NPR News: 04-26-2025 5AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: April 26, 2025, 5AM EDT – Detailed Summary

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on significant global events, ranging from a high-profile funeral to groundbreaking climate research, policy changes affecting journalism, international political dynamics, and the rising popularity of slow TV. Below is an in-depth summary of the episode's key segments.

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Pope Francis's Funeral Draws Global Attention

Giles Snyder opened the episode with a report from Washington about the monumental funeral of Pope Francis held at the Vatican. “The sun is shining at the Vatican today where huge crowds are saying goodbye to Pope Francis,” Snyder announced at [00:16]. St. Peter's Square was teeming with mourners, many of whom had camped overnight to secure their places. The funeral attracted over 160 foreign delegations, including numerous global leaders and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

NPR’s Lauren Frayer provided a vivid account from the Vatican, describing President Trump and First Lady Melania wearing traditional black mantilla head coverings as they were escorted to their seats. “World leaders are taking their seats to the right of the altar,” Frayer narrated at [00:42]. The event was further highlighted by the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived alone in a black suit without a tie, prompting widespread applause from the assembled crowd.

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New Study Links Fossil Fuel Companies to Trillions in Climate Damage

Transitioning to environmental news, Julia Simon reported on a pivotal study published in the Journal of Nature that addresses longstanding questions about attributing climate change damages to major fossil fuel emitters. At [01:05], Simon explained that the research concluded companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil are likely responsible for at least $1.98 trillion and $1.91 trillion in economic losses, respectively, due to intensifying extreme heat events between 1990 and 2020.

The study, conducted by Dartmouth scientists, employed thermodynamics and economic models to determine that each 1% increase in greenhouse gas emissions correlates with $502 billion in damage from heat alone. By analyzing emissions data from large fossil fuel producers, the researchers were able to estimate the financial impact attributable to these companies. However, a representative for Chevron dismissed the findings, labeling the research as “so-called attribution science is junk science” ([01:25]). ExxonMobil has yet to issue a response. This study is particularly relevant as states like Vermont pursue legal actions against major oil corporations, with researchers suggesting that such scientific evidence could be instrumental in litigation.

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Justice Department Rolls Back Protections for Journalists

In a significant policy shift, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the rescinding of a Biden-era Justice Department policy that safeguarded journalists and regulated leak investigations. Ryan Lucas detailed the changes, stating that Bondi's memo [02:28] mandates that the department will no longer tolerate the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information to the media.

Under the new guidelines, the DOJ can employ subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants to compel journalists to produce information and testify during investigations. These actions require approval from DOJ leadership and must adhere to stipulations such as providing advance notice to reporters and ensuring that requests are as narrowly tailored as possible. This policy reversal comes amidst ongoing tensions as news outlets continue to expose leaked information that has unsettled the current administration.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press criticized the move, emphasizing that "strong protections for journalists serve the public by safeguarding the free flow of information" ([02:28]). This development marks a contentious turning point in the relationship between the government and the press, potentially impacting investigative journalism and whistleblower