NPR News Now: April 26, 2025 – Comprehensive Episode Summary

NPR’s “News Now” delivers the latest headlines in a concise five-minute format. In this episode released on April 26, 2025, NPR covers a range of significant events, from the solemn funeral of Pope Francis to critical legal developments in the United States. Below is a detailed summary of the episode’s key topics, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome

[00:16] Dan Ronan introduces the event, highlighting the global attendance: “Including President Donald Trump, the King of Spain, and the Prince of Wales are attending, as is former US President Joe Biden, who's a practicing Catholic.”

[00:32] Jason DeRose provides further details, mentioning the dignitaries present and the significance of the burial location: “Francis’ coffin is being taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial in reflection of his life of service to the dispossessed.”

DeRose emphasizes the inclusive nature of the ceremony, noting, “Special guests at his burial include homeless people, refugees, and victims of violence.” He also outlines the upcoming conclave: “Saturday begins a nine-day period of official mourning leading up to the conclave at which cardinals will elect the next head of the Catholic Church.”

2. Legal Halt to Trump’s Executive Order on Federal Employees

[01:08] Dan Ronan reports on a significant legal decision, stating, “A federal judge has halted President Trump’s executive order ending collective bargaining rights for most Federal Employees.”

[01:21] Andrea Hsu explains the case, detailing the union’s stance: “The National Treasury Employees Union argued that stripping federal workers of their collective bargaining rights had nothing to do with national security, but was instead punishment for the union's legal challenges to the president's actions.”

Hsu further highlights the ruling: “U.S. district Judge Paul Friedman granted the union's request to block federal agencies from implementing the executive order, finding it unlawful.” She adds the immediate impact: “That preserves collective bargaining rights at agencies where NTEU has members for now. Already, many agencies had stopped allowing employees to have their union dues taken out of their paychecks.”

3. Arrest of Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan

[02:03] Dan Ronan covers the arrest, reporting, “A Milwaukee Circuit Court judge was arrested Friday outside of her courthouse by the FBI, accused by the Trump administration of helping a man evade federal immigration authorities.”

[02:24] Jason DeRose provides context, quoting Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson: “He criticized the Trump administration over Dugan's arrest, saying it will deter people without legal status from coming to court.”

DeRose continues with the legal proceedings: “Dugan was in court today for her initial appearance. Her attorney said that Dugan regrets and protests her arrest, stating it was not made in the interest of public safety.” The report concludes with her release and upcoming arraignment: “Dugan was released after her court hearing and is scheduled to reappear for her arraignment in the middle of next month.”

[02:50] Dan Ronan quotes Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who denounces the arrest: “Evers accused the Trump administration of, quote, using dangerous rhetoric to attack an attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level.”

4. Economic Indicators: Wall Street and Consumer Confidence

[02:50] Dan Ronan shifts to economic news, noting, “On Wall Street, the Dow closed the week on a positive note, finishing up at 40,113, up more than 1,200 points for the week.”

He contrasts this with consumer sentiment: “American confidence in the state of the US economy is falling, according to the monthly survey from the University of Michigan. Since January and the beginning of the Trump administration, the survey has declined by 32%.”

Ronan highlights the severity: “It's the steepest three-month drop in the more than 30 years since it was rocked by a recession in 1990. Month-to-month consumer confidence in April fell by more than 8%, and the report showed that month was the fourth lowest on record since 1952.”

5. Measles Outbreak in Texas

[04:01] Gabriela Alcorta Solorio reports from Texas, updating on the health crisis: “Texas is reporting an additional 22 cases of the measles, bringing the number of confirmed cases in that state to 646.”

She breaks down the geographic impact: “Of the 26 West Texas counties affected, 10 of them have ongoing measles transmissions, including the county where the outbreak is said to have begun.”

Alcorta Solorio provides alarming statistics: “64 patients have been hospitalized since the outbreak began. The state does not report active hospitalizations. Two school-age children have died due to complications from the virus. Both were unvaccinated and lived in the region of the outbreak.”

She concludes with prevention advice: “Of the nearly 650 cases, 618 of them have been in unvaccinated people. Healthcare professionals say the best way to prevent the virus is to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.”

6. Tragic Death of Acrobatic Pilot Rob Hyland

[04:44] Dan Ronan reports on a tragic incident, informing listeners, “One of the country's best-known acrobatic pilots died in an air show crash in Virginia. Pilot Rob Hyland died Thursday from Washington.”

Conclusion: This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a diverse array of pressing issues, from significant religious ceremonies and pivotal legal battles to economic concerns and public health emergencies. By providing timely updates and expert insights, NPR ensures listeners are well-informed about events shaping the national and global landscape.

Note: Advertisements and promotional content were omitted from this summary to focus solely on the substantive news segments.