NPR News Now: April 23, 2025, 7 PM EDT
NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest global and national events in just five minutes. This summary captures the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for context.
1. Pope Francis's Funeral Arrangements
Reporter: Lauren Freyer
Timestamp: [00:19] - [00:42]
The Catholic world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, with his body lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica. Over three days, thousands have gathered to pay their respects.
- Public Viewing: Lasts through Friday evening.
- Funeral Details: Scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter's Square, expecting hundreds of thousands in attendance.
- Notable Attendees: President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Britain's Prince William have confirmed their presence.
- Succession Process: The conclave to elect a new pope will take place in the Sistine Chapel within the next two weeks.
Lauren Freyer reported, “[00:42] A choir sang and cardinals chanted in Latin as Pope Francis' body was carried...”
2. US Attorney Investigates Medical Journals
Reporter: Rob Stein
Timestamp: [01:24] - [02:12]
A U.S. attorney is scrutinizing the editorial practices of prominent medical journals, raising concerns about transparency and integrity in scientific publishing.
- Journals Under Investigation: New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), Chest, and JAMA (published by the American Medical Association).
- NEJM's Response: Editor-in-Chief Eric Rubin emphasized the journal's commitment to "evidence-based scientific information" that has led to "practice-changing and life-saving advances" globally.
Rob Stein explained, “[01:33] The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine told NPR that the magazine had gotten a letter of inquiry...”
3. Corporate Responsibility in Climate Change
Study: Dartmouth College
Timestamp: [02:12] - [02:37]
A new Dartmouth College study highlights the substantial impact of the world's largest corporations on global climate change.
- Findings: 111 major companies are responsible for approximately $28 trillion in climate-related damages.
- Major Contributors: Over half of the damages are attributed to ten fossil fuel giants, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, and Saudi Aramco.
Scott Horsley reported, “[02:12] The world's biggest companies are responsible for a significant share of global climate change...”
4. Wall Street Reactions: Trade Tensions Easing Hopes
Reporter: Scott Horsley
Timestamp: [02:37] - [03:17]
Investor optimism surges on Wall Street amid potential easing of US-China trade tensions, coupled with positive corporate earnings reports.
- Trade Relations: Treasury Secretary Scott Besant expressed optimism about a "big deal" between the US and China, though the Trump administration has yet to reduce its triple-digit tariffs on Chinese imports.
- Stock Market Movements:
- Boeing: Shares rose following a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss.
- Tesla: Stock increased after CEO Elon Musk pledged to dedicate more time to running the company and less to political engagements, following a quarter of declining sales and profits.
Scott Horsley noted, “[02:37] Treasury Secretary Scott Besant says there's an opportunity for a big deal between the world's two largest economies...”
5. Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Nears
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [03:17] - [03:55]
Novavax announces progress toward full U.S. approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, alleviating earlier concerns over potential political delays.
- Vaccine Details: Novavax offers the only traditional protein-based COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. market.
- Market Reaction: Company shares surged over 21% following the announcement.
- Approval Status: After a previously delayed decision, discussions with the FDA indicate the vaccine is on track for approval.
Jack Spear reported, “[03:17] Drugmaker Novavax says its closely watched COVID-19 vaccine is on track for full U.S. approval...”
6. Devastating Algae Bloom in Southern California
Reporter: McKenna Sivertson
Timestamp: [03:55] - [04:34]
Southern California faces one of its worst harmful algae blooms, resulting in significant marine wildlife fatalities.
- Impact: Deaths of sea lions, pelicans, and at least two whale species due to neurotoxins affecting the brain and nervous system.
- Expert Insight: Dave Bader from the Marine Mammal Care Center highlighted the severity, stating, “[04:15] We've given them the dignity of a humane end of life and one that is reduced in as much stress as possible.”
- Environmental Concerns: This marks the fourth consecutive year of intense blooms, exacerbated by climate change impacts.
McKenna Sivertson reported, “[03:55] Southern California could be dealing with its worst harmful algae bloom ever...”
7. Instagram Implements AI Age Verification
Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:34] - [04:59]
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is deploying artificial intelligence to identify and manage underage users, aiming to enforce age restrictions more effectively.
- Method: AI-driven analysis to determine users' ages based on their profiles and activity.
- Policy: Accounts suspected of belonging to teenagers, even if registered with adult birthdays, will be converted to teen accounts.
- Purpose: Enhance compliance with age-related regulations and protect younger users from inappropriate content.
Jack Spear explained, “[04:34] Parent company Meta says it plans to proactively look for accounts it suspects belong to teens...”
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