NPR News Now: April 26, 2025, 11 PM EDT
Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth reports from around the world in just five minutes. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics covered in the April 26, 2025, episode.
1. President Trump’s Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Deepa Shivaram
Timestamp: [00:32]
President Donald Trump returned to the United States after attending the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican. During his brief stay, Trump met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in St. Peter's Basilica shortly before the funeral proceedings began. While the White House has not disclosed details of their conversation, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his concerns regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin. He suggested that Putin might be "tapping me along and doesn't want to end the war," criticizing Russia's attacks on civilian areas and hinting at potential sanctions against Russia. Following his return, Trump is spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Notable Quote:
"I think Russian leader Vladimir Putin might be, quote, tapping me along and doesn't want to end the war."
— President Donald Trump [00:32]
2. Clash Between the Trump Administration and the Judiciary Over Immigration
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Amy Held
Timestamp: [01:05]
In a significant development, a Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, was arrested and charged with aiding an immigrant in evading arrest at her courthouse. This case is part of the Trump administration's intensified confrontation with the judiciary concerning immigration policies. Protesters in Milwaukee rallied in support of Judge Dugan, demanding her exoneration ahead of her next court appearance on May 15. The Justice Department accuses her of concealing an individual to prevent their arrest, specifically assisting a Mexican national in evading federal agents.
Notable Quote:
“We will come after you and we will prosecute you.”
— Attorney General Pam Bondi [01:57]
Additionally, a former New Mexico judge was arrested this week under similar accusations of assisting a man allegedly linked to a Venezuelan gang, highlighting the administration's broader efforts to deter judicial interference in immigration enforcement.
3. Tensions Escalate in Kashmir Following Militant Attack
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Omkar Khandekar
Timestamp: [02:18]
In the region of Kashmir, administered by India, over a thousand individuals have been detained following a militant attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people this week. Family members of suspected militants reported that Indian security forces destroyed their homes using explosives. A senior police officer confirmed the demolition of five houses but did not disclose the responsible party. Indian authorities allege that gunmen linked to Pakistan targeted Hindu tourists in the Kashmiri town of Pahalgam on Tuesday. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has denied any involvement and has called for a neutral and transparent investigation into the incident.
Notable Quote:
“When asked if he was concerned, President Trump said on Friday that the two nuclear-armed countries will get it figured out.”
— Omkar Khandekar, NPR News, Mumbai [02:18]
This incident underscores the fragile relations between India and Pakistan, both of which are nuclear-armed nations, raising international concern over regional stability.
4. Devastating Explosion in Southern Iran
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: [Unnamed]
Timestamp: [03:02]
A massive explosion at a port in southern Iran has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuries to as many as 750 others. The blast is currently under investigation, with authorities seeking to determine the cause and responsible parties. The incident adds to the regional tensions and highlights ongoing security challenges within Iran.
5. NFL Draft Surprise: Shador Sanders Selected by the Cleveland Browns
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Chandelyse Duster
Timestamp: [03:29]
In a surprising turn during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shador Sanders, the son of famed football coach Deion Sanders, was selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick. Sports analysts had anticipated Sanders to be a first-round pick, leading to widespread anxiety among fans and commentators when he was overlooked in the initial two days of the draft. Despite the unexpected placement, Sanders remained optimistic.
Notable Quote:
“Just gotta remain positive, stay happy at all times and know God got you. I knew the whole time God had me, so I wasn't really panicking because I understood it's about perfect timing.”
— Shador Sanders [03:53]
Sanders, who played quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes under his father and was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, expressed gratitude towards the Browns for the opportunity, viewing his selection as a testament to patience and faith.
6. Controversial Deportation Case Involving a Toddler
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: [Unnamed]
Timestamp: [04:14]
In Louisiana, a federal judge nominated by President Trump raised concerns over the deportation of a two-year-old American citizen to Honduras alongside her mother and sister. Judge Terry Doherty highlighted that the child appears to have been deported without meaningful legal proceedings to determine her status. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the action, stating that the parents chose to leave the United States with their child, a decision DHS notes is common among parents facing deportation. The case has been scheduled for an update on May 16, with ongoing debates about due process and the rights of American citizens in immigration actions.
This summary encapsulates the key stories and discussions presented in the April 26, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For full details and more updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into the podcast.