NPR News: 04-20-2025 3AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now Summary

Episode: NPR News: 04-20-2025 3AM EDT
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Host: Dale Willman

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1. Supreme Court Halts Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants

In a significant legal decision, the Supreme Court intervened early Saturday morning to challenge the Trump administration's application of the Alien Enemies Act. This action temporarily prevents the deportation of Venezuelan migrants detained at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas.

Jimena Bustilla reports that the Court's brief order, issued shortly after midnight Eastern Time, mandates the government to refrain from removing any individuals from the specified detainee class until further instructions are provided by the Justices. Despite the Supreme Court's prior ruling allowing deportations contingent on due process, the ACLU contends that the administration violated this directive by notifying some detainees less than a day before their scheduled removal (00:32). Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito dissented, highlighting the divided opinions within the Court.

Dale Willman adds that the Trump administration has now petitioned the Supreme Court to lift the temporary stay, seeking to resume deportations. Homeland Security maintains that it is adhering to the initial Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the administration's commitment to enforcement while complying with judicial oversight.

Notable Quote:

“These would be some of the Venezuelan migrants being held at the Blue Bonnet facility in Texas.” — Jimena Bustilla (00:32)

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2. Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary cessation of military operations in Ukraine to observe Easter, urging Ukrainian forces to reciprocate. Charles Mainz provides insight from Moscow, detailing Putin's directive during a televised meeting with his top general. The ceasefire is set to commence on Saturday evening and extend through midnight Sunday.

Putin expressed hope that Ukraine would honor the truce but instructed his military to remain vigilant against any provocations from Kyiv. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, conditional upon Ukraine's agreement. However, tensions remain high as the NPR Kyiv Bureau reported explosions in Kyiv just before the truce's initiation, indicating that some hostilities persist despite the announcement.

This ceasefire comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration's recent statements warning of a potential withdrawal from peace negotiations if progress stalls. The administration's stance underscores the fragile state of diplomatic efforts to end the prolonged conflict.

Notable Quote:

“Putin said he was counting on Ukraine to follow suit, but told his military to remain on alert to respond to provocations by Kyiv.” — Charles Mainz (01:31)

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3. Nationwide 5051 Movement Sees Major Protests in Colorado Springs

The 5051 movement, characterized by holding 50 protests across 50 states in a single day, saw a significant turnout in Colorado Springs. Hundreds gathered to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's policies, particularly focusing on education funding cuts.

Stephanie Rivera from Colorado Public Radio highlights the participation of Cynthia Barham, a wheelchair user advocating for "Liberation Through Public Education." Barham expressed concern that reductions in the Department of Education's budget would disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities, limiting their access to education and equal rights.

Notable Quote:

“So if there are a bunch of cuts to that, then there are going to be a whole bunch of people that don't get to go to school the way I did. And that kind of burns me up right now.” — Cynthia Barham (02:53)

Her activism underscores broader anxieties about the future of federal funding for education in Colorado and beyond, as municipalities grapple with uncertain financial support.

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4. FEMA Withdraws Flood Mitigation Grants, Impacting North Carolina Projects

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the cancellation of a series of grants intended to aid communities in combating flooding nationwide. This decision has left numerous municipalities, including those in North Carolina, without essential federal funding despite substantial prior investments.

Zachary Turner reports from Salisbury, North Carolina, where local authorities had already allocated $3 million toward permit applications and project planning for flood mitigation. Salisbury Rowan Utilities Director Jason Wilson emphasizes the critical nature of these projects, noting that the pump station serves 53,000 customers and is vital for cooling water at a nearby power plant. The absence of FEMA funds jeopardizes the relocation efforts necessary to safeguard the water supply against increasing threats from sediment, pollution, and climate change-induced flooding.

Notable Quote:

“We have a power plant that uses it for cooling water, so we have a lot of critical customers that rely on our water on a daily basis.” — Jason Wilson (03:52)

FEMA's withdrawal affects over 40 similar projects in North Carolina, potentially leaving the state vulnerable to future flooding events without adequate infrastructure improvements.

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5. NBA Playoffs Deliver Thrilling Performances and Upsets

The first round of the NBA playoffs showcased exhilarating games and unexpected outcomes:

• New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons: The Knicks executed a remarkable 21-0 run in the fourth quarter, securing a decisive 123-112 victory. Star player Jalen Brunson led the charge with an impressive 34-point performance.

• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Overcoming Luka Doncic's 37 points, the Timberwolves triumphed with a score of 117-95. Anthony Edwards contributed significantly with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.

• Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers: In a tightly contested overtime battle, the Nuggets edged out the Clippers 112-110.

• Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: The Pacers delivered a strong performance, overwhelming the Bucks with a final score of 117-98.

