NPR News Now – April 25, 2025, 8AM EDT

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President Trump to Attend Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome

[00:16] Korva Coleman reports that President Donald Trump is scheduled to depart for Rome shortly, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday. This event marks Trump's first foreign trip of his current term.

[00:35] Deepa Shivaram adds that Trump's stay in Italy is expected to be brief, primarily focused on the Vatican ceremony. However, there is potential for additional engagements, including a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This would be their first encounter since the contentious Oval Office meeting in February. Additionally, a discussion with European Union President Ursula von der Leyen may take place amid ongoing tariff negotiations. Shivaram notes, “Trump's visit to Rome and the Vatican marks his first foreign trip of this term” (00:35).

President Trump's Trade Talks with China and CDC Public Records Concerns

[01:10] Korva Coleman highlights President Trump's recent statements in a Time magazine interview, claiming active trade negotiations with China and direct communication with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Contrarily, the Chinese government has dismissed these reports as false.

Simultaneously, [01:10] Coleman addresses concerns from the top Democrat on the House oversight committee regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The committee is questioning the CDC's decision to eliminate its public records office, which led to the dismissal of 22 staff members responsible for handling public records requests. This action comes amidst the broader context of thousands of health agency workers being let go earlier this month.

[01:39] Sidney Lupkin elaborates on this issue, stating that Representative Gerry Connolly from Virginia sent a letter to the CDC’s acting director expressing alarm over the staff reductions. Connolly emphasized the CDC’s obligation under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to maintain public records access. He inquired about how the agency plans to comply with these laws moving forward and requested details on any outstanding records requests and communications between the Trump administration and CDC officials. Lupkin notes, “NPR asked CDC for comment but didn't get an immediate response” (01:39).

Luigi Mangione's Federal Court Arraignment and Death Penalty Proceedings

[02:14] Korva Coleman informs listeners that Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December, is set to appear in federal court today in New York. Federal prosecutors have indicated their intention to pursue the death penalty upon a potential conviction.

[02:30] Ben Feuerhard provides further details, mentioning that Mangione is expected to plead not guilty during his arraignment, his first court appearance following the indictment. This follows Attorney General Bondi’s public statement on April 1, declaring the Department of Justice's commitment to seeking the death penalty in alignment with President Trump's agenda. Mangione's defense attorneys are contesting this move, arguing that Bondi's public declaration was "blatantly political" and breached Justice Department protocols. Feuerhard states, “Mangione attorneys are asking a judge to take the death penalty off the table” (02:30).

World Malaria Day and the National Garden of American Heroes Initiative

[03:09] Korva Coleman marks the observance of World Malaria Day, noting significant progress in preventing malaria globally with over 2 billion cases averted since the late 1990s. However, the World Health Organization warns that malaria continues to claim one life every minute, predominantly in under-resourced regions.

In related cultural news, [03:09] Coleman introduces the National Endowment for the Humanities' (NEH) new grant program aimed at artists participating in President Trump's National Garden of American Heroes. This initiative comes shortly after the federal government rescinded hundreds of humanities grants nationwide.

[03:47] Elizabeth Blair details the grant program, which allocates $30 million for artists to create life-size statues from materials such as marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass. The project envisions honoring 250 individuals, including icons like Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Duke Ellington, Sacagawea, and Babe Ruth. The NEH and National Endowment for the Arts aim to unveil the National Garden of American Heroes next year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. However, the American Federation of Government Employees Union has criticized the project, claiming it serves as a "propaganda pipeline" rather than a comprehensive preservation of American history. Blair concludes, “The National Garden of American Heroes is set to open next year for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence” (03:47).

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Amidst Tariff Uncertainties

[04:31] Korva Coleman reports that Nintendo has officially opened pre-orders for its highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console. The system has already sold out through US retailers. The pre-order launch was postponed earlier in the spring due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs. Nevertheless, Nintendo confirms that the Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5th.

Note: Advertisements and sponsor messages from the Nature Conservancy and Warby Parker were featured at the beginning and end of the podcast but have been omitted from this summary as per guidelines.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments presented in the April 25, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. From President Trump's international engagements and domestic policy issues to significant cultural initiatives and corporate product launches, the episode offers a comprehensive overview of current events.