NPR News Now: April 19, 2025, 1PM EDT
Hosted by NPR's Nora Ramm
The April 19, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Nora Ramm, delivers a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news across the globe, from Supreme Court decisions and international diplomacy to national protests and major sports events. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
1. Supreme Court Blocks Deportation of Venezuelans Under Alien Enemies Act
Reporter: Meg Anderson ([00:26] – [00:56])
In an early morning decision, the Supreme Court intervened to prevent the Trump Administration from deporting Venezuelans detained at a Texas facility under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. This law grants the government authority to deport foreigners deemed threats during wartime.
Meg Anderson highlights the ongoing issues with the administration's enforcement:
"The U.S. Courts have said that the people taken to El Salvador got limited or no due process before they were sent there." ([00:56])
The administration contends it no longer controls the fate of these migrants once they are in El Salvador, raising significant legal and humanitarian concerns.
2. Trump Administration Targets Harvard's Campus Activism
Reporter: Adrienne Florido ([01:12] – [02:07])
The Trump Administration is intensifying its campaign against campus activism by pressuring Harvard University to comply with stringent regulations. Adrienne Florido reports that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has issued a demand for Harvard to disclose records of foreign students disciplined for participating in protests or illegal activities.
"She gave the school until April 30th. If it doesn't comply, she said, the government will revoke Harvard's permission to enroll foreign students." ([01:24])
This move is part of a broader crackdown targeting foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Last week, the administration presented Harvard with additional demands aimed at combating antisemitism. Harvard's refusal to comply has resulted in the freezing of billions in federal funding as a punitive measure.
3. Iran and U.S. to Resume Nuclear Negotiations
Reporter: Megan Williams ([02:07] – [02:59])
After concluding indirect negotiations in Rome, Iran and the United States are set to engage in another round of nuclear talks next week. Megan Williams explains that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchee and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff communicated their positions through an Omani intermediary, continuing the pattern from last week's discussions in Muscat.
"The US wants Iran to scale back uranium enrichment and allow tougher international inspections." ([02:18])
In exchange, Iran seeks relief from sanctions. Notably, these talks are the first direct negotiations between the two nations since 2015 under President Barack Obama. Despite mounting pressure from Israel for President Trump to abandon the talks, diplomatic efforts persist.
4. Putin Announces Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
Reporter: Nora Ramm ([02:59] – [04:11])
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, slated to commence that evening and continue until midnight on Easter Sunday. Nora Ramm relays Putin's announcement:
"He says Russia' operations will end from tonight through midnight, Easter Sunday." ([02:59])
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire as a manipulative tactic, stating on social platform X:
"Another attempt by Putin to play with human lives." ([02:59])
Despite the ceasefire, air raid alerts remain prevalent across Ukraine, indicating ongoing tensions and uncertainty.
5. Nationwide Rallies Planned Against President Trump's Policies
Reporter: Nora Ramm ([02:59] – [04:53])
In response to President Trump's return to office three months ago, organizers are planning widespread demonstrations across all 50 states. These rallies aim to protest his policies and executive orders.
Nora Ramm notes key themes and developments:
"In New York City, a central theme will be opposition to local officials helping federal immigration agents arrest and deport immigrants." ([02:59])
A similar gathering attracted thousands two weeks prior, underscoring the substantial opposition to the administration's immigration enforcement strategies.
6. NBA Playoffs Preview: Thunder and Cavaliers Face Tough Challenges
Reporter: Becky Sullivan ([04:11] – [04:53])
As the NBA playoffs commence, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, holding the top seeds in the Western and Eastern Conferences respectively, brace for formidable competition. Becky Sullivan provides an in-depth preview:
"Only three number one seeds have reached the Finals over the past five years. And this year is shaping up to be a tough road for the Thunder and the Cavs, who have 68 and 64 wins this season, respectively." ([04:11])
The Western Conference is particularly competitive, featuring stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, who must navigate through the Minnesota Timberwolves led by Anthony Edwards. In the East, the Cavaliers face a significant challenge from the Boston Celtics, who are eyeing back-to-back championships. Additionally, the Detroit Pistons aim for their first postseason victory since 2008, striving to overcome last year's last-place finish.
7. Stanley Cup Playoffs Kick Off Tonight
Reporter: Nora Ramm ([04:53] – [05:04])
The excitement of playoff basketball extends to hockey as the Stanley Cup playoffs begin tonight. Nora Ramm highlights the opening matchups:
"St. Louis will play Winnipeg in Colorado faces Dallas." ([04:53])
Fans can look forward to intense competition as teams vie for the prestigious Stanley Cup.
This episode of NPR News Now offers listeners a succinct yet thorough briefing on significant national and international events, providing essential information and diverse perspectives on today's headlines.