NPR News Now – April 25, 2026, 10PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: April 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This concise five-minute NPR News Now episode covers several breaking and ongoing stories, with the main focus on a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., where President Trump and his cabinet were swiftly evacuated but are confirmed safe. The update also includes major developments in U.S.-Iran-Pakistan diplomatic relations, dangerous wildfires in Georgia, the screenwriters' new contract, and preparations for the record-setting London Marathon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shots Fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

• Incident & Immediate Response

  • Shots were fired at the hotel hosting the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C.
  • President Trump, the First Lady, and cabinet members were evacuated quickly and are all reported safe ([00:27]–[01:09]).
  • "What sounded like several gunshots were fired at the hotel where the dinner was taking place. Secret Service agents said a shooter was in custody."
    — Deepa Shivaram ([00:47])
  • Several Cabinet members, including HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and FBI Director Kash Patel, were moved to secure rooms ([00:47]).

• Current Status

  • Secret Service confirms a suspect is in custody, all officials unharmed.
  • Trump was scheduled to give a speech but instead praised the Secret Service and law enforcement before returning to the White House ([01:09]).
  • He plans to address the nation soon regarding the incident.
  • Reiteration of safety: "Repeating our top story, President Trump is safe after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents dinner in Washington, D.C. tonight. A suspect is in custody."
    — Jeanine Herbst ([03:02], [04:50])

2. US-Iran-Pakistan Diplomatic Developments

• Cancelled Delegation & Tensions
  • President Trump cancels a planned US delegation to Pakistan for peace talks regarding Iran ([01:09], [01:44]).
  • Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Arakchee, left Pakistan without meeting US officials.
  • Iran deems the unilateral extension of the US-Iran ceasefire "meaningless" due to ongoing US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
  • "Iran has dismissed Trump’s unilateral extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire as, quote, meaningless, saying the continued U.S. blockade on Iranian ports is in violation of that agreement." — Cat Lonsdorf ([01:44])
  • Most shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz has stopped as both sides stand firm.

3. Georgia Wildfires Escalate

• Scope & Threat
  • Two wildfires continue to threaten southeastern Georgia amid historic drought and strong winds ([02:29]).
  • The Brantley County Highway 82 fire has destroyed at least 87 homes and burned 14+ square miles.
  • "I've said this is a dynamic fire event that is wind driven, and you can rest assured if you're out here today, you can feel this wind. It has stoked that fire and this is a major event."
    — Joey Cason ([02:51])
  • A second fire 70 miles away has burned over 46 square miles and destroyed at least 35 homes.
  • Only about 10% of each fire is contained as of this update.
  • Origin: The first fire reportedly started when a party balloon struck a power line.

4. Hollywood Screenwriters Ratify New Contract

• Labor Update
  • Members of the screenwriters union have ratified a four-year deal with Hollywood studios, ending negotiations that proceeded smoothly, unlike the strike three years prior ([03:30]).
  • The contract increases health care benefits, offers compensation increases (notably for comedy and variety writers), and strengthens protections against exploitation.
  • Actors and directors remain in negotiations for their contracts.

5. London Marathon Prepares for Record Turnout

• Upcoming Event
  • "This year, the field is bigger still, with more than 59,000 runners expected on the starting line—the lucky winners from the record 1.1 million who applied for a place."
    — Vicki Barker ([04:08])
  • Breastfeeding tents will be available on the route, following Boston Marathon’s recent move, supporting inclusivity for new mothers.
  • Runners will pass iconic city landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the D.C. Shooting

  • "What sounded like several gunshots were fired at the hotel where the dinner was taking place. Secret Service agents said a shooter was in custody."
    — Deepa Shivaram ([00:47])
  • "President Trump is safe after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents dinner in Washington, D.C. tonight. A suspect is in custody."
    — Jeanine Herbst ([03:02], [04:50])

• On Wildfires

  • "I've said this is a dynamic fire event that is wind driven... you can feel this wind. It has stoked that fire and this is a major event."
    — Joey Cason ([02:51])

• On US-Iran Tensions

  • "Iran has dismissed Trump’s unilateral extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire as, quote, meaningless, saying the continued U.S. blockade on Iranian ports is in violation of that agreement."
    — Cat Lonsdorf ([01:44])

• On London Marathon’s Inclusivity

  • "As at this past week’s Boston Marathon, breastfeeding tents have been set up at the halfway point at Tower Bridge and the finish line outside Buckingham Palace as marathon organizers on both sides of the Atlantic aim to be more inclusive of new mothers."
    — Vicki Barker ([04:18])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner: [00:27]–[01:09], [03:02], [04:50]
• US-Iran-Pakistan Diplomatic News: [01:09]–[02:29]
• Georgia Wildfires: [02:29]–[03:02]
• Screenwriters Union Deal: [03:30]–[04:08]
• London Marathon Preview: [04:08]–[04:50]

This NPR News Now episode delivers urgent updates on a dramatic event in Washington, international and domestic security, environmental threats, labor developments, and a major marathon, all in NPR’s trademark concise and factual tone.