NPR News Now – April 21, 2025, 5PM EDT

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the day's most pressing issues, ranging from international matters to domestic policies, economic shifts, environmental concerns, and significant advancements in science and technology. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed in the episode.

1. The Passing of Pope Francis

Timestamp: 00:25

The global community mourned the loss of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure. Jeanine Herbst reported from St. Peter's Square, where mourners gathered to pray the rosary in remembrance of the first Latin American pope. Pope Francis was celebrated for his humility and connection with the masses, exemplified by his recent Easter appearance where he blessed the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and ventured out in the popemobile to engage directly with the crowd.

Impact on the Faithful

Timestamp: 01:02

Atsiri Lopez, a lifelong Catholic from rural Johnston County, North Carolina, shared her personal reflections on Pope Francis's influence. She remarked:

“It's just easier for the message to get to your heart, you know, instead of hearing it from a translator or, you know, just as soon as I heard him speak, it would just strike my heart right away like, and I would just want to cry and just be just feel a sense of happiness and hope for the future.”
— Atsiri Lopez [01:10]

Lopez expressed her intention to honor the late pope by spreading God's love with humility, mirroring Pope Francis's unique approach to faith and community.

2. Supreme Court to Hear Affordable Care Act Challenge

Timestamp: 01:40

Jeanine Herbst introduced an important legal development where the Supreme Court is set to hear the case Kennedy v. Braidwood, challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. NPR's Selena Simmons Duffin provided in-depth analysis:

The lawsuit centers on the ACA's provisions that mandate insurance companies to fully cover preventive care evaluated by a task force. A group of Christian business owners in Texas argues that mandates requiring coverage for services like contraception and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) infringe upon their religious freedoms.

Public Health Implications

Selena highlighted the potential repercussions of a ruling against the ACA:

“Public health experts warn a ruling that rolls back free preventive care could cause more Americans to get sick and even die.”
— Selena Simmons Duffin [01:49]

Legal experts suggest that while the Supreme Court may uphold the ACA, there could be modifications granting the Health Secretary, currently Robert F. Kennedy Jr., greater authority over the task force's decisions.

3. President Trump's Criticism of the Federal Reserve and Wall Street Downturn

Timestamp: 02:33

The economic landscape took a sharp turn as Wall Street experienced another significant plunge. Jeanine Herbst reported President Trump's intensified attacks on the Federal Reserve for not reducing interest rates. Scott Horsley provided further context:

President Trump's Stance

“President Trump described the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as a, quote, major loser and warned of an economic slowdown unless the central bank cuts interest rates.”
— Scott Horsley [02:41]

Trump criticized the Fed for lagging behind other central banks, noting that the European Central Bank had cut rates seven times in the past year. He contrasted this with the U.S., which has imposed substantial tariffs on imported goods—a move Powell warns could lead to a temporary increase in U.S. inflation rates.

Market Reaction

The President's rhetoric has not gone unnoticed in the financial markets, with investors growing increasingly anxious. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 971 points, and the Nasdaq fell by 415 points, reflecting the pressure and uncertainty gripping Wall Street.

4. EPA Considers Changes to Greenhouse Gas Tracking

Timestamp: 03:18

Environmental concerns remain at the forefront as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contemplates altering its methods for tracking carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Jeanine Herbst reported on this potential shift, with NPR's Rebecca Hersher elaborating:

Current EPA Regulations

The EPA mandates that thousands of factories and industrial sites report their emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases are primary contributors to global warming, and the data collected by the EPA is the most detailed and comprehensive available.

Proposed Changes

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced considerations to modify these requirements. Possible changes include exempting certain types of industrial sites from current reporting obligations.

“Rebecca Hersher, NPR News.”
— Rebecca Hersher [03:39]

The implications of such changes could be significant, potentially reducing monitoring rigor and hindering efforts to combat climate change effectively.

5. Wall Street Earnings and NASA's Lucy Mission

Timestamp: 04:15

The episode also covered notable developments in the corporate and scientific arenas:

Corporate Earnings Week

• Tesla: Elon Musk's Tesla is slated to report earnings the following day, following a 13% drop in first-quarter auto sales. Consequently, Tesla shares fell by 5% at the market's close.

• Google: The parent company of Google is also set to release its earnings on Thursday, attracting significant investor attention.

NASA's Lucy Spacecraft

NPR shared exciting news from NASA's Lucy mission:

• The Lucy spacecraft successfully conducted a flyby of an asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, capturing images that revealed the asteroid is larger and shaped like a lumpy bowling pin than previously thought.

• Scientific Significance: This flyby serves as a preparatory mission for upcoming asteroid encounters, enhancing our understanding of these celestial bodies.

Launched in 2021, Lucy's mission focuses on studying the so-called Trojan asteroids, which orbit alongside Jupiter. The latest data offers valuable insights into the composition and variety of these ancient remnants from the solar system's formation.

Conclusion

NPR News Now provided a succinct yet thorough overview of significant events impacting global leadership, healthcare legislation, economic stability, environmental policy, and technological exploration. By integrating direct quotes and expert analysis, the episode ensured listeners were well-informed about the multifaceted issues shaping today's world.

For those interested in more detailed coverage, the full episodes and additional resources are available on NPR's platforms.