These games highlight the competitive spirit and talent on display as teams vie for progression in the postseason.

Notable Highlights:

• Jalen Brunson’s 34 points for the Knicks (04:23)
• Anthony Edwards’ near-double-double stat line with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves (04:23)

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This summary provides an overview of the key topics covered in the NPR News Now episode released on April 20, 2025. For detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Pemco Mutual Insurance Company. Their mission is to help customers worry less and live more. So they're sharing prevention tips that empower you to prevent some of life's pitfalls before they happen. Visit pemco.com prevention live from NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

I'm Dale Willman. The Supreme Court early Saturday morning took issue with the Trump administration's use of the Alien enemies Act. As NPR's Jimena Bustilla reports, the order temporarily blocks the administration from deporting Venezuelans now held in the Bluebonnet detention center in Texas.

[Jimena Bustilla]

In a brief order issued after midnight Eastern, the justices wrote that the government is directed to not remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order from this court. These would be some of the Venezuelan migrants being held at the Blue Bonnet facility in Texas. Justice Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. The move comes after the Supreme Court previously ordered that the administration could remove people, but that they had to get due process first. The ACLU argues that the administration violated that order when it it gave some people less than a day's notice that they would be removed under the act. Homeland Security said it's complying with the Supreme Court's original ruling. Ximena Bustillo, NPR News, Washington.

[Dale Willman]

The Trump administration, meanwhile, has asked the Supreme Court to dissolve the temporary stay. Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's ordered his military to observe an Easter Day ceasefire in Ukraine and has called on Ukrainian forces to do the same. NPR's Charles Mainz reports from Moscow.

[Charles Mainz]

In a televised meeting with his top general, Putin ordered all military operations to cease beginning Saturday evening through midnight Sunday in honor of the Easter holiday. Putin said he was counting on Ukraine to follow suit, but told his military to remain on alert to respond to provocations by Kyiv. Separately, Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed it would observe the ceasefire order on the condition that Ukraine do the same. NPR's Kyiv Bureau confirmed explosions in the Ukrainian capital in the hour before the truce was set to take hold. The Easter ceasefire announcement follows recent warnings by the Trump administration it may abandon efforts to negotiate an end to the war it if it doesn't see progress towards peace. Charles Baines, NPR News, Moscow.

[Dale Willman]

Ukraine's president, meanwhile, says that some fighting is continuing across the country. Hundreds of people gathered in the Republican stronghold of Colorado Springs on Saturday to protest the Trump administration as part of the nationwide 5051 movement, which refers to 50 protests in 50 states in one day. Colorado Public Radio's Stephanie Rivera reports.

[Stephanie Rivera]

Cynthia Barham was one of those protesters. Braving the cold with a sign that read Liberation Through Public Education. The Colorado Springs resident uses a wheelchair. She was at City hall to protest cuts to the Department of Education. Barum fears such cuts would mean less access and equal rights for those with disabilities.

[Cynthia Barham]

So if there are a bunch of cuts to that, then there are going to be a whole bunch of people that don't get to go to school the way I did. And that kind of burns me up right now.

[Stephanie Rivera]

As in other states, the future of federal funding for Colorado schools remains uncertain. For NPR News, I'm Stephanie Rivera in Colorado Springs.

[Dale Willman]

And you're listening to NPR News. Earlier this month, FEMA announced plans to cancel a suite of grants to help communities combat flooding across the country. Many municipalities have already invested millions to start the projects, but in North Carolina, none have received any federal money. Zachary Turner for member station WFAE reports from Salisbury, North Carolina.

[Jason Wilson]

This pump station serves 53,000 customers across Rowan County. But as flooding becomes more frequent due to sediment, pollution and climate change, Salisbury Rowan Utilities Director Jason Wilson says that water supply is at risk.

[Zachary Turner]

We have a power plant that uses it for cooling water, so we have a lot of critical customers that rely on our water on a daily basis.

[Jason Wilson]

FEMA awarded Salisbury a $22.5 million grant to relocate its pump station to higher the city has already spent $3 million to apply for permits and develop a plan. Now the funds to finish this project may never come. FEMA had given the green light to more than 40 other such projects in North Carolina. For NPR News, I'm Zachary Turner.

[Dale Willman]

In the first round of the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks stunned the Detroit pistons with a 21 to nothing run in the fourth quarter to take a 123112 win. On Saturday, Jalen Brunson scored 34 points. The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame Luka Doncic's 37 points to beat the Lakers. One hundred and seventeen ninety five. Anthony Edwards had 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Never Nuggets slipped past the Clippers in overtime 112110 while the Indiana Pacers overwhelmed Milwaukee 117 to 98. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

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