NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of the April 21, 2025, 10 PM EDT Episode
NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive rundown of the day’s most pressing issues in its April 21, 2025, 10 PM EDT episode. Hosted by Jeanine Herbst, the episode covered significant global events, policy changes, high-profile legal cases, and economic updates. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.
1. Passing of Pope Francis and Funeral Preparations
The episode opened with the somber news of Pope Francis's sudden death. Jeanine Herbst reported:
"Mourners are flocking to the Vatican ahead of Pope Francis' funeral. He died this morning from a stroke and heart failure at the age of 88, hours after celebrating Easter on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and then riding in the open-air popemobile through the crowd." [00:18]
Lauren Frayer provided a vivid portrayal of the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square:
"It's not jammed with people, at least not yet. It's mostly local Italians who stream down into St. Peter's Square this evening. And there's a hush over the square." [00:42]
The coverage highlighted Pope Francis's legacy, emphasizing his humility and dedication to migrants and the poor. Herbst noted:
"Francis was the first Latin American pope and expressed his wish to be buried in a simple tomb at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, alongside six other popes." [01:00]
The public viewing of Pope Francis was scheduled for the following Wednesday at the basilica, allowing the faithful and visitors to pay their respects.
2. Department of Education to Resume Student Loan Collections
Transitioning to domestic policy, Jeanine Herbst introduced updates on federal student loans:
"The Department of Education says it will start collecting payments from students who have loans that are in default on May 5." [01:00]
Reporter Janaki Mehta elaborated on the implications:
"During the pandemic, the Biden administration introduced measures that gave students wiggle room on federal student loan payments. The reprieve was never permanent. Now the Trump administration says the Education Department will begin collections next month." [01:32]
Mehta explained the potential measures, including wage garnishment:
"It could also begin garnishing wages from borrowers, meaning a portion of their paycheck would automatically be sent to the federal government." [01:32]
Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the policy shift, stating:
"American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies." [01:32]
With approximately 5.3 million borrowers in default, this policy change marks a significant shift in federal student loan management.
3. Google Faces Final Antitrust Case with Potential for Breakup
Jeanine Herbst shifted focus to a pivotal antitrust case involving Google:
"Google is back in court for the final phase of a landmark antitrust case that could result in its breakup. If that happens, it would send shockwaves through the tech world by shaking up Internet searches." [02:11]
Rachel Myro of KQED reported on the pervasive influence of Google’s search engine:
"For many people, Google's search function is the default. As obvious and unremarkable as water is." [02:26]
Dr. Doha Meki, formerly of the Justice Department's antitrust division, emphasized the broader implications:
"The idea that we have to trust all of our innovation and ingenuity to this small set of companies is actually deeply un-American." [02:39]
Rachel Myro conveyed Google's stance on the case:
"The Mountain View-based tech giant has said it will appeal what its VP for regulatory affairs has called, 'a backwards looking case at a time of intense competition and unprecedented innovation.'" [02:52]
This case is considered one of the most significant antitrust battles in the tech industry's history, potentially redefining the landscape of internet search and digital competition.
4. Conviction of Nadine Menendez in Bribery Scheme
Jeanine Herbst reported on a high-profile legal case involving former Senator Bob Menendez:
"The wife of former Senator Bob Menendez has been convicted of federal charges that she helped her husband collect bribes of cash, gold bars, and a luxury car in exchange for the use of his political influence." [03:07]
Nadine Menendez was found guilty on 15 counts by a New York jury, with prosecutors asserting:
"She was a key figure at a bribery scheme in which the powerful senator sold his clout to three New Jersey men looking for help with their business dealings or legal troubles." [03:07]
The case culminates in Senator Menendez himself being convicted on many of the same charges, leading to an 11-year prison sentence set to begin in June. This development underscores ongoing issues of corruption and the misuse of political power.
5. NIH's New Policy on DEI and Boycotts Involving Israel
Jeanine Herbst introduced a contentious policy change from the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
"The National Institutes of Health today unveiled a new policy that could cut off funding to any institution that has its own DEI policy or any boycotts involving Israel." [04:08]
Rob Stein provided detailed insights into the policy's ramifications:
"The NIH had already been terminating grants to scientists whose research involves DEI diversity, equity and inclusion. The new policy says the NIH could cut off funding to any university or other entity that has its own DEI policy." [04:08]
Stein further explained the expansion of the policy to include:
"Any so-called DEIA policies, which includes providing access for people with disabilities... and any boycotts involving Israel or companies that do business with or in Israel." [04:08]
This policy change represents a significant shift in federal funding priorities, drawing criticism from advocates of diversity and inclusion as well as those opposing boycotts related to Israel.
6. Wall Street Closes in the Red
Concluding the episode, Jeanine Herbst provided an update on the stock market’s performance:
"On Wall Street, at the closing bell, the Dow was down 971 points, the NASDAQ down 415, the S&P 500 down 124." [04:43]
This information reflects the day's economic challenges, signaling investor concerns and potential market volatility.
Conclusion
The April 21, 2025, episode of NPR News Now effectively encapsulated a range of significant events, from the global impact of Pope Francis's passing to critical domestic policy shifts and landmark legal cases. By weaving together reports from various correspondents and including poignant quotes with precise timestamps, the episode provided listeners with a comprehensive and engaging overview of the day's most pertinent news.