NPR News: 04-24-2025 7PM EDT

Summary

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

Host: NPR
Release Date: April 24, 2025

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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.

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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]).

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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.

Transcript

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[Jack Speier]

In Washington, I'm Jack Speier. President Trump says he was not happy with Russia following deadly airstrikes on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. But he stopped short of calling Russia an obstacle to peace. More from NPR's Michelle Keleman.

[Michelle Keleman]

In an Oval Office meeting with his Norwegian counterpart, Trump said he wasn't happy that in the midst of talking peace, missiles were flying. But he says he still thinks Russia is ready to make some concessions.

[Jack Speier]

Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country.

[Michelle Keleman]

Pretty big concession. But Russia doesn't even control parts of Ukraine that it claimed to have annexed in the early stages of this war. And European countries don't want to see Russia rewarded for its land grab. Norway's prime minister says he exchanged ideas with Trump on what he calls a complex picture in Ukraine and thanked him for trying to negotiate a ceasefire. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

[Jack Speier]

The key provision of President Trump's sweeping executive order on voting is now on hold. NPR's Jujuffe Block reports. A federal judge has paused the president's directive it would require showing proof of citizenship to register to vote.

[Jude Joffe Block]

Trump's March 25 order directs the Election Assistance Commission, which is an independent, bipartisan body, to change the federal voter registration form to include a requirement that applicants show proof of citizenship. But a federal judge paused that provision, writing, quote, our Constitution entrusts Congress and the states, not the president, with the authority to regulate federal elections. The judge's ruling is a victory for voter registration groups and Democrats who say such a requirement could create barriers for millions of eligible voters. In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said the president will keep fighting for election integrity. Jude Joffe Block, NPR News.

[Jack Speier]

The Texas Senate has passed what could become the largest school voucher program in the country, sending the bill to Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott made it a priority to add Texas to The more than 20 states that have been varying programs allowing tax dollars to be used for educating children in private schools. Existing home sales fell in March, down nearly 6% from a month ago. NPR's Laura Wamsley reports.

[Laura Wamsley]

Seasonally adjusted, the drop in existing home sales was the largest month over month decline since November 2022, and it throws cold water on the idea that this would be the spring the housing market would recover after two extremely slow years. Economists point to high mortgage rates as the culprit rates for 30 year fixed rate mortgages are now about 6.8%, having risen in recent weeks as President Trump's tariff threats roiled the bond markets that influence mortgage rates. Prices are still climbing, though more slowly than before. The median existing home sales price in March was about $404,000. Sales of new homes, meanwhile, ticked higher last month, up 7% from February. Laurel Wamsley, NPR News, Washington.

[Jack Speier]

You're listening to npr. Despite claims by the Trump administration of active negotiations with China over tariffs, China's denying that, saying any notion of progress in resolving the matter is groundless as trying to catch the wind. China's comments came after President Trump today said a current 145% tariff against Chinese imports levied by the US could come down substantially. Nearly half of all Americans routinely breathe in air that is harmful to their health. That is the message from the annual State of the Air report from the American Lung Association. NPR's Alejandro Barunda reports.

[Alejandro Barunda]

Air in the US has become much cleaner over the past few decades. The Environmental Protection Agency has said that's due in large part to the success of rules like the Clean Air Act. But there is still a lot of pollution floating in the US Skies, and NYU physician Neela Tumila says it's hurting people's health.

[Michelle Keleman]

156 million people in the United States are still living in places with failing grades or unhealthy air of ozone and particle pollution.

[Alejandro Barunda]

The report says climate change plays a role. For example, smoke from wildfires made worse by climate change is polluting air across the country. The Trump administration has proposed rolling back many of the regulations that have contributed to the country's cleaner air. Alejandra Varunda, NPR News.

[Jack Speier]

Authorities on the Greek island of Crete say they have broken up an antiquity smuggling ring they say was trying to sell numerous ancient artifacts. Police say they recovered oil lamps, figurines, ceramic vessels and a marble sculpture of a child's head, among other items. Suspects are facing charges, including violating cultural heritage protection laws. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.

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