NPR News Now: April 24, 2025, 7 PM EDT

Host: NPR
Release Date: April 24, 2025

1. U.S. President Trump's Stance on Russian Actions in Ukraine

Timestamp: [00:18] - [00:50]

In a recent development, President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia following devastating airstrikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Trump stated, “I wasn’t happy that in the midst of talking peace, missiles were flying” ([00:32]). However, he tempered his criticism by acknowledging that Russia might still be open to concessions towards peace ([00:32]).

Despite Trump’s remarks, the reality on the ground remains grim. Russia continues to struggle with controlling the Ukrainian territories it initially claimed to annex at the onset of the conflict. Michelle Keleman from NPR highlights, “Russia doesn’t even control parts of Ukraine that it claimed to have annexed” ([00:50]). European nations are equally reluctant to see Russia benefit from its aggressive land acquisitions. Prime Minister Solberg conveyed gratitude towards Trump for his attempts to broker a ceasefire, describing the situation as a “complex picture in Ukraine” ([00:50]).

2. Legal Challenges to Trump's Executive Order on Voting

Timestamp: [01:16] - [02:07]

President Trump’s comprehensive executive order aimed at overhauling voting regulations has hit a significant roadblock. The order, issued on March 25, sought to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration by directing the Election Assistance Commission to revise the federal voter registration form accordingly ([01:16]).

However, NPR’s Jude Juffe Block reports that a federal judge has paused this critical provision. The judge ruled, “Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the states, not the president, with the authority to regulate federal elections” ([01:28]). This decision is seen as a triumph for voter registration advocates and Democrats, who argue that such requirements could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

In response, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields affirmed that the administration would continue its efforts to ensure “election integrity” despite the setback ([01:28]).

3. Texas Senate Advances Major School Voucher Program

Timestamp: [02:07] - [02:30]

The Texas Senate has successfully passed legislation that could establish the largest school voucher program in the United States. The bill now awaits the approval of Republican Governor Greg Abbott. This initiative aims to position Texas alongside more than 20 other states that permit the use of tax funds for private education ([02:07]).

Governor Abbott has prioritized this measure, reflecting a growing trend towards educational choice and the expansion of voucher programs nationwide. The bill’s progression marks a significant shift in Texas education policy, potentially impacting thousands of families seeking alternatives to public schooling.

4. Decline in Existing Home Sales Signals Housing Market Struggles

Timestamp: [02:30] - [03:13]

The U.S. housing market is showing signs of strain as existing home sales experienced a sharp decline in March, plummeting nearly 6% from the previous month—the most substantial monthly drop since November 2022 ([02:30]). NPR’s Laura Wamsley attributes this downturn to persistently high mortgage rates, which have surged to approximately 6.8% for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. These increases have been exacerbated by President Trump’s recent tariff threats, which have unsettled bond markets and directly influenced mortgage rates ([02:30]).

Despite the drop in existing home sales, the market for new homes remains buoyant, with sales increasing by 7% compared to February ([02:30]). Nonetheless, the overall slowdown casts doubt on predictions that the housing market would rebound in the spring after enduring two sluggish years. The median price for existing homes saw a slight rise, reaching around $404,000 in March, indicating that while sales are down, property values continue to climb, albeit at a slower pace ([02:30]).

5. Stalemate in U.S.-China Tariff Negotiations

Timestamp: [03:13] - [03:50]

Trade tensions persist between the United States and China, with little progress evident despite claims from the Trump administration of active negotiations over tariffs. President Trump announced that the existing 145% tariff on Chinese imports might be significantly reduced, signaling a potential thaw in trade relations ([03:13]). However, China has dismissed these claims, labeling any prospect of progress as “groundless” and akin to “trying to catch the wind” ([03:13]).

The impasse continues to impact economic dynamics, with both nations navigating the complexities of tariff implementations and their broader implications on international trade and domestic markets.

6. Health Concerns Raised by Annual State of the Air Report

Timestamp: [03:50] - [04:34]

The annual State of the Air report by the American Lung Association reveals that nearly half of all Americans routinely inhale air harmful to their health. Despite significant improvements over the decades, largely attributed to regulations like the Clean Air Act, persistent pollution remains a critical issue ([03:50]).

Alejandro Barunda reports that climate change exacerbates air quality problems, citing increased wildfire smoke as a major pollutant affecting air across the country ([04:19]). NYU physician Neela Tumila warns, “156 million people in the United States are still living in places with failing grades or unhealthy air of ozone and particle pollution” ([04:10]).

The Trump administration’s proposed rollback of various environmental regulations has raised concerns among health advocates. These deregulations could potentially reverse decades of progress in reducing air pollution, jeopardizing public health advancements achieved thus far ([04:19]).

7. Greek Authorities Dismantle Antiquity Smuggling Ring

Timestamp: [04:34] - [04:56]

In international crime news, authorities on the Greek island of Crete have successfully dismantled a smuggling ring involved in the illicit trade of ancient artifacts. Police recovered a variety of valuable items, including oil lamps, figurines, ceramic vessels, and a marble sculpture depicting a child's head ([04:34]).

The suspects face multiple charges, including violations of cultural heritage protection laws. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the illegal antiquities trade and preserve Greece’s rich historical heritage.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on Russian Actions: “I wasn’t happy that in the midst of talking peace, missiles were flying” ([00:32]).

• Federal Judge on Voting Order: “Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the states, not the president, with the authority to regulate federal elections” ([01:28]).

• Healthcare Impact Statement: “156 million people in the United States are still living in places with failing grades or unhealthy air of ozone and particle pollution” ([04:10]).

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, ranging from geopolitical tensions and domestic policy challenges to public health concerns and law enforcement successes. Through expert reporting and insightful commentary, listeners are kept informed on the multifaceted developments shaping the current landscape.