NPR News Now: April 21, 2025, 9AM EDT

NPR's "News Now" delivers the latest updates across the globe in a concise and engaging format. This episode covers significant events ranging from the passing of a beloved religious leader to escalating conflicts and local tragedies.

Pope Francis Passes Away: A Nation Mourns

Timestamp: 00:17 – 04:36

Washington-based host Korva Coleman opens the episode with the somber news of Pope Francis's death at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Catholic Church, is remembered fondly in his native Argentina as a compassionate leader advocating for the impoverished.

Reporter Carrie Kahn provides a heartfelt portrayal of the nation's grief. She describes a poignant scene where soldiers conduct a routine changing of the guard outside the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, once led by then-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis's birth name.

Sandra Rodriguez, a 47-year-old resident, shares her admiration: "The Pope was a humble man, always with the poor people" (00:37). In contrast, Andrea Godoy, 51, expresses disappointment over the Pope's inability to return to Argentina amidst rising inequality: "There's no work here now, and inequality is growing. He never came back to see our suffering" (00:37). Kahn notes that before his hospitalization, Pope Francis had planned a visit to Argentina, which remains unfulfilled.

In a reiteration of the news, Korva Coleman emphasizes the global impact of the Pope’s passing, noting his last public appearance greeting well-wishers on Easter Sunday in St. Peter's Square (04:36).

Russia Resumes Military Operations in Ukraine

Timestamp: 01:20 – 02:17

Transitioning to international affairs, Korva Coleman reports that Russia's Defense Ministry has resumed military operations in Ukraine post an unsuccessful Easter Day ceasefire. The Kremlin attributes the breakdown to President Vladimir Putin's decision against extending the unilateral truce.

Charles Maynes, reporting from Moscow, delves deeper into the situation. He states, "Russia's defense ministry acknowledged a lessening of intensity of Ukrainian military activity across the front line Easter Sunday, but still accused Kyiv of carrying out thousands of attacks on Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine" (01:38). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky counters these claims, arguing that Russia only feigned a ceasefire while continuing aggressive actions: "Russia had created the impression of a ceasefire but continued artillery and assaults on the front lines" (01:38).

Despite international appeals, including from the Trump administration urging an extension of the truce, Russia has resumed airstrikes against Ukraine. The White House has expressed increasing frustration over the stagnation in U.S.-backed peace negotiations.

Boston Marathon: Celebrations Amid Security Concerns

Timestamp: 02:17 – 03:06

Korva Coleman shifts focus to the local scene in Boston, where the annual Boston Marathon commences with the men's wheelchair division. The event, symbolizing resilience and community spirit, attracts thousands of participants and spectators alike.

In light of past threats, particularly the 2013 bombing, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Allen Davis addresses current security measures: "The FBI is not aware of any specific or credible threats targeting these events. That said, we are asking everyone to maintain a heightened state of vigilance, given that we are home to many patriotic and symbolic landmarks" (02:51). Davis assures that authorities remain on high alert to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Additionally, favorable weather conditions are forecasted, with sunny skies, calm winds, and temperatures reaching 61 degrees—ideal for the athletes.

White House Denies Defense Secretary Shared Sensitive Information

Timestamp: 03:06 – 04:02

The episode also covers a contentious report involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The White House refutes a New York Times article claiming that Hegseth shared sensitive information regarding a military strike in Yemen through the encrypted messaging app Signal. An official statement asserts that the information disseminated was not classified, and NPR has not independently confirmed these allegations.

This revelation follows a prior incident where a journalist was inadvertently included in a similar conversation. The situation raises concerns about the handling of military communications at high levels of government.

Florida State University Students Return Amid Trauma

Timestamp: 04:02 – 04:36

Shifting to a tragic local event, Regan McCarthy of WFSU reports on the return of students to Florida State University following a deadly shooting last week that resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. The apprehension among students is palpable, with many feeling the return to campus is premature.

Junior nursing major Olivia Wishinski shares her personal experience: "I didn't want coming to class on Monday by myself to be the first time I came back to campus. So it was really helpful to just like be hugged by my mom just as I experienced all of that" (04:07). Wishinski recounts the harrowing moment during the attack when she heard gunshots while heading to her car.

In response, university officials are offering flexibility for students not yet ready to resume classes, aiming to support the community's healing process.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a day marked by both sorrow and resilience. From the global mourning of a spiritual leader and the intensification of international conflict to local celebrations shadowed by security concerns and the painful return of students to a traumatized campus, the news presents a multifaceted view of the current state of the world.

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