NPR News Now: April 26, 2025, 4 AM EDT Summary
NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on significant global and national events on April 26, 2025. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, structured into distinct sections for clarity.
1. Funeral of Pope Francis
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Ruth Sherlock
Timestamp: [00:16]
The episode opened with the solemn commencement of Pope Francis' funeral in Rome. Departing from longstanding traditions, Pope Francis chose to be interred at the St. Mary Major Basilica instead of the Vatican.
Ruth Sherlock provided historical context, explaining the basilica's 16-century legacy. She shared, “The Virgin Mary inspired the construction of this church, appearing in a dream to an aristocrat, Giovanni, and to Pope Liberius” ([00:33]). Sherlock highlighted annual traditions associated with the basilica, such as the miraculous snowfall in August and the descent of white petals during the liturgy, underscoring the site’s spiritual significance.
2. Restoration of International Students' Records
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Adrian Florido
Timestamp: [01:09]
The Trump administration took steps to rectify the removal of records belonging to hundreds, potentially thousands, of international students from the SEVIS database—a critical tool for tracking student visa holders.
Adrian Florido elaborated on the implications, stating, “If you're not in the database, it's harder to keep your legal status” ([01:25]). The deletions, often resulting from minor infractions like arrests without charges, had previously necessitated the departure of affected students. The Justice Department's decision to restore these records is temporary, pending a formal removal policy. Florido noted the sentiment among students, with one lawyer describing it as “a sigh of relief,” while emphasizing ongoing legal efforts to safeguard international students from deportation.
3. Tragic Aerobatic Pilot Crash
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Rob Howland (tragically deceased)
Timestamp: [02:04]
A devastating accident occurred during an air show in Virginia, resulting in the death of renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Howland. The crash happened as Howland executed a standard practice maneuver while preparing to land ahead of the weekend's annual show at Langley Eustace Base.
NTSB Investigator: Dan Boggs
Timestamp: [02:25]
Investigator Boggs outlined the investigation process: “We have moved the aircraft at this time. We'll be taking it to an off-site location. Over the next two to three days, we will be doing a detailed examination of the flight controls, the engine, any avionics that may be installed on the aircraft” ([02:25]). He also mentioned an examination of the pilot's qualifications, aiming to ascertain the precise cause of the crash. Despite the tragedy, air show officials confirmed plans to proceed with the events as scheduled this weekend.
4. Decline in American Economic Confidence
Host: Dan Ronan
Timestamp: [02:45]
Economic concerns were highlighted through a recent University of Michigan survey, revealing a 32% decline in Americans' confidence in the state of the economy since January—the onset of the Trump administration. This marks the steepest three-month drop in over three decades, paralleling the recession of 1990.
5. U.S.-Russia Peace Deal and Market Reactions
Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Scott Horsley
Timestamp: [04:00]
President Trump announced on social media that Russia and Ukraine are nearing a peace deal to end the protracted three-year conflict. He expressed optimism, saying, “Most of the major points are agreed to stop the bloodshed now” ([04:00]). This statement followed recent high-level meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin.
Concurrently, financial markets responded positively to assurances from the White House regarding Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's position. Scott Horsley reported, “Markets breathed a sigh of relief after the president said he does not intend to fire the Fed chairman” ([04:00]). Despite earlier tensions, with President Trump having previously threatened Powell’s job, the markets saw a notable rebound: the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 2.5%, the S&P 500 by 4.6%, and the Nasdaq by nearly 7% for the week. Additionally, traders anticipated a potential easing of U.S.-China trade conflicts, as indicated by comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Besant about the possible reduction of triple-digit tariffs on imports from China.
However, Horsley cautioned that despite these gains, all major indexes remained below their April 2 levels, when the president initially imposed widespread tariffs.
6. Sentencing of Former Congressman George Santos
Host: Dan Ronan
Timestamp: [04:40]
In a significant legal development, a federal district judge sentenced former Republican Congressman George Santos to 87 months in prison and fined him nearly $600,000. This sentencing underscores ongoing accountability measures for political figures facing legal challenges.
This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a broad spectrum of updates, from pivotal global events and policy changes affecting international students to notable legal proceedings and shifts in market dynamics. By encapsulating these diverse topics, the summary offers a comprehensive overview for those who missed the live broadcast.