NPR News Now: April 23, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. Passing of Pope Francis and the Papal Conclave

Death and Public Viewing

• Korva Coleman reports the passing of Pope Francis at age 88. His body is currently lying in State at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, initiating several days of mourning by the Roman Catholic College of Cardinals. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with world leaders, including President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, in attendance.
• Quote: “[The funeral] will be held this Saturday. World leaders are planning on attending, including President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.” – Korva Coleman [00:32]

The Conclave Process

• Bill Chappell explains the upcoming conclave, where Roman Catholic cardinals will select a new pope within 20 days. Historically, this process began in the 13th century when the Church went nearly three years without a pontiff. However, Bree Jensen, host of the historical podcast Pontifex, notes that modern conclaves typically conclude within four days.

• Quote: “All of the conclaves from the 1900s onwards have been under four days.” – Bree Jensen [01:27]

• The electors reside in a hotel-like facility in the Vatican, restricted from media and communication devices. Voting occurs twice daily in the Sistine Chapel until a two-thirds majority is reached to elect the next pope.

Conclusion on the Conclave

• Bill Chappell adds that cardinals remain secluded until a successor is chosen, ensuring the process remains undisturbed.

2. Stock Market Surge and Federal Reserve Dynamics

Market Reaction to US-China Tariffs and Federal Reserve Concerns

• Korva Coleman reports a significant rise in stock futures, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbing approximately 600 points (1.5%) in premarket trading. This surge follows Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's remarks that ongoing US tariffs against China are unsustainable, signaling potential de-escalation.

• Simultaneously, President Trump has stated he does not intend to fire Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, despite previous criticisms. Instead, Trump urges Powell to be more proactive in lowering interest rates.

• Franco Ordonez delves deeper into this issue, highlighting Trump's conflicting stance. While Trump has openly criticized Powell and expressed a desire for rate cuts, he also seeks to reassure the public about the Fed's independence.

• Quote: “No, I have no intention of firing him. I would like to see him be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates. This is a perfect time to lower interest rates.” – Donald Trump [02:41]

• Trump argues that lowering interest rates would stimulate the economy and help ease inflation. However, the Federal Reserve remains cautious due to uncertainties surrounding Trump's tariff policies and their potential to inflate prices.

• Quote: “Trump has cited easing inflation and argues that lowering interest rates would stoke the economy. But the Fed has been hesitant to lower rates because of the uncertainty around Trump's tariffs and the expectation that they will increase prices.” – Franco Ordonez [02:53]

3. Environmental and Public Health Concerns in the US

Wildfires in New Jersey

• Korva Coleman reports that wildfires have consumed over 8,500 acres in eastern New Jersey. Approximately 3,000 residents have been evacuated, and parts of the Garden State Parkway are closed as authorities work to contain the blaze.

Measles Outbreak in Texas

• Texas is experiencing a growing measles outbreak, with 624 reported cases primarily among unvaccinated individuals. Tragically, two children have died due to complications from the disease.

Misinformation Surrounding Measles

• A newly released poll by KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) highlights widespread misinformation about measles, particularly concerning the vaccine.

• Bree Jensen discusses the poll findings, which reveal that a significant portion of adults believe false claims such as:

  • The measles vaccine is more dangerous than the disease.
  • The vaccine causes autism.
  • Vitamin A can prevent measles infection.

• Quote: “Pollsters asked about three false claims that the measles vaccine is more dangerous than the disease, that the vaccine causes autism, and that by vitamin A can prevent a measles infection. None of these things are true, but a significant proportion of adults polled thought they might be true.” – Bree Jensen [03:51]

• Liz Hamill of KFF points out a notable political divide in beliefs about these misconceptions.

• Nature Conservancy Representative adds that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to believe misinformation about measles, a trend also evident among parents.

• Quote: “We see that Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to lean towards believing this misinformation about measles. And that's true among parents as well.” – Nature Conservancy Representative [04:11]

• Among parents who believed at least one false claim, 25% reported skipping or delaying vaccinations for their children, potentially exacerbating the outbreak.

4. Legal Actions Against Social Media Platform Snapchat

Florida Sues Snapchat

• Korva Coleman reports that the state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat's parent company, alleging that the platform is addicting children and exposing them to harmful activities. Florida's Attorney General contends that these actions violate state laws designed to protect minors from digital exploitation and addiction.

This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions and insights from the April 23, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a clear overview of the day's critical news events.