NPR News Now: April 26, 2025
Host: NPR
Episode Release Date: April 26, 2025, 3AM EDT
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes of content
Description: The latest news in five minutes, updated hourly.
Global News: Pope Francis' Funeral Arrangements
NPR begins with significant coverage of the passing of Pope Francis. Dan Ronan reports from Washington, highlighting the Vatican's announcement that public viewing for the late Pope is concluded three days after his death on Monday at the age of 88.
Key Details:
- Funeral Schedule: The Requiem Mass is set to commence on Saturday morning in St. Peter's Square.
- Attendees: World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden—who is a practicing Catholic—will attend.
- Burial Plans: The Pope's coffin will be interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
- Controversial Participation: Former Los Angeles Archbishop Cardinal Roger Mahoney will partake in the burial, despite being barred from public ministry in Los Angeles due to his involvement in the clergy sex abuse cover-up.
- Mourning Period: A nine-day official mourning period precedes the conclave for electing the next head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Notable Quote:
“Francis Coffin will then be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he'll be buried.” – Jason DeRose at [00:32]
U.S. Politics: NSF Grant Cancellations Amid Leadership Turmoil
In a significant development within the scientific community, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has canceled over 700 grants. This drastic measure follows the sudden resignation of the NSF director, signaling potential deep cuts to the agency's budget and staff.
Key Details:
- Impact: The NSF, a pivotal funder for research in science, math, and engineering at colleges and universities, is halting funding for numerous projects.
- First Wave of Cancellations: Initiated about a week prior, targeting research on misinformation and diversity in STEM fields.
- Current Cancellations: More than 700 projects are being terminated as they were deemed “not aligned with agency priorities.”
- Agency Stability: The abrupt resignation of the NSF director amidst rumors of budget cuts suggests significant instability within the organization.
Notable Quote:
“The canceled work was, quote, not aligned with agency priorities.” – Nell Greenfield Boyce at [01:29]
Judicial Controversy: Arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge
The episode delves into the arrest of Judge Hannah Duggan, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, who was taken into custody by the FBI outside her courthouse. Accusations from the Trump administration allege that she assisted a man in evading federal immigration authorities, exacerbating tensions between local officials and the White House over immigration policies.
Key Details:
- Arrest Context: Occurred outside the courthouse as Judge Duggan attended her initial court appearance.
- Local Reaction: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson criticized the Trump administration, asserting that the arrest could deter individuals without legal status from attending court.
- Legal Proceedings: Judge Duggan was released after her court hearing and is scheduled for arraignment in mid-May.
- Governor’s Stance: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers condemned the arrest, labeling the Trump administration’s rhetoric as dangerous.
Notable Quotes:
“It will deter people without legal status from coming to court.” – Cavalier Johnson at [02:36]
“The Trump administration is using dangerous rhetoric.” – Governor Tony Evers at [03:02]
Criminal Justice: Murder Charges Against Luigi Mangione
A high-profile legal case is reported involving Luigi Mangione, who faces federal murder charges for the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City last December. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges and is also contending with a state-level murder charge. Federal authorities are pursuing the death penalty in this case.
Key Details:
- Defendant Profile: Luigi Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a wealthy Maryland family.
- Incident: Charged with shooting Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel.
- Legal Proceedings: Mangione maintains his innocence and awaits further legal actions regarding both federal and state charges.
Business & Environment: Appalachian Caverns for Sale
Shifting to local news, the Appalachian Caverns in Blountville, Tennessee—a beloved regional attraction since 1991—is up for sale. Owner Roger Hartley, approaching retirement, seeks a buyer who values the preservation of the caverns, which are home to endangered species.
Key Details:
- Property Details: The sale includes two apartments and a three-mile cave system spanning over nine acres.
- Visitor Statistics: The caverns attract over 10,000 visitors annually.
- Environmental Concerns: Home to approximately 15,000 endangered gray bats and the endangered Indiana bat species.
- Owner’s Statement: Roger Hartley expresses readiness to sell as he nears retirement, emphasizing the importance of preservation.
Notable Quote:
“I’m three and a half years away from retirement. Got time to sell. And if it doesn’t sell right now, I’m still okay.” – Roger Hartley at [04:12]
Tributes: Former President Clinton Eulogizes Alexis Herman
In a heartfelt segment, former President Bill Clinton delivers an eulogy for Alexis Herman, who passed away on Thursday. Herman served as the Secretary of Labor under Clinton from 1997 to 2001, leaving a lasting impact on labor policies and workforce development.
Key Details:
- Herman’s Legacy: Recognized for her contributions to labor force initiatives and her role in the Clinton administration.
- Eulogy Highlights: Clinton reflects on Herman’s dedication, leadership, and the positive changes she championed during her tenure.
Closing Notes
The episode effectively encapsulates a range of pressing issues, from global religious leadership transitions and significant shifts in scientific funding to local judicial controversies and environmental preservation efforts. Notable quotes with timestamps provide depth and attribution, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for listeners and those unable to tune in.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been excluded to focus solely on the newsworthy material.