NPR News Now: April 24, 2025, 9AM EDT

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1. U.S.-China Trade Tensions Escalate as Beijing Denies Negotiations

In the latest development on U.S.-China trade relations, China has firmly denied that any trade negotiations are currently taking place with the United States. This statement comes in response to President Trump's claims of daily direct contacts between the two nations.

At [00:33], NPR’s John Ruich reports from Shanghai:

China's Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry released unequivocal statements clarifying the situation. Commerce Ministry spokesperson Hedong stated there are "absolutely no negotiations between the two sides." Similarly, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiao Kun affirmed, "as far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations over tariffs, let alone any agreement."

Despite President Trump’s assertion this week that he expects tariffs on China—currently at 145%—to decrease substantially and that negotiations are "actively underway," Chinese officials maintain no such talks exist. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant was also reported on Tuesday to have confirmed that talks have not begun.

However, Guo Jiao Kun added that China remains open to dialogue, emphasizing that any negotiations "must be based on equality, mutual respect and reciprocity."

2. India Vows Retaliation After Deadly Attack, Suspends Water Treaty with Pakistan

India is taking a strong stance following a tragic attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, primarily Hindu men. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to bring those responsible to justice.

At [01:33], Modi declared, "India would find and punish every terrorist, their handlers, their backers," further emphasizing his commitment by stating, "He will pursue them."

The attack, which targeted tourists in a picturesque meadow, has left the nation outraged not only by the loss of life but also by the brutality and apparent targeting of Muslims. Eyewitness accounts suggest that gunmen questioned victims about their religious affiliations before committing the massacre. The group claiming responsibility is believed to be a proxy for the Pakistani military.

In response, India announced the suspension of its longstanding water treaty with Pakistan on Wednesday. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, labeling India’s move as a pretext to restrict water access.

NPR’s Dia Hadid reports from Mumbai.

3. NIH to Integrate Private Health Data in Autism Study, Raising Privacy Concerns

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is embarking on an ambitious study to investigate the rising rates of autism spectrum disorder by incorporating private health information. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to uncover the underlying causes of autism.

At [02:34], NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya explained, "The agency will create a national database of autistic people, then look for factors that might have contributed to their diagnosis." This comprehensive effort will utilize data from private doctors, insurance companies, and government health programs with the aim of identifying possible environmental exposures that could lead to autism.

However, Dr. David Mandel of the University of Pennsylvania expressed skepticism, stating at [02:58], "The exposure is probably in utero, and it looks like we're studying children after they're born," suggesting that environmental factors post-birth might not be as significant as presumed.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about the privacy of sensitive information. Bhattacharya acknowledged these concerns, noting that there is "a legitimate worry that sensitive private information used in the study could become public."

NPR’s John Hamilton reports.

4. President Trump Urges Putin to Cease Ukraine Attacks, Calls for Peace Deal

In a noteworthy departure from his usual tone, President Trump has publicly reprimanded Russian President Vladimir Putin over recent drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least eight Ukrainians and wounded over 70 others.

At [03:12], Trump stated online, "Vladimir, stop. Let's get the peace deal done." This marks a rare direct challenge to Putin, contrasting with Trump's previous comments where he placed some responsibility on Ukraine's president for hindering a U.S.-backed peace deal.

5. Shifting Political Landscapes: Canada and Australia Face Unexpected Election Outcomes

President Trump’s policies and rhetoric, initially perceived to benefit populist movements globally, are influencing political landscapes in unexpected ways in Canada and Australia.

NPR’s Scott Newman reports that in Canada, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre was expected to lead his Conservatives to a historic victory with promises of tax cuts, government downsizing, and opposition to "woke" ideology. However, Trump's unpopular tariffs and comments about annexing Canada have bolstered Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party, resulting in a surprising electoral turnaround.

At [04:25], Simra Sevi, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Toronto, remarked, "In three months, that's a major shift in Canadian politics."

Similarly, in Australia, opposition leader Peter Dutton is encountering backlash against his version of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement. As he approaches the May elections, public sentiment appears to be shifting away from his policies.

6. World Mourns Pope Francis: Funeral Preparations Underway with Massive Turnout

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 and is currently lying in State at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Vatican officials have reported that at least 50,000 mourners have already viewed his casket, reflecting the significant impact of his papacy worldwide.

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