NPR News Now: April 18, 2025, 4PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Release Date: April 18, 2025

International Relations: U.S. Stance on Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal

President Donald Trump has signaled a potential withdrawal of the United States from negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, aligning with Secretary of State Mar Rubio's recent comments. This move raises questions about the U.S.'s role in mediating the ongoing conflict.

• President Trump’s Position:

  • “If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say you're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people, and we're going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won't have to do that.” [00:51]

• Analysis by Deepa Shivaram:

  • Trump expressed hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not impede a peace agreement, emphasizing his desire to see a resolution. However, the administration remains open to the possibility of the U.S. stepping back from its diplomatic efforts. [00:39]
  • “If the US Isn't involved in negotiating an end to the war, it's unclear if any other nation would be able to step in.” [01:05]

State Politics: Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Education Funding Veto

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has upheld Governor Tony Evers' use of his veto power to secure a significant increase in school funding, ensuring a $325 per student rise for Wisconsin Public Schools over two decades.

• Court Decision:

  • In a 4-3 ruling along party lines, the court affirmed that the governor's modification of the funding language was constitutional, allowing the extension of the annual increase for 400 years. [01:28]

• Details from Maria Peralta Arellano:

  • Governor Evers strategically removed the hyphen in the funding timeline, effectively locking in the increase until the year 2425. [01:28]
  • “The modification is attention grabbing. But the state constitution does not limit the governor's partial veto power.” [01:28]

Economic Update: Stock Market Declines Amid Holiday Week

The stock market remains closed today for Good Friday, but recent trading has shown a downturn.

• Market Performance:

  • Major indices like the Dow and Nasdaq each fell approximately 2%, while the S&P 500 dropped by 1.5% over the past four days. [02:19]

• Global Market Insights:

  • Asian stock markets experienced gains overnight. The arrival of the new U.S. ambassador to Japan brings optimism for a potential trade agreement, aiming to reduce the current 10% import tax imposed on Japanese goods. [02:19]

• Gasoline Prices:

  • Average gas prices in the U.S. have slightly decreased to around $3.16 per gallon, down by five cents from the previous week but still eight cents higher than earlier this year. [02:19]

Public Health: Measles Outbreak Expands to Eight States

The United States is currently managing a measles outbreak affecting eight states, with the majority of cases concentrated in Texas.

• Current Situation:
  • Michigan reported a new case near Grand Rapids, and Montana identified five cases in Gallatin County. Pennsylvania has declared an outbreak in Erie County. [03:01]

Local News: Florida State University Shooting and Community Response

A tragic mass shooting occurred at the Student Union building of Florida State University, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. A vigil is scheduled for 5 PM Eastern at the university to honor the victims.

• Incident Details:

  • The 20-year-old gunman, whose mother is a local deputy sheriff, was apprehended and wounded by police. Authorities have yet to determine a motive. [03:57]

• Hospital Update:

  • Brett Howard, a trauma surgeon at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, reported that all six injured individuals are in stable condition, with one in fair condition. He remains optimistic about their full recoveries.
    • “All six of them today are in stable condition, one which is in fair condition. Given a serious injury, we do feel that all will make a full recovery.” [03:45]

International Trade: U.S.-China Relations Strain Supply Chains

Trade tensions between the United States and China continue to disrupt the flow of Chinese goods into the U.S., as exporters at China’s Canton Fair express concerns over halted shipments due to high tariffs imposed by the U.S.

• Trade Fair Insights:

  • Monica Liang, a sales manager at a Chinese company producing juicers and blenders, highlighted the significant reduction in U.S. orders, causing inventory buildups. [04:22]
    • “Customers from the US have halted orders, and products are piling up in warehouses.” [04:22]

• Industry Reaction:

  • While some hope for a resolution to the trade impasse, many businesses are seeking alternative markets to mitigate the impact of ongoing tariffs. [04:22]

• John Ruich’s Reporting:

  • The uncertainty at the Canton Fair underscores the broader challenges in U.S.-China trade relations, with potential long-term effects on global supply chains. [04:22]

Conclusion:

This episode of NPR News Now covered a wide array of topics, from international diplomacy and state politics to economic trends, public health crises, local tragedies, and international trade tensions. Key insights include President Trump's conditional support for peace negotiations in Ukraine, significant educational funding decisions in Wisconsin, a declining stock market amidst holiday trading, expanding measles outbreaks, a tragic shooting at Florida State University, and persistent U.S.-China trade disputes affecting global supply chains.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say you're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people, and we're going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won't have to do that.” — President Donald Trump [00:51]

• “The modification is attention grabbing. But the state constitution does not limit the governor's partial veto power.” — Maria Peralta Arellano [01:28]

• “All six of them today are in stable condition, one which is in fair condition. Given a serious injury, we do feel that all will make a full recovery.” — Brett Howard [03:45]

• “Customers from the US have halted orders, and products are piling up in warehouses.” — Monica Liang [04:22]

For more detailed updates, you can visit NPR News Now.