NPR News Now: April 25, 2025, 7 PM EDT – Detailed Summary

NPR’s “News Now” episode from April 25, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing issues, ranging from immigration policy changes and judicial controversies to corporate earnings and international diplomacy. This summary delves into each key story, highlighting important discussions, insights, and conclusions, complemented by notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps.

1. Restoration of International Student Records

Reporter: Adrienne Florido
Timestamp: [00:18] - [01:15]

The Trump administration has initiated the restoration of records for hundreds, possibly thousands, of international students whose information was previously deleted from the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database. This action potentially allows these students to maintain their legal status in the United States.

Key Points:

• SEVIS Database Importance: SEVIS is crucial for tracking student visa holders to ensure compliance with visa requirements.
• Record Deletions: Recent deletions impacted thousands of students, some of whom faced deportation despite minor infractions.
• Justice Department's Decision: The restoration is a temporary measure pending the creation of a formal policy on record removals.
• Ongoing Legal Battles: Legal efforts to protect international students from deportation will continue.

Notable Quote: “A lawyer for one student called it a sigh of relief, though legal fights to protect international students from deportation will continue.” – Adrienne Florido [00:37]

2. Arrest of Milwaukee County Judge George Hannah Dugan

Reporters: Jack Spear and Quill Lawrence
Timestamp: [01:15] - [02:09]

In Wisconsin, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Judge George Hannah Dugan, who allegedly assisted a migrant in evading federal authorities. Dugan faces battery charges related to this incident.

Key Points:

• Judge's Actions: Accused of intentionally misdirecting federal immigration agents to protect a migrant.
• Political Repercussions: Activist Simon Rosenblum Larson criticized the arrest as part of “Donald Trump's weaponization of federal agencies.”
• Administration's Stance: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the arrest, emphasizing that “no one is above the law.”

Notable Quotes: “Judge Dugan's arrest is another example of Donald Trump's weaponization of federal agencies to intimidate judges, immigrants and any of us Americans standing in the way of the [Trump agenda].” – Quill Lawrence [01:37]
“The arrest shows no one is above the law.” – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi [01:47]

3. Pentagon Leadership Changes Amid Leaks Controversy

Reporter: Quill Lawrence
Timestamp: [01:47] - [02:52]

The Pentagon has appointed four new senior advisors to support Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is under scrutiny for leaking military tactics. This move comes after five key advisers resigned amid internal conflicts and leak accusations.

Key Points:

• Leadership Shake-Up: New advisors include Colonel Ricky Berea and Justin Fulcher, among others.
• White House Involvement: A former Trump official indicated that the White House is striving to “right the ship” at the Pentagon.
• Official Response: The Pentagon spokesperson attributed the changes to “regular workforce adjustments” typical of a “highly efficient organization.”
• Political Reactions: Democrats and at least one Republican suggest more substantial changes are needed.

Notable Quote: “The White House is seeking senior staff at the Pentagon to, quote, right the ship,” – Quill Lawrence [02:09]

4. Alphabet Inc. Reports Strong First-Quarter Profits

Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [02:52] - [03:10]

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, reported a significant 50% increase in profits for the first quarter ending in March, surpassing earnings and revenue expectations despite a challenging global economy.

Key Points:

• Financial Performance: Revenues and profits exceeded analyst predictions.
• Stock Market Reaction: Alphabet’s stock closed higher for the day, though it remains below last year’s end price.
• Market Context: Wall Street saw stocks close mostly higher on the day.

Notable Quote: “Despite a turbulent global economy, earnings and revenue at the company were both stronger than expected.” – Jack Spear [02:52]

5. President Trump’s Stance on Crimea and Ukraine

Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [03:10] - [03:52]

President Trump reiterated his commitment to keeping Crimea under Russian control during an interview with Time magazine, amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He is also pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.

Key Points:

• Crimea’s Status: Trump confirmed that Crimea will remain part of Russia, a region annexed in 2014.
• U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Efforts to secure access to Ukraine’s mineral resources continue, despite resistance.
• Diplomatic Implications: Trump's stance may influence broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Notable Quote: “Crimea will stay with Russia.” – President Donald Trump [Exact timestamp within segment]

6. Cuts to the Nation’s Report Card and Student Achievement Tests

Reporter: Janaki Mehta
Timestamp: [03:52] - [04:34]

The Department of Education, under Secretary Linda McMahon, announced significant reductions to the nation’s report card—a congressional requirement for tracking student achievement. These cuts include eliminating long-term trend tests and various subject assessments.

Key Points:

• Nation’s Report Card: Considered the gold standard for assessing student performance nationwide.
• Assigned Reductions: Next Long Term Trend test and assessments in 12th-grade science, history, and math will be discontinued.
• Administration’s Justification: The Trump administration cites the need to cut federal government costs as the rationale behind these changes.

Notable Quote: “Secretary of Education Linda McMahon repeatedly promised the nation's report card would be preserved.” – Janaki Mehta [03:52]

7. Adrian Peterson’s DUI Arrest

Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:34] - [04:56]

Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson, now with the Fram Bond team, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after being seen speeding at 83 mph in a 55 mph zone following an NFL draft party for Minnesota Vikings fans.

Key Points:

• Charge Details: Peterson faces a fourth-degree charge of driving while impaired.
• Incident Circumstances: The arrest occurred post-event, with police observations leading to the charges.

Notable Quote: “Adrian Peterson faces a 4th degree charge of driving while impaired after police say they observed him driving 83 miles an hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.” – Jack Spear [04:34]

Conclusion

This episode of NPR’s “News Now” effectively encapsulates a wide array of national and international issues, from policy reversals affecting international students and judicial accountability to significant corporate earnings and geopolitical maneuvers. The discussions provide listeners with critical insights into the current socio-political landscape, highlighting ongoing tensions and administrative actions shaping the United States and its interactions globally.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted to focus solely on the newsworthy material presented in the episode.