NPR News Now - Episode: April 20, 2025, 4 PM EDT

Host: Nora Rahm
Release Date: April 20, 2025

1. GOP Senator Criticizes Trump Administration's Deportation Policies

Timestamp: [00:14]

Nora Rahm opens the episode with coverage of Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana criticizing the Trump administration's recent deportation actions. Senator Kennedy specifically targets the case of Kilmore Abrego Garcia, asserting that Garcia "never should have been sent to El Salvador" ([00:34]).

Kennedy describes the deportation as a significant mistake, stating, "Look, this was a screw up. In my opinion, the administration won't admit it" ([00:39]). He emphasizes that Garcia should have been granted a hearing prior to his removal, highlighting the lack of due process in this instance.

When questioned about President Trump's potential defiance of federal court orders regarding deportations, Kennedy responds confidently, "I don't believe that President Trump will defy a federal judge's order. If he does, I'll call him out on it" ([00:55]). Additionally, Kennedy condemns Trump’s proposal to send Americans to El Salvador as "not appropriate or moral" ([01:02], [00:43]).

2. Lawsuit Filed by International Students Against Visa Revocations

Timestamp: [01:10]

Nora Rahm reports on a significant legal challenge involving over 100 international students across the United States. These students have united in a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that their visa statuses were altered without just cause. Emily Wu Pearson of WABE provides detailed insights into the case.

Immigration attorney Charles Cook explains that approximately one-third of the affected students had their visas revoked, while others were notified of failure to maintain their student status ([01:24]). The lawsuit claims that the administration improperly removed these students from the Department of Homeland Security's system, which manages international student information and statuses.

Cook further states, "All the plaintiffs were following the terms of their visas, had not been convicted of any deportable offenses, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not provide explanations as to why the visas were revoked or changed" ([01:24]). This legal action underscores concerns over administrative overreach and the lack of transparency in visa status alterations.

3. Pope Francis Addresses Crowds Amid Health Challenges

Timestamp: [01:58]

In a significant event, Pope Francis addressed thousands in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday despite his ongoing recovery from pneumonia. Megan Williams from the Vatican provides a vivid description of the gathering at [02:08], noting a "flower filled St. Peter's Square" where a "frail Pope Francis greeted thousands."

Due to his weakened state, Pope Francis did not lead the Mass or deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi address. Instead, his message focused on urgent global issues, including a Gaza ceasefire, alleviating starvation through food provision, the release of Israeli hostages, and the pursuit of peace in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the Congo ([02:19]).

Christopher White, a Vatican observer, remarks on Pope Francis's enduring commitment to his flock, stating, "Always tried to be close to the people and even as a very sick and recovering pope. He's doing that today after the service" ([02:41]). The Pope greeted the crowds from his popemobile, maintaining his connection with the faithful despite his health setbacks ([02:48]).

4. Israel Releases Report on Fatal Attack Against Palestinian Medics

Timestamp: [02:54]

Nora Rahm covers a critical development in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Israel has published a report concerning the death of 15 Palestinian medics by its military last month. According to the report, a deputy battalion commander mistakenly identified a convoy of ambulances as belonging to Hamas, leading to an unauthorized attack due to poor night visibility ([02:54]).

This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the tragic consequences of misidentification in conflict zones. The report aims to address accountability and the safeguards necessary to prevent such occurrences in the future.

5. Jack Black Sets UK Pop Music Record with Minecraft Movie Song

Timestamp: [03:10]

In an unexpected crossover between cinema and music, actor and musician Jack Black has made history in the British pop music scene. Vicki Barker reports that Black, voicing the character Steve in the "Minecraft" movie spin-off, released a song that has become the shortest single ever to reach the UK Top 40, clocking in at just 34 seconds ([03:20]).

The song, celebrated for its concise length, surpasses the previous record by two seconds. Black's creation praises the amusing concept of chicken cooked in molten lava, resonating with audiences and showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. This achievement follows his prior success with "Peaches," a song from the 2023 video game film spin-off, which reached number 28 in the UK charts at 95 seconds long ([03:21]).

Barker emphasizes Black's knack for creating engaging, albeit brief, musical pieces that capture public interest, marking a unique milestone in pop music history ([03:20]).

6. Soyuz Capsule Successfully Returns Crew from ISS

Timestamp: [04:06]

Nora Rahm reports on the successful landing of a Soyuz space capsule in Kazakhstan, carrying two cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut back to Earth after a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA confirms that the crew completed over 3,500 orbits around the Earth during their stay ([04:06]).

In addition to the mission accomplishments, NASA celebrates the 70th birthday of astronaut Don Pettit, marking a personal milestone for the esteemed spacefarer. Furthermore, the episode highlights renown mountain guide Kami Rita’s ambitious plan to scale Mount Everest for the 31st time. Rita expressed his readiness to break his own record, stating he is "mentally, emotionally and physically prepared to climb the world's highest peak" ([04:06]).

Kami Rita's dedication is notable, having first climbed Everest in 1994 and making the ascent nearly every year since then, exemplifying extraordinary perseverance and passion for mountaineering.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive overview of current events, ranging from U.S. political critiques and international legal battles to significant cultural milestones and achievements in space exploration. Through insightful reporting and notable quotes, the episode provides listeners with a clear and engaging understanding of the day's most pressing issues and remarkable stories.