NPR News Now: April 24, 2025 – Detailed Summary

Hosted by NPR, this episode of "NPR News Now" provides a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. The following summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the five-minute broadcast.

1. President Trump's Tariff Policies and Legal Challenges

[00:16 - 02:21]

Shea Stevens reports from Washington on President Trump's ongoing efforts to renegotiate trade agreements, particularly focusing on tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. President Trump has reiterated his intention to lower these tariffs, stating that additional measures may be announced depending on negotiations with U.S. trading partners.

In an Oval Office briefing with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump emphasized the broad scope of his engagement with global leaders:

• Donald Trump [00:39]: "What's happened is how many countries have we spoken to already?"
• Donald Trump [00:43]: "90. And they all want to make deals. And we're going to make deals, but they're going to be fair deals."

However, the administration faces significant legal hurdles as a dozen states have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the tariff policies. These states argue that the import taxes violate existing trade agreements and harm their economies. California Governor Gavin Newsom spearheaded a similar lawsuit, asserting that the tariffs adversely affect his state's economic interests.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant addressed these issues at a global economic summit, advocating for the United States to maintain its leadership in the global economy despite challenges posed by the trade war. Bessant highlighted the administration's commitment to fostering economic growth and stability on the international stage.

2. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant’s Remarks on Global Economic Leadership

[02:00 - 02:21]

Speaking at a gathering of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Scott Bessant criticized both institutions for deviating from their foundational missions. He asserted that the IMF and World Bank should prioritize addressing pressing issues like climate change while simultaneously promoting energy development to spur economic growth.

• Scott Bessant [02:00]: "Energy abundance sparks economic abundance. That's why the bank should encourage an all of the above approach to energy development."

Bessant also noted that the IMF has downgraded its global economic growth forecast for the year, attributing this revision largely to the impact of President Trump's trade policies.

3. Chicago Mass Honoring Pope Francis

[02:21 - 03:07]

In Chicago, a diverse group of Catholics and interfaith leaders gathered at the city's Roman Catholic Cathedral to honor Pope Francis. Catherine Moon, despite personal struggles with her faith, attended the Mass to pay her respects alongside others.

• Catherine Moon [02:41]: "We have a real issue with people who still want to stay in the church, myself being one of them."
• Kevin Kopp [02:55]: "I want to be here because I think Pope Francis was a really good leader for the church."

The event was attended by over 50 local clergy and interfaith leaders, reflecting the widespread impact of Pope Francis's leadership within the religious community.

4. Weinstein Trial and AI Experts' Opposition to OpenAI’s Restructuring

[03:07 - 04:23]

Shea Stevens updates listeners on significant legal and technological developments. The retrial of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has commenced in New York, where he faces charges of rape and sexual assault involving three women. Weinstein is contesting a 2020 conviction and a 23-year prison sentence, with similar legal challenges underway in Los Angeles.

In the technology sector, more than 30 leading AI experts have signed an open letter urging the attorneys general of California and Delaware to block OpenAI's restructuring plan. This restructuring is a critical step toward finalizing a $40 billion deal with SoftBank. The experts express concerns that OpenAI has not adequately demonstrated how its transition into a for-profit entity aligns with its mission to develop AI safely for humanity's benefit.

• Donald Trump [04:13]: "It promised the public and Congress and the world at large that it was different, it would act responsibly. You could trust it, and I think we should hold it to those promises."

In response, an OpenAI spokesperson clarified that the company’s for-profit arm would function as a public benefit corporation, aligning with other AI laboratories like Anthropic.

• OpenAI Spokesperson [04:23]: "Our for profit will be a public benefit benefit corporation, similar to several other AI labs like Anthropic, where some of these former employees now work."

5. Senator Dick Durbin’s Retirement Announcement

[04:38 - 04:54]

Shea Stevens reports that Illinois Senator Dick Durbin has announced he will not seek re-election after serving five terms. As the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, Durbin's decision marks a significant shift within the party, especially as Democrats are strategizing to regain control of the Senate. He stated that it is time to "pass the torch," signaling his desire to make way for new leadership.

This summary encapsulates the major topics covered in the April 24, 2025 episode of "NPR News Now," offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the discussions and developments presented.