NPR News Now: April 20, 2025, 3 PM EDT

Host: Nora Ram
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Israeli Military Investigation into Gaza Medics Incident

At [00:14], Nora Ram introduces a critical report from the Israeli military concerning the tragic killing of 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza. The military's investigation attributes the incident to "professional failures," highlighting poor night visibility that led a deputy battalion commander to mistakenly identify a convoy of ambulances as a Hamas operation.

Adil Elshalji elaborates at [00:32], explaining that the commander involved will be dismissed due to his erroneous decisions. Initially, the military claimed that the medical vehicles approached the troops suspiciously. However, subsequent video evidence revealed that the ambulances were clearly marked and equipped with flashing red emergency lights. Despite acknowledging that the decision to crush the ambulances was wrong, the investigation found "no evidence to support claims of execution." Elshalji reports from Tel Aviv, providing a detailed account of the incident and its aftermath, including the burial of the medics in a mass grave and the bulldozing of the ambulances.

Key Quote:

“The decision to crush the ambulances was wrong, but there was no evidence of execution,” — Adil Elshalji [00:32]

Easter Sunday and Border Deportation Controversy

On Easter Sunday, Nora Ram reported significant events surrounding Pope Francis and the ongoing political tensions in the United States. Despite recovering from pneumonia, the Pope made an appearance in St. Peter's Square via the popemobile, marking his first public outing since his hospital release. He did not celebrate Easter Mass but instead met briefly with Vice President J.D. Vance to exchange Easter greetings.

In a related political development, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, addressed the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran prison. Following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates the administration to facilitate his return, Homan defended the deportation process.

Key Quotes:

“I believe we're removing public safety threats and terrorists, designated terrorists to that prison,” — Tom Homan [02:00]

“The government is following the law,” — Tom Homan [02:07]

Impact of Trump Administration’s Staffing Cuts on Federal Land Agencies

Nora Ram highlights the anxiety caused by sweeping staffing cuts at federal land agencies, which are particularly concerning for the tinder-dry Southwest region. Kirk Zigler reports on the ground, featuring Kayla, a Forest Service staffer from New Mexico, who discusses the implications of these cuts.

At [02:26], Kayla expresses her fears:

“I just feel like if it's a ticking time bomb, like I fear feel like we were doing everything in our power to help prevent the cat catastrophic fires.”

Despite wildland firefighters being exempt from the federal hiring freeze, many Forest Service staffers holding red cards—allowing them to leave their day jobs to fight fires—were laid off in February. Kayla notes that although she regained her position following a court ruling, the remaining staff operate under immense stress, "walking on eggshells," hindering their ability to protect communities and wildlife effectively.

Key Quotes:

“Walking on eggshells.” — Kayla [02:56]

“We were doing everything in our power to help prevent the catastrophic fires,” — Kayla [02:45]

Florida State University Resumes Classes After Mass Shooting

In a somber update, Nora Ram reports that Florida State University will resume classes tomorrow, just four days after a mass shooting that resulted in two deaths and six injuries. The university has assured students that their grades will remain unaffected should they choose not to attend classes in person, aiming to provide flexibility and support during this difficult time.

15th Anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explosion

Marking fifteen years since the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon disaster, Debbie Elliott provides a reflective report on the event's lasting impact. On April 20, 2010, the BP drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, leading to the deaths of 11 rig workers and causing an extensive oil spill that devastated marine environments and Gulf Coast economies.

At [03:43], Elliott recounts the severity of the disaster:

“Oil spewed unchecked from the Gulf floor for nearly three months, killing wildlife, polluting beaches and devastating Gulf coast businesses.”

Investigations revealed a series of safety failures, resulting in BP paying approximately $70 billion in judgments, settlements, and ongoing cleanup and restoration projects. The incident remains the worst marine environmental disaster in U.S. history, with efforts to mitigate its effects continuing to this day.

Scotland's Annual Corgi Derby Celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Favorite Breed

Closing the news round-up, Nora Ram shares a lighter note on the success of Scotland's annual Corgi Derby, which took place yesterday. Celebrating the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose favorite breed was the Corgi, the race was first held in 2022 to commemorate her 70-year reign.

This year's event featured 16 dogs dressed in bright sweaters, with Juneau making a remarkable comeback in the final stretch to secure first place, winning the coveted trophy and dog treats. The derby continues to honor the Queen's affection for the beloved breed, fostering community spirit and canine camaraderie.

Notable Quotes

• Adil Elshalji [00:32]: “The decision to crush the ambulances was wrong, but there was no evidence of execution.”
• Tom Homan [02:00]: “I believe we're removing public safety threats and terrorists, designated terrorists to that prison.”
• Tom Homan [02:07]: “The government is following the law.”
• Kayla [02:45]: “We were doing everything in our power to help prevent the catastrophic fires.”
• Kayla [02:26]: “I just feel like if it's a ticking time bomb, like I fear feel like we were doing everything in our power to help prevent the cat catastrophic fires.”
• Kayla [02:56]: “Walking on eggshells.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the April 20, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the day's most pressing news stories.