NPR News Now: April 18, 2025, 12AM EDT

NPR News Now delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. This episode covers a range of topics, including immigration issues, high-profile legal cases, political tensions, and international diplomacy. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Mistaken Deportation of Gilmore Obrego Garcia

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Manuel Rueda

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen addressed a significant immigration error involving Gilmore Obrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador last month despite having legal protection from deportation.

• Meeting Confirmation:
  At approximately 00:40, Manuel Rueda reported that Senator Van Hollen shared a photo on his X (formerly Twitter) account showing him meeting with Abrego Garcia in a room furnished with wooden tables and wine glasses. This meeting was corroborated by El Salvador's President, who stated that Garcia is now "sipping margaritas in El Salvador."

• Background of Abrego Garcia:
  Garcia immigrated illegally to the U.S. in 2011 but secured protection from deportation a few years prior. In March, ICE agents arrested him and deported him to the infamous Zacot prison in El Salvador. The Trump administration acknowledged that Garcia's removal was an "administrative error" but has not facilitated his return to the United States.

Notable Quote:
"Abrego Garcia was now, quote, sipping margaritas in El Salvador." – El Salvador's President (00:40)

2. Indictment of Luigi Mangione in the Killing of Brian Thompson

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Sarah Ventri

Luigi Mangione faces escalating legal troubles following the indictment related to the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

• Federal Charges:
  As reported by Sarah Ventri at 01:25, Mangione has been indicted on four additional counts, including:

  • Two counts of stalking
  • One firearms offense
  • Murder through the use of a firearm
  • One count that makes him eligible for the death penalty

• Death Penalty Implications:
  Attorney General Pamela Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty, marking the first such directive since the 2020 moratorium on federal executions. Mangione's attorney vehemently opposed this, labeling the Justice Department as "lawless."

• Additional Charges and National Impact:
  Beyond federal charges, Mangione faces accusations in Pennsylvania and New York State, where he is charged with murder and terrorism. His case has ignited national debates regarding the healthcare industry.

Notable Quote:
"Mangione's attorney called that statement barbaric and referred to the Justice Department as, quote, lawless." – Sarah Ventri (01:41)

3. President Trump Criticizes Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Policies

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Shea Stevens and Quotes from Christine Lagarde

President Trump has expressed frustration over the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates, especially in contrast to the European Central Bank's recent rate cuts.

• Federal Reserve's Stance:
  Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced that the Fed is keeping interest rates unchanged to monitor inflation and other economic indicators (02:22).

• Trump's Response and Potential Actions:
  President Trump has criticized the Fed, suggesting dissatisfaction with Powell's policies and hinting at the possibility of firing him before his term concludes.

• European Central Bank's Perspective:
  European Central Bank (ECB) leader Christine Lagarde responded positively to Powell, emphasizing the strong relationships between central bankers as crucial for financial stability.

Notable Quotes:

• "I have a lot of respect for my esteemed colleague and friend Jay Powell." – Christine Lagarde (02:42)

• "The Fed is leaving rates unchanged for now while monitoring inflation and other economic conditions." – Jerome Powell (02:22)

4. Resentencing Hearing for Menendez Brothers in California

Host: Shea Stevens

A new resentencing hearing has been scheduled for Eric and Lyle Menendez in California, revisiting their 1996 conviction for the murder of their wealthy parents.

• Purpose of the Hearing:
  The court aims to determine whether the brothers have been rehabilitated and deserve lighter sentences.

• Arguments from Both Sides:

  • Defense Attorneys: Claim that the Menendez brothers acted in self-defense.
  • Prosecutors: Argue that the murders were financially motivated.

This case continues to draw public interest and debate over familial relationships and motives in criminal cases.

5. Trump’s Envoys Engage in Diplomatic Efforts to End Russia's War in Ukraine

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Eleanor Beardsley
Analysts: Nicholas Tenzer and Unnamed Analyst

President Trump's top envoys recently met with European leaders and Ukrainian diplomats in Paris to intensify efforts to conclude Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

• Progress and Criticism:
  Nicholas Tenzer, a Ukraine analyst, noted that the Trump administration's approach has not made headway with Russian President Vladimir Putin, causing concern among European allies.

  Notable Quotes:

  • "The US is cozying up to Moscow has worried Europeans." – Nicholas Tenzer (04:18)
  • "The US Administration has made proposals that are basically unacceptable for both the Ukrainians and the Europeans, like letting Russia take four Ukrainian provinces it partially occupies." – Unnamed Analyst (04:18)

• European and Ukrainian Concerns:
  The proposals are deemed unacceptable as they could lead to Ukraine's defeat and compromise European security. Additionally, such concessions would be perceived as rewarding Putin for his aggression.

• Outlook and Future Meetings:
  Despite these challenges, representatives from Europe, Ukraine, and the U.S. acknowledged progress and planned to reconvene in London next week to continue discussions.

Notable Quote:
"And it will, of course, be a kind of reward to Putin for his war of aggression." – Unnamed Analyst (04:36)

6. U.S. Futures Trading Sees Uptick in After-Hours Activity

Host: Shea Stevens

In financial news, U.S. futures are mostly trading higher in after-hours markets on Wall Street, reflecting investor responses to the day's events and economic indicators.

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