NPR News Now: April 25, 2025

Released on April 25, 2025, NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. This summary captures all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode aired at 2 AM EDT.

International Affairs: NATO’s Stance on Russia and Ukraine Peace Talks

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the enduring threat Russia poses to alliance members during his discussions in Washington on Thursday regarding peace in Ukraine. Speaking at [00:18], Rutte stated, “Russia poses a long-term threat to members of the alliance.”

Following his meeting with President Trump, Rutte conveyed optimism about the US’s commitment to the peace process. He mentioned, “I don't see the US walking away from the peace process, but cannot predict how Vladimir Putin will respond” ([00:42]). An unnamed analyst added perspective, reflecting on past interactions with Putin: “I worked with him for four years between 2010 and 2014. I stopped trying to read his mind. We'll see. But there is something on the table now, I think where the Ukrainians are really playing ball, and I think the ball is clearly in the Russian court now” ([00:42]).

U.S. Domestic Policy: Justice Department’s Grant Cuts Impact Nonprofits

The U.S. Department of Justice announced significant cuts to hundreds of grants awarded to community-based nonprofit organizations, including those that support crime victims. Attorney General Pam Bondi detailed the initiative, stating at [01:24], “The department has begun cutting what she says are millions of dollars in wasteful grants.” Over 350 grants have been targeted, notably affecting the nonpartisan National Center for Victims of Crime. This includes the Victim Connect hotline, which provides essential support services for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes.

Renee Williams, CEO of the National Center for Victims of Crime, expressed her concerns at [01:48]: “So many victims come to us and say, you were there when nobody else was and I had nowhere else to turn. And so the decision to cut this is completely baffling.” Despite assurances from Bondi that affected organizations have 30 days to appeal the cuts, Williams highlighted the immediate impact: “The Victim Connect hotline, for instance, will shut down Friday” ([01:57]).

Trump Administration Updates: Women's Health and Legal Aid for Separated Families

The Trump administration is reversing previous budget cuts by restoring funding for a women’s health study. Initially, the National Institutes of Health had trimmed funds due to not complying with an executive order aimed at reducing spending.

In related policy shifts, the ACLU is taking legal action against the federal government to prevent the cessation of legal aid services for families separated at the southern border during the first Trump administration. Marc Bettencourt of NPR reports that a 2023 settlement with the Biden administration had promised protections, including legal assistance for asylum applications and work permits. However, the Justice Department informed the legal service provider that it would not renew its contract once it expires at the end of the month ([02:08]).

Marianbele Salkaid, a lawyer with Alot Rolado, emphasized the urgency: “A lot of them have paroles that are ending now, so they are really desperate to receive services” ([02:56]). Despite the DOJ’s statement that it does not intend to let legal services lapse, specifics on how this will be achieved remain unclear ([03:02]).

Legal Developments: Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Voting Executive Orders

A federal judge in Washington has issued a ruling blocking two aspects of President Trump's executive order concerning voting and elections ([03:14]). The first blocked directive required the Independent Election Assistance Commission to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. The second prevented government agencies from verifying citizenship before distributing voter registration forms to individuals seeking public assistance. This decision marks a significant setback for the executive order aimed at tightening voting regulations.

Sports: NFL Draft Highlights Travis Hunter as the First Two-Way Player in Decades

In a historic move, the NFL draft saw Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner known for his versatility on both offense and defense during his college career, selected second overall. Becky Sullivan reported at [04:01], “It wasn't a surprise that Travis Hunter was picked second overall. Colorado standout is a first-round caliber player as both a wide receiver and a cornerback.” The Cleveland Browns originally held the second pick but traded it to the Jacksonville Jaguars, recognizing Hunter's potential as a "potentially generational player" who expressed a desire to play on both sides of the ball.

The Tennessee Titans secured the first overall pick by selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward as anticipated, while Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, unexpectedly fell out of the first round entirely. Sullivan noted that the draft will continue with subsequent rounds on Friday and Saturday ([04:01]).

Global News: Pope Francis Lying in State at the Vatican

Thousands have flocked to St. Peter's Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who is lying in state. Despite late-night closures, the Vatican remained open overnight to accommodate the immense number of mourners. Shae Stevens reported at [04:38], “The lines of mourners waiting to pay their last respects have continued to file past his coffin.” The Vatican estimates that over 90,000 people have already paid their respects, highlighting the profound impact of Pope Francis’s legacy worldwide.

This summary provides an in-depth look at the pivotal stories covered in the April 25, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, ensuring listeners stay informed on critical issues shaping the world today.