NPR News Now: Episode Summary – April 25, 2025
Released on April 25, 2025
International Relations: Macron Condemns Russian Aggression in Ukraine
In the latest developments from Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron has vocally condemned Russia's recent attack on Kyiv, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injured dozens more. Speaking from Paris, President Macron emphasized the disconnect between Russia’s rhetoric and its actions.
At [00:35], Macron stated, “I salute American diplomacy,” while firmly distinguishing the roles of the aggressor and victim. He criticized the Trump administration’s stance, asserting, “The Europeans are shocked at how the Trump administration is supporting Russia over Ukraine and tying itself in knots to make it look as if Russia is negotiating in good faith and Ukraine is the difficult partner.” Macron also highlighted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s willingness for peace, noting, “The only question is whether Putin will agree. If he would, the war could stop tomorrow” ([00:35]).
U.S. Trade Policies: Senator McConnell Attacks Trump's Tariffs
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has publicly criticized President Trump’s extensive tariff policies, arguing that they function as a tax on American consumers. Addressing business leaders in Kentucky at [01:14], McConnell highlighted the state's reliance on international trade, particularly emphasizing the bourbon industry.
He remarked, “We've had bourbon wars in the past, and it's very easy for a foreign country to have a bourbon war because they don't make it and we do 95% of it is made in Kentucky” ([01:31]). McConnell drew parallels to historical trade policies, stating that the current tariffs echo the protectionist trade laws of 1930, which he contends exacerbated the Great Depression (“tariffs also didn't work in 1930...”) ([01:48]).
In related economic moves, President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Commerce Department to accelerate reviews for private deep sea mining ventures, aiming to secure over a billion metric tons of critical minerals ([01:48]).
Gun Policy Debate: NRA's Annual Meeting in Atlanta
The National Rifle Association (NRA) held its annual meeting in Atlanta, where members and supporters advocated for significant changes in gun policy. Reporting from the Georgia World Congress Center at [02:25], Raul Bali detailed the event’s focus on deregulation and state-level policy harmonization.
David Triana of Charleston, South Carolina, advocated for the easing of federal regulations on firearm suppressors, arguing, “Accessory silencer became really popular through Hollywood because they wanted to push that they silence guns, which is obviously false” ([02:46]). Additionally, attendees proposed abolishing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and implementing a reciprocal concealed carry permit system across all states ([02:56]).
Education Policy: Texas Approves Largest School Voucher Program
The Texas State Senate has passed a landmark bill establishing the nation’s largest school voucher program. Announced at [03:12], the legislation permits the use of public funds to finance private education and homeschooling initiatives. Proponents highlight increased educational choice, while critics argue that this will siphon essential resources away from public schools, potentially undermining their quality and accessibility.
Legal Proceedings: Americans in Custody Over Congolese Coup Attempt
Three Americans—Marcel Malenga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Zalman Palloon—appeared in federal court in Salt Lake City on Thursday, facing serious charges related to their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As reported by Tilda Wilson at [03:49], the defendants pleaded not guilty to counts including conspiracy to bomb public places and conspiracy to murder and kidnap individuals abroad. Malenga, the son of Congolese political exile Christian Malenga who led the coup, claims coercion under threat, stating he was forced to participate “at gunpoint” ([03:49]). The trio was previously under death sentences commuted by the Congolese government and transferred back to U.S. custody. Their trial date remains undecided ([03:49]).
Economic Milestones: California Surpasses Japan’s Economy
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a significant economic milestone for the state, declaring that California’s gross domestic product (GDP) has reached $4.1 trillion, thereby surpassing Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy. Citing the International Monetary Fund’s 2024 World Economic Outlook released earlier this week, Newsom highlighted California’s robust economic performance ([04:30]). In response to federal tariffs, Newsom has filed a lawsuit, arguing that these tariffs threaten California’s economic progress and undermine its burgeoning status on the global stage ([04:30]).
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the April 25, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of the latest national and international developments.