powell, a Republican appointed by the President, maintains that the new tariffs are likely to cause a temporary rise in prices, which could deter the Fed from further rate cuts.

Advancements in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

[03:34] John Hamilton:
Exciting developments in medical science have emerged as scientists report success in using stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease. Two studies published in the Journal Nature reveal that transplantation of different kinds of stem cells into the brains of Parkinson’s patients led to the production of dopamine, a critical chemical messenger.

[03:34] John Hamilton:
In one study, 12 patients received varying doses of neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells. Dr. Lawrence Studer from Memorial Sloan Kettering emphasized the results, noting, "You would expect every year to get two to three points worse and actually the high dose group, they got about 20 points better." A concurrent study from Japan reported similar positive outcomes with a different stem cell type. However, researchers caution that larger studies are necessary to validate these promising results fully.

Texas Expands School Voucher Program

[04:18] Jeanine Herbst:
In a landmark decision, the Texas House has approved one of the largest taxpayer-funded school voucher programs in the nation, marking a significant victory for private school choice advocates. This move is a substantial setback for Democrats and teachers’ unions who argue that vouchers will strain public school budgets.

[04:18] Jeanine Herbst:
Following approval by the state Senate, the two legislative chambers must reconcile their versions of the bill. The proposed program is capped at $1 billion for its first year and will be directed towards private schooling and homeschooling expenses. Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law. Concurrently, President Trump and congressional Republicans are campaigning to establish a national federal tax credit for private school vouchers, indicating potential expansion of this initiative beyond Texas.

Conclusion

April 17, 2025, was marked by significant developments across various sectors, from tragic events on university campuses to pivotal legal battles and advancements in medical treatments. The interplay between political actions and their societal impacts remains a focal point, highlighting the complexities of governance and human resilience in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• Connor Martin, Georgetown Voice:
  "There's a large sense of fear." [01:37]

• President Trump:
  "I'm not happy with him. Let him know it and if I..." [03:02]

• Dr. Lawrence Studer, Memorial Sloan Kettering:
  "You would expect every year to get two to three points worse and actually the high dose group, they got about 20 points better." [03:34]

This comprehensive summary captures the essential points, discussions, and insights from the April 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners and those who missed the broadcast.