NPR News Now: April 21, 2025 - Detailed Episode Summary

In the April 21, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman presents a series of significant news stories ranging from global events to domestic issues in the United States. This summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Passing of Pope Francis

Timestamp: [00:19]

Reporting by: Korva Coleman and Rob Schmitz

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Prior to his passing, Pope Francis had been hospitalized for five weeks, initially for bronchitis and later for severe pneumonia. Despite his illness, he managed to recuperate enough to participate in Easter Sunday celebrations by blessing worshippers in St. Peter's Square just a day before his demise.

Reactions from European Leaders:

• Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, stated on social media:
  “Pope Francis inspired millions far beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and love for the less fortunate most. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss.”
  [00:47]

• Friedrich Merz, Incoming German Chancellor, posted on X:
  “Pope Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation.”
  [00:55]

• Andrzej Duda, Polish President, remarked:
  “Pope Francis’ pastoral work was characterized by humility and modesty and that he was a great apostle of mercy in which he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world.”
  [01:05]

Rob Schmitz concluded the segment from Berlin, reflecting on the global impact of the Pope's leadership and his enduring legacy.

2. US-China Trade Negotiations and Tensions

Timestamp: [01:26]

Reporting by: John Ruich

As the Trump administration engages in negotiations to forge trade deals with various countries, China has issued a stern warning against any agreements detrimental to its interests.

Key Points:

• China’s Stance:
  “China respects the efforts of others to try to resolve trade disputes with the US through consultation. But it warns that it'll take corresponding countermeasures if any deals are struck at the expense of China's interests.”
  [01:38]

• Context of Negotiations:
  President Trump aims to leverage tariff negotiations to isolate China, despite stating a desire for a comprehensive deal with Beijing. Recently, he escalated tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with equally high tariffs on US goods.

• China’s Warning:
  “Seeking tariff exemptions by harming the interests of others will only lead to failure on both sides and ultimately hurt everyone.”
  [01:55]

John Ruich reported from Shanghai, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the trade tensions and the potential for prolonged economic strain between the two superpowers.

3. Deportation and Legal Battles Over Immigrant Quilma Abrego Garcia

Timestamp: [02:22]

Reporting by: Korva Coleman

Four members of the US House of Representatives traveled to El Salvador to demand the release of Quilma Abrego Garcia, an immigrant who was illegally deported from Maryland to a Salvadoran prison. The US Supreme Court has mandated the Trump administration to facilitate his return, but officials remain resistant.

Key Statements:

• Tom Homan, Trump administration's border czar, asserted:
  “I believe we're moving removing public safety threats and terrorists, designated terrorists to that prison, El Salvador.”
  [02:30]

However, federal courts have ruled that the Trump administration must provide due process and cannot unlawfully deny Garcia's return. The administration faces legal pressure to comply with the Supreme Court's order, highlighting ongoing tensions over immigration policies.

4. Court Appearance of El Paso Gunman Patrick Crucius

Timestamp: [02:50]

Reporting by: Korva Coleman

Patrick Crucius, the perpetrator of the devastating racist attack in El Paso, Texas, where 23 people were killed at a Walmart in 2019, is set to appear in state court. Crucius is expected to enter a plea deal, admitting intentional targeting of Latino shoppers in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. Instead, he faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding one of the most tragic hate crimes in recent US history.

5. Tesla Takedown Campaign and Protests Against Elon Musk

Timestamp: [03:49]

Reporting by: Emma Bowman

A growing movement dubbed the "Tesla Takedown Campaign" has been actively protesting against Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. About 100 protesters convened at a Tesla service center in Burbank on Easter Sunday, a decrease from their peak attendance of 300 participants a month and a half earlier.

Primary Motivations:

• Efforts to Dismantle Federal Agencies: Protesters accuse Elon Musk of attempting to weaken federal institutions, aiming to diminish his influence and, by extension, tarnish Tesla's brand.

• Impact on Tesla’s Performance: Joel Lava, a leader in the movement, believes the boycott has negatively affected Tesla’s stock and US sales, stating:
  “I think it's now a house of cards. It's about to tumble, so we're going to keep the pressure on.”
  [04:22 - 04:25]

Future Targets:
The campaign plans to extend its protests to Musk's other ventures, including SpaceX and the social media platform X ([04:26]).

Emma Bowman concluded the segment from Los Angeles, highlighting the sustained efforts to challenge Musk's business empire.

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with comprehensive coverage of pivotal events shaping both global dynamics and domestic landscapes in the United States, enriched with firsthand quotes and authoritative reporting.