NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of April 21, 2025, 7 PM EDT Episode

Released on April 21, 2025, NPR News Now provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing news stories. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, enriched with notable quotes and clear sectioning for ease of understanding.

1. Tributes Pour in for Pope Francis

Host Introduction: Jeanine Hurst opens the episode with the somber news of Pope Francis's passing.

Key Highlights:

• Global Mourning: Tributes have emerged worldwide, with gatherings in St. Peter's Square and churches globally, including a significant assembly in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Pope Francis’s Legacy: As the first pope from Latin America, his influence extended beyond religious realms into global peace, human dignity, and social justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General (00:59): “He was inspired by the pope's commitment to the goals and ideals of the United Nations to help the most vulnerable, to fight hunger and to advance development.”
• Jeanine Hurst (01:10): “Pope Francis also understood that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission, a responsibility that belongs to every person.”
• Antonio Guterres (01:20): “The pope's encyclical was a major contribution to the Paris agreement on climate change. Our divided and discordant world would be a better place if we follow the pope's example of unity and mutual understanding.”

Conclusion: Pope Francis is remembered not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his pivotal role in fostering international agreements on climate change, as highlighted by the UN Secretary-General.

2. Legal Proceedings for Venezuelan Men Facing Deportation

Report by Alison Sherry: Jeanine Hurst transitions to a critical legal issue involving two Venezuelan men in Colorado facing potential deportation to El Salvador.

Key Highlights:

• Temporary Halting of Deportation: A federal judge has temporarily paused the government's plan to deport the men until further arguments are heard.
• ACLU's Involvement: The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado reports that at least 11 men have already been transferred, with another hundred at risk.
• Judge’s Stance: Interviews suggest the judge may extend the restraining order to prevent further deportations from this jurisdiction.

Notable Quotes:

• Alison Sherry (01:40): “The hearing comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court order over the weekend that temporarily halted the transfer of some migrants from Texas.”
• Jeanine Hurst (01:40): “The judge said she'd rule within 24 hours.”

Conclusion: The legal battle underscores the broader tensions surrounding migrant deportations and the judiciary's role in mediating these contentious issues.

3. Harvard University Sues the Trump Administration

Report by Jeanine Hurst: The episode covers Harvard University's legal action against the Trump administration, highlighting escalating tensions between academia and the federal government.

Key Highlights:

• Basis of the Lawsuit: Harvard argues that the administration's freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding violated legal procedures and the First Amendment.
• Context of the Feud: This lawsuit is part of a broader conflict where President Trump has questioned Harvard's affiliations, leading to demands that resulted in threats to revoke its tax-exempt status.
• Impact on Academic Autonomy: The suit contends that the administration is unlawfully exerting control over Harvard's academic decisions.

Conclusion: Harvard's lawsuit represents a significant challenge to executive overreach, emphasizing the protection of academic independence against political pressures.

4. Big Ten Universities Form Mutual Defense Compact

Report by Quinn Kleinfelter: Expanding on the theme of resistance against federal actions, Quinn Kleinfelter reports on Big Ten universities' efforts to safeguard their institutions.

Key Highlights:

• Non-Binding Resolution: Faculty at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have approved resolutions to collectively defend against federal governmental actions.
• Resource Pooling: The compact aims to share financial and legal resources to support any member institution facing federal intervention.
• Motivation Behind the Move: Driven by a "climate of uncertainty," faculty and students express fear over potential executive orders or mandates from the Trump administration.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Coakley, Michigan Professor (03:36): “It’s a reaction to a climate of uncertainty on campus.”
• Jeanine Hurst (04:02): “Faculty, staff, and students are literally afraid of what is going to be the next executive order or the next sort of mandate that comes from this administration.”

Conclusion: The mutual defense compact among Big Ten universities symbolizes a collective stand for academic freedom and institutional autonomy in the face of governmental challenges.

5. FTC Sues Uber Over Deceptive Billing Practices

Report by Jeanine Hurst: In the business sector, the Federal Trade Commission has initiated legal action against Uber concerning its Uber One subscription service.

Key Highlights:

• Allegations Against Uber: The FTC accuses Uber of making it difficult for customers to cancel Uber One memberships and charging them without explicit consent.
• Uber’s Defense: The company maintains confidence in its legal position and asserts it will prevail in court.
• Service Overview: Uber One, launched four years ago at $9.99 per month, offers discounts on rides, deliveries, and pickups, boasting around 30 million subscribers.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeanine Hurst (04:20): “The FTC says Uber makes it hard to cancel memberships for Uber One and charges customers without their consent.”
• Uber’s Position (04:20): “Uber is confident it will win in court.”

Conclusion: This lawsuit highlights ongoing scrutiny of subscription models and consumer rights, with significant implications for Uber’s business practices and customer relations.

Final Note: This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of critical issues—from global mourning and legal battles to institutional defenses and corporate lawsuits—offering listeners a comprehensive snapshot of the current news landscape.