NPR News Now: April 17, 2025, 7 AM EDT Summary
By NPR
Deportation Controversy: Senator Van Hollen and Kilmar Abrego Garcia
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland engaged in discussions with officials in El Salvador yesterday concerning immigration policies and migrant welfare. Despite his efforts, Van Hollen was unable to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant recently deported by the Trump administration and currently imprisoned. The administration has acknowledged an error in Abrego Garcia's deportation, a move that has stirred significant concern among migrant communities.
Impact on Migrant Communities
Maryland State Delegate Ashanti Martinez highlighted the broader implications of Abrego Garcia's case:
“[00:37] When they look at a situation like Kilmar, they're very much impacted in saying, could this be me next? What is really happening right now? And you know, what is our government doing to protect us?”
Martinez emphasized the fear and uncertainty among migrants, questioning the government's role in safeguarding their futures.
Supreme Court Orders and Legal Challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court has mandated that the administration facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. However, Attorney General Pam Bondi has declared that Garcia will not be re-admitted, asserting that he is affiliated with a gang—a claim vehemently denied by Garcia's legal team.
Potential Criminal Contempt
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has indicated that the Trump administration may be in criminal contempt due to its alleged deliberate disregard of the court's order to halt migrant deportations to El Salvador. Boasberg criticized the administration for "purposely ignoring" judicial directives, raising questions about the separation of powers and executive compliance with the judiciary.
Diplomatic Efforts in Paris: Rubio Meets Macron
Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Paris, accompanied by President Trump's Russia-Ukraine envoy Steve Witkoff, to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and the French Foreign Minister. The primary agenda was to discuss strategies to end Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Diverging Strategies Between US and Europe
Eleanor Beardsley reports that while Macron is committed to ceasing Russian aggression, there exists a significant rift between the United States and European nations on the approach to resolving the conflict. The Trump administration's stance has been criticized for treating Russian President Vladimir Putin as an "honest broker," despite ongoing shelling and civilian casualties in Ukrainian cities.
President Macron asserted:
“[01:30] Europe can never let Russia win the war in Ukraine.”
Furthermore, both France and Britain have expressed readiness to spearhead a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine should a truce be reached. However, Russian President Putin has dismissed the notion of such a force, maintaining his position against international intervention.
California Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Era Tariffs
California officials, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, have filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to overturn President Trump's tariffs. The lawsuit contends that the imposition of a 10% across-the-board tariff, along with higher rates targeting Mexico, Canada, and China, exceeds presidential authority and adversely affects both businesses and consumers.
Governor Newsom's Statement
Appearing at a family-owned almond farm in California's Central Valley, Governor Newsom stated:
“[02:40] No state is poised to lose more than the state of California. So that's our state of mind. That's why we're asserting ourselves on behalf of 40 million Americans.”
Newsom argued that the tariffs are not only illegal but also detrimental to California's economy, which relies heavily on international trade. In response, White House spokesperson Kush Desai criticized Newsom, suggesting that the governor should prioritize addressing California's internal challenges instead of contesting federal trade policies.
Market and Legal Updates: Wall Street and New York Corrections
Stock Market Downturn
In premarket trading, Dow Futures plummeted by 500 points, reflecting investor anxiety over recent political and economic developments.
Legal Proceedings in New York
Two New York corrections officers have entered pleas of not guilty to murder charges related to the fatal beating of a prisoner last month. This incident occurred amidst an unapproved strike by some New York prison guards, leading to the arrest of ten individuals connected to the case. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within the state's correctional facilities and raises questions about labor actions and inmate safety.
DoDEA Schools Face Backlash Over Curriculum Changes
Families with children in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools are initiating lawsuits against the administration for the removal of certain books and alterations to curricular content. These changes are purportedly in response to a presidential executive order aimed at eliminating content related to gender, ideology, and divisive concepts.
Parental Concerns
Jessica Henninger, a parent with children enrolled in a DoDEA school in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, expressed frustration over the educational modifications:
“[03:46] My husband fights for our constitutional rights and our freedoms in this country, and to see those rights being taken away from my children was just absolutely something that I could not abide.”
Henninger cited the removal of fourth-grade reading materials such as “A Nation of Immigrants” and the cancellation of a Black History Month project as examples of the administration's overreach. Additionally, nearly 400 books have been removed from the U.S. Naval Academy, further intensifying parental and community opposition.
A DoDEA spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing litigation but affirmed the organization's commitment to providing an excellent educational experience despite the changes.
Wildlife Trafficking: Belgian Teens Charged in Kenya
In Kenya, authorities have charged two teenage nationals from Belgium with smuggling ants, alleging that the teens transported thousands of ants in test tubes across international borders. Kenyan officials classify this act as illegal wildlife trafficking, a serious offense under both Kenyan and international law. The teenagers, however, maintain that their actions were driven by personal interest and curiosity, claiming they were collecting ants for recreational purposes rather than for profit or trade.
This case highlights the broader challenges of enforcing wildlife protection laws and the complexities involved in distinguishing between innocent scientific curiosity and unlawful trafficking activities.
For more updates, visit NPR.org.