NPR News Now: April 17, 2025, 5PM EDT
Host: Jack Spear
Florida State University Shooting Incident
Timestamp: [00:26 - 01:13]
In a tragic event unfolding in Tallahassee, Florida, a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) has resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, with five others injured. The suspected shooter, a 20-year-old FSU student and the son of a deputy sheriff, was apprehended by authorities and is currently hospitalized. Jason Trombower, the chief of police at FSU, confirmed that the victims were not enrolled students.
Jack Spear reported, “[Students] described a chaotic scene, with one saying he and around 30 others hid in a bowling alley inside the student union. Classes at the university are canceled through tomorrow.”
At approximately 11:50 AM on Thursday, April 17, the gunman targeted the main campus near the student union building. FSU police responded swiftly, neutralizing and arresting the shooter, thereby preventing further casualties.
President Trump’s Controversial Deportation Plan
Timestamp: [01:13 - 02:22]
President Donald Trump has proposed a contentious plan to deport U.S. citizens involved in criminal activities and incarcerate them overseas. This proposal has sparked significant debate among legal scholars and constitutional experts.
Brian Mann, NPR correspondent, explained, “TRUMP has repeatedly raised the idea of deporting Americans involved in criminal activity and jailing them outside the US this week, he urged El Salvador's president to build more prisons to house U.S. citizens.”
David Beer from the Cato Institute expressed grave concerns, stating, “[07:59] That’s the real fear that we have now is that he is going to try to evade judicial review of deportations of US Citizens.”
Additionally, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor voiced her apprehensions about the constitutional implications of such a move. In contrast, Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the proposal on Fox News, suggesting it “could reduce crime.”
Legal experts unanimously agree that the plan is unconstitutional, fearing that President Trump might proceed despite potential court challenges and judicial opposition.
UnitedHealth Group’s Financial Downturn
Timestamp: [02:22 - 03:18]
UnitedHealth Group, the largest healthcare company in the United States, has significantly reduced its earnings forecast for the year, leading to a sharp decline in its stock price by more than 22%. This downturn follows the tragic shooting and death of one of its executives in December.
Maria Aspen, NPR’s health correspondent, reported, “UnitedHealth has become a lightning rod for consumer anger over health care costs and denied insurance claims.” The company attributes its financial struggles to rising costs in its Medicare division and an unexpected influx of senior patients seeking medical care.
CEO Andrew Witte has pledged to address these challenges, assuring consumers that his company is committed to “fixing the system.” Despite these promises, Wall Street remains disappointed with the company’s financial performance.
Wall Street Update
Timestamp: [03:18 - 03:43]
The stock market faced a downturn today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 527 points. This decline reflects broader market uncertainties, including the recent developments in the healthcare sector and geopolitical tensions.
Breakthrough in Weight Loss Medication: GLP1 Pill
Timestamp: [03:43 - 04:19]
Advancements in diabetes and weight loss treatments continue as Eli Lilly announces promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of its GLP1 pill. Unlike existing injectable GLP1 medications such as Ozempic, this new pill offers a more convenient oral option for patients.
Sydney Lupkin, NPR’s health reporter, highlighted, “Eli Lilly is announcing that early results from a phase 3 clinical trial of its GLP1 pill show it reduced participants' A1C, a measure of blood sugar control, better than placebo.”
The trial, which spanned 40 weeks, demonstrated that the pill not only effectively managed blood sugar levels but also aided patients in losing up to 16 pounds. The safety and efficacy profiles were consistent with Lilly’s injectable GLP1 drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro. The company plans to present these findings at the upcoming American Diabetes Association conference and publish them in a peer-reviewed medical journal later this year.
Positive Developments for Endangered Sea Turtles
Timestamp: [04:19 - 05:04]
Environmental scientists have reported encouraging signs of recovery in certain endangered sea turtle populations worldwide. A comprehensive study examining 48 sea turtle populations revealed a decline in major threats such as hunting, pollution, and climate change in approximately half of the examined areas.
While Atlantic Ocean turtles are showing more robust recovery compared to their Pacific counterparts, leatherback turtles remain vulnerable and are not recovering at the same rate as other species. Researchers emphasize that continued conservation efforts are essential to sustain these positive trends.
Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Trade Deal Optimism
Timestamp: [04:19 - 05:04]
Crude oil markets experienced an uptick today, with prices increasing by $2.21 per barrel to close at $64.68. This rise is partly attributed to optimistic speculation surrounding a potential trade agreement between the United States and the European Union, which could stabilize and potentially boost global oil demand.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the April 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.