NPR News Now: April 25, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Jack Spear
Source: NPR

1. Judicial Controversy in Milwaukee

At the forefront of today’s headlines is Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who has been arrested for allegedly assisting a defendant in evading immigration authorities. This incident has ignited a significant clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary regarding immigration policies.

• Incident Details: Judge Dugan is accused of allowing a man charged with battery against eight immigration agents to exit the courtroom through a jury door, effectively aiding his escape.

• Attorney General Pam Bondi's Statement (00:53): "I think some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law and they are not. And we're sending a very strong message today. If you are harboring a fugitive, we don't care who you are if you are helping hide one. If you are giving a TDA member guns, anyone who is illegally in this country, we will come after you and we will prosecute you."

• Current Status: Judge Dugan has been released following her arrest, but the case remains a focal point in the ongoing debate over the separation of powers and executive authority in immigration matters.

2. Escalation of Conflict in Gaza

The Middle East continues to experience heightened tensions as Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties.

• Casualties Reported: Over 80 Palestinians, including a family of 12, have been killed in Gaza’s northern city of Jabalia due to recent airstrikes aimed at Hamas targets (01:12).

• Israeli Military Actions: Israel claims responsibility for targeting a Hamas command center located in a former police station and has reported the death of a 26-year-old reservist hit by sniper fire (01:30).

• Broader Impact: The recent escalation marks a continuation of hostilities following the end of a two-month ceasefire on March 18th. To date, nearly 2,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the resumption of fighting, with the total death toll exceeding 51,000 since the conflict began on October 7th, 2023, after Hamas militants attacked, resulting in 1,200 Israeli casualties.

• Reporter: Carrie Kahn, Tel Aviv (01:30)

3. Controversy Surrounding Pope Francis’ Burial

A significant uproar surrounds the involvement of Cardinal Roger Mahoney in the upcoming burial of Pope Francis, raising concerns among victims of clergy sexual abuse and their advocates.

• Cardinal Mahoney’s Background: As the former Los Angeles Archbishop, Mahoney was implicated in efforts to conceal clergy sexual abuse by relocating accused priests to prevent law enforcement intervention (02:14).

• Church’s Response: The Los Angeles Archdiocese has paid over hundreds of millions in settlements to abuse victims. Mahoney’s successor has since barred him from public ministry.

• Public Reaction: Victims and advocates view Mahoney’s participation in the burial rites as deeply troubling, suggesting it reflects the Church’s insufficient progress in addressing and learning from past mishandlings of sexual abuse cases (02:25).

• Reporter: Jason DeRose, Rome (02:25)

4. Wall Street’s Mixed Signals Amid Tech Sector Strength

Despite a robust performance in the technology sector contributing to a winning week on Wall Street, the broader market remains cautious, still trailing approximately 10% below its earlier-year peak.

• Market Movements: The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 20 points to close above 40,000, while the S&P 500 increased by 40 points (03:02).

• Context: Even with these gains, the overall market sentiment reflects lingering uncertainties, likely influenced by ongoing economic and geopolitical factors.

5. President Trump’s Trade Deal Ambitions

Former President Donald Trump continues to assert his intent to forge new trade agreements, despite acknowledging the challenges in coordinating the necessary meetings.

• Trade Strategies: Trump indicated that setting new tariffs might be an alternative approach, proposing that such negotiations would be managed internally within the U.S. government (03:02).

• Market Sensitivity: Trump noted the volatile reaction of global markets to policy changes, referencing the market plunge that occurred following tariff implementations earlier this month.

6. Legal Proceedings Against Luigi Mangione

Luigi Mangione has entered a not guilty plea in connection with federal murder charges related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

• Legal Proceedings: Following Attorney General Pam Bondi’s public statements advocating for the death penalty, Mangione’s plea has sparked concerns about potential biases affecting his right to a fair trial (03:58).

• Judicial Response: Federal Judge Margaret Garnett has established a briefing schedule and emphasized restrictions on public commentary to prevent undue influence on the case. She has instructed prosecutors to address Bondi’s statements with the Justice Department to ensure impartiality (03:58).

• Next Steps: Mangione is scheduled to return to court in December for further proceedings.

• Reporter: Ben Foyher, New York (03:58)

7. Billy Idol’s Musical Comeback

Rock icon Billy Idol announces the release of his first new album in 11 years, titled "Dream Into It," featuring collaborations with notable artists.

• Album Highlights: The album includes duets with Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne, and Alison Mosshart of The Kills, marking a significant return to the music scene for Idol.

• Additional Projects: Idol is set to introduce a documentary about his life, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, offering fans an intimate look into his career and personal journey.

• Reporter: Jack Spear, Washington (04:38)

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode covered a spectrum of critical issues, from judicial controversies and international conflicts to significant developments in the music industry and ongoing legal battles. Notable quotes from key figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi underscored the administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement, while reporters provided in-depth coverage of complex situations both domestically and abroad. This comprehensive summary aims to keep listeners informed and engaged with the latest developments shaping our world.

This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on April 25, 2025, at 5PM EDT.