NPR News Now: April 18, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Host: NPR

U.S. Advocates for El Salvadoran Detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia

[00:26] Louise Schiavone reports from Washington on the plight of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran detainee. Maryland Democrat Chris Van Hollen expressed concern at a Washington area airport regarding Garcia's sudden removal to a notorious maximum-security prison.

Abrego Garcia, tearfully appealing to Van Hollen, stated, "I wish to see my wife and son again." Van Hollen responded, emphasizing the necessity for the U.S. to uphold Garcia's rights, declaring, "It's time for the US to honor Abrego Garcia's rights" ([00:26]). An unnamed commentator criticized the White House's handling of the case, asserting, "The White House and the president had been lying about this case from the beginning" ([01:23]), highlighting the importance of due process and constitutional rights.

President Trump's Upcoming Rare Earth Minerals Agreement with Ukraine

President Trump announced plans to finalize a rare earth minerals agreement with Ukraine in the coming week. However, details from the U.S. side remain unclear. NPR’s Greg Myhre reports that the specifics of this deal have yet to be disclosed, leaving stakeholders uncertain about its implications for both nations.

West Texas Measles Outbreak Escalates

[01:56] Louise Schiavone updates listeners on a concerning public health issue in West Texas. According to Texas Department of State Health Services, there have been 36 new confirmed cases of measles linked to the ongoing outbreak, bringing the total to 597 cases since late January. David Martin Davies of Texas Public Radio reports, "In their Friday update, 62 of the patients have been hospitalized. There have been two fatalities in school-age children" ([02:05]). Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted, "The outbreak is not slowing down," underscoring the virus's highly contagious nature and the likelihood of additional cases in affected and surrounding communities.

Legal Challenge Halts Trump Administration's CFPB Layoffs

[02:45] In a significant legal decision, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson has paused President Trump's attempt to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by firing nearly all its staff. Judge Jackson expressed concern that the proposed layoffs would violate her prior order preventing the administration from shutting down the bureau. The White House had proposed eliminating approximately 1,500 positions, leaving only 200 employees, raising substantial legal and ethical questions about the administration's actions.

Escalation of Conflict in Gaza and U.S. Diplomatic Response

Amid ongoing tensions, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in at least 25 deaths, including children. The new U.S. ambassador to Israel made his first public address in Jerusalem, addressing the volatile situation. Gaza hospitals reported casualties in a refugee camp, emphasizing the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict.

U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Nicaraguan Officials

The U.S. government has announced visa restrictions targeting over 2,000 officials associated with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "With this latest move, the US government has established visa restrictions on more than 2,000 officials in the co-presidency of Ortega and his wife." The United Nations criticized the Nicaraguan regime as "centralized and oppressive," prompting the U.S. response aimed at curbing authoritarian practices.

Ukraine Sanctions Chinese Companies Amid Accusations of Supplying Weapons to Russia

[04:03] Emily Fang reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sanctioned three Chinese companies, accusing them of supplying weapons to Russia. The sanctioned entities include an aeronautics firm and two industrial component companies based in China. Zelensky released videos purportedly showing two Chinese fighters engaging with Russian forces; however, China has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them "groundless" ([04:03]).

This move signifies a shift in Ukraine's previously neutral stance toward China, despite China's "no limits partnership" with Russia initiated weeks before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the invasion, China was Ukraine's largest trading partner, and thousands of Ukrainian students were studying in China, highlighting the complexity of international alliances and economic dependencies.

Venice Extends Arrivals Tax for Day Visitors

[04:47] Louise Schiavone reports that Venice has decided to continue its "arrivals tax" for day visitors after a year-long pilot program. The city, known for its heavy tourism in Canal City, will maintain the five euro fee for passes purchased in advance. This measure aims to manage the influx of tourists and mitigate the impact on local infrastructure and quality of life for residents.

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