NPR News Now: April 21, 2025, 5AM EDT

In today’s episode of NPR News Now, a range of significant global and national events are covered, from the passing of a prominent religious leader to ethical debates within the U.S. government, international incidents, and local tragedies. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.

1. Death of Pope Francis

Time Stamp: [00:15]

The episode begins with the somber news that Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. Announced by NPR's Dave Mattingly, the Vatican confirmed the death one day after Easter Sunday celebrations worldwide. Pope Francis, who had recently blessed thousands in St. Peter's Square following his battle with double pneumonia, was a transformative figure in the Catholic Church.

Sylvia Poggioli of NPR provides an in-depth look into Pope Francis’s legacy:

• Background: Born Jorge Maria Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants, he was the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy and the first pope from the global South.

• Leadership Style: Known for his "common touch" and vision of a merciful, inclusive church. Poggioli quotes him describing the church as “a field hospital after battle, healing the wounds of the faithful and going out to find those who have been hurt, excluded or fallen away” (00:45).

• Environmental Advocacy: A staunch advocate for saving the planet, he criticized Western societies for their “unfettered pursuit of money.”

• Reform Efforts: His attempts to reform and streamline the Vatican bureaucracy earned him both admiration and enmity within the Church.

2. White House Easter Egg Roll and Corporate Sponsorships

Time Stamp: [01:31]

The White House is hosting its annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that this year has raised ethical questions due to corporate sponsorships. Deepa Shivaram reports that for the first time, an outside production company, Harbinger, is organizing the event, securing sponsorships from major tech companies like Meta, Amazon, and YouTube. These companies are contributing by providing photo experiences, a reading nook, and a stage.

However, this departure from tradition has sparked concerns about ethics violations:

• Potential Conflicts: Promoting private companies at a governmental event breaks from how the Easter Egg Roll has been historically managed. This issue arises shortly after President Trump used the White House platform to promote Tesla, a company led by his close advisor, Elon Musk.

• Shivaram’s Insight: “Promoting private companies through sponsorships has sparked concerns of ethics violations,” Shivaram explains (01:45).

3. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Trip to El Salvador

Time Stamp: [02:19]

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland defends his recent trip to El Salvador, where he met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who was illegally deported by the Trump administration. Luke Garrett details the contentious background of this case:

• Trump Administration’s Claims: Last week, the administration disseminated court filings and police reports on social media, labeling Abrego Garcia as a violent criminal associated with MS-13 and terrorist activities.

• Senator Van Hollen’s Stance: He criticizes the administration’s approach, stating, “Donald Trump and his administration need to put up or shut up in court. They keep putting stuff out on social media” (02:45).

• Legal Proceedings: A federal judge has found no court evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or terrorism, and the Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S. Despite this, the White House has not complied.

4. South Korea Air Force Plane Accident

Time Stamp: [03:09]

An Air Force plane in South Korea accidentally jettisoned gun pods and empty fuel tanks, leading to an investigation. Dave Mattingly reports that:

• Incident Details: The accident was caused by a pilot error—specifically, pressing the wrong button while attempting to adjust the heat.

• Aftermath: Fortunately, there were no injuries or reported damage. However, as a result, nearly all of South Korea’s Air Force planes remain grounded pending the outcome of the investigation.

• Contextual Note: This incident follows a previous tragic event where South Korean fighter jets mistakenly bombed a village, injuring over 50 people.

5. Florida State University Shooting and Student Return to Campus

Time Stamp: [03:09]

Tragedy struck Florida State University (FSU) last week when a deadly shooting on campus resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. As students are returning to classes for the first time since the incident, emotions run high.

Regan McCarthy from WFSU reports on the students' experiences:

• Student Experiences:

  • Olivia Wishinski, a junior nursing major, recounts her harrowing experience during the shooting. She was in the student union building when shots rang out and she fled toward her car. Despite the trauma, she finds solace in the support of her family, stating, “It was really helpful to just like be hugged by my mom just as I experienced all of that again” (04:05; 04:10).

• University’s Response: University officials are offering flexibility to students who are not yet ready to return to classes, acknowledging the psychological impact of the tragedy.

6. Closing Remarks

Time Stamp: [04:39]

Dave Mattingly reiterates the primary news of the day with a reminder of Pope Francis’s passing, underscoring the global significance of his death following Easter celebrations.

Notable Quotes

• Sylvia Poggioli: “...he described it as a field hospital after battle, healing the wounds of the faithful and going out to find those who have been hurt, excluded or fallen away.” (00:45)

• Deepa Shivaram: “Promoting private companies through sponsorships has sparked concerns of ethics violations.” (01:45)

• Chris Van Hollen: “Donald Trump and his administration need to put up or shut up in court. They keep putting stuff out on social media.” (02:45)

• Olivia Wishinski: “It was really helpful to just like be hugged by my mom just as I experienced all of that again.” (04:10)

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues ranging from ecclesiastical leadership changes and government ethics to international military incidents and local campus safety. Through detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, listeners are kept informed on matters of global and personal significance.