NPR News Now – April 19, 2025

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on key national and international developments in its April 19, 2025, episode. This detailed summary encapsulates the crucial topics covered, complete with notable quotes and attributions to provide clarity and context for those who haven't listened to the episode.

Reclassification of Federal Workers Under Trump Administration

Giles Snyder reports from Washington on a significant policy shift initiated by the Trump administration. The administration is reclassifying 50,000 federal workers to facilitate easier termination processes, a move reminiscent of mass firings under Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

Danielle Kurtzleben of NPR explains the proposed rule from the Office of Personnel Management, known as Schedule F. This policy seeks to remove civil service protections for about 2% of the federal workforce, categorizing these employees as "at-will" who serve at the president's pleasure. Kurtzleben notes:

"The president wrote about the policy on social media on Friday saying, ‘if these government workers refuse to advance the policy interests of the president or are engaging in corrupt behavior, they should no longer have a job.’"
— Danielle Kurtzleben, 00:33

An executive order from President Trump is still required to implement the policy.

Supreme Court Halts Use of Alien Enemies Act to Deport Venezuelan Gang Members

In another major development, Giles Snyder reports that the Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily halt its plans to apply the Alien Enemies Act for deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members. This emergency appeal was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of migrants detained at an immigration facility in North Texas.

Notably, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the decision, emphasizing the contentious nature of the administration's immigration policies (01:09).

Trump Administration Redirects COVID-19 Information to White House Website

NPR's Rob Stein highlights a controversial shift by the Trump administration concerning COVID-19 information dissemination. Original federal websites offering data on vaccines, treatment, and testing have been redirected to a White House page focusing on the Lab Origin Theory of COVID-19, suggesting the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China.

Stein contrasts this narrative with the prevailing scientific consensus:

"Most scientists believe that the virus most likely originated naturally in a wild animal and then spread to people in a market located in Wuhan."
— Rob Stein, 01:38

30th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Giles Snyder conveys that Oklahoma City plans extensive commemorations. Grayson Wheeler reports from the site where the Alpha P. Murrah Federal Building was destroyed in 1995, with events including remarks from community members and former President Bill Clinton.

A poignant moment includes observing 168 seconds of silence, honoring each life lost in the attack. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt reflects on the significance of the anniversary:

"One is to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever, but also to share lessons of the event forward with people who maybe weren't even alive."
— David Holt, 02:49

Additionally, Wheeler mentions the upcoming OKC Memorial Marathon aimed at funding the OKC National Memorial Museum (03:02).

National Science Foundation Cancels Diversity Grants

Giles Snyder transitions to an education segment, reporting on the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) decision to cancel numerous grants. NPR’s Nell Greenfield Boyce explains that the NSF is discontinuing funding for projects aimed at expanding participation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

Despite Congress's 2010 directive for the NSF to support equity in science, the agency now prioritizes broad engagement activities, stating that:

"Projects designed to boost participation need to be broad engagement activities that don't favor or limit the participation of any particular groups."
— Nell Greenfield Boyce, 03:31

Furthermore, the NSF announced it will no longer support research aimed at combating misinformation or disinformation, citing free speech considerations.

Plane Crash in Nebraska Under Federal Investigation

In a tragic aviation incident, Giles Snyder reports on the crash of a small airplane in Nebraska, resulting in three fatalities. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office confirmed the toll and stated that federal authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are taking over the investigation into the crash (04:13).

Vice President J.D. Vance's Easter Weekend in Rome

Concluding the news roundup, Giles Snyder informs that Vice President J.D. Vance is in Rome for Easter weekend. His itinerary includes meetings with the Vatican Secretary of State, Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, and participation in Good Friday services at St. Peter's Basilica (04:13).

This episode of NPR News Now offers listeners a concise yet comprehensive overview of pivotal events shaping the nation and the world, from federal policy changes and legal challenges to commemorations and significant personal journeys of public figures.