NPR News Now: April 25, 2025, 4 PM EDT Summary
Hosted by Lakshmi Singh, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on significant national and international events. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key stories covered, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.
1. Milwaukee Judge Arrested for Obstruction of Immigration Efforts
Reporter: Maiyan Silver (00:44)
The FBI has apprehended Judge Hannah Dugan from Milwaukee on charges of obstruction related to immigration enforcement. Dugan is accused of aiding a Mexican citizen in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by directing him out of the courtroom through a side door. This incident intensifies the ongoing friction between the Trump administration and the judiciary concerning immigration policies.
Notable Quote:
"The courthouse is supposed to be a safe place for people to come and be able to work with these systems that have been implemented."
— County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez (01:10)
2. Pentagon Appoints New Senior Advisors Amid Controversy
Reporter: Quill Lawrence (01:32)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny following allegations of leaking military attack plans. In response, the Pentagon has appointed four new senior advisors to stabilize its leadership. These appointments include Colonel Ricky Berea, Justin Fulcher from the Doge team, and the promotion of Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell to Assistant Secretary of Defense and Senior Advisor. The White House aims to "right the ship," especially after five of Hegseth's key advisors resigned amid internal disputes and leak accusations.
Notable Quote:
"The White House is seeking senior staff at the Pentagon to, quote, right the ship."
— Former Trump Official (01:41)
3. Global Mourning: Final Hours of Pope Francis
Reporter: Silvia Poggioli (02:26)
As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, tens of thousands gather at St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects. People are seen praying and filing past the open casket, creating a poignant atmosphere filled with music from the choir. Rome correspondent Silvia Poggioli reflects on the Pope's enduring legacy as a "champion of the dispossessed and the forgotten."
Notable Quote:
"I think everybody simply remembers him as the champion of the dispossessed, of the forgotten."
— Silvia Poggioli (02:49)
4. Restoration of International Students' Legal Status in the U.S.
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh (03:15)
The federal government is poised to reinstate the legal status of over a thousand international students whose visas were slated for cancellation. This move follows several judges issuing temporary orders mandating the restoration of these visas. An attorney representing the plaintiffs highlighted that the records essential for tracking student visas are being reactivated in federal databases, ensuring that the students can continue their education without legal hindrances.
5. Elevated Fire Risk in New Jersey's Pine Barrens
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh (03:15)
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about an increased fire risk in New Jersey, where firefighting crews are actively combating the Pine Barrens fire. Currently at 60% containment, authorities fear that unfavorable weather conditions—including low humidity, gusty winds, and temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees—could impede further progress in controlling the blaze.
6. Art Mishap: Andy Warhol Print Accidentally Discarded in Dutch Townhall
Reporter: Terry Schultz (04:18)
During renovations of the Mashhorst town hall in the Netherlands, nearly 50 pieces of art went missing, including an Andy Warhol silkscreen from the 1980s depicting then-Queen Beatrix. Investigations revealed that the artworks were stored in the building's basement during renovations and sustained water damage. It remains unclear who misplaced the pieces, including the Warhol print, which was accidentally thrown into a trash bin. This incident follows the theft of four other Warhol prints from the same city last November.
Notable Quote:
"It's regrettable."
— Mayor of Mashhorst (04:18)
7. U.S. Stock Markets Rally
Reporter: Lakshmi Singh (04:58)
U.S. stock markets closed higher today, with the NASDAQ indexing climbing more than 1%. This positive movement reflects investor confidence despite ongoing global and domestic challenges.
For more detailed stories and updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now.
Timestamps Referenced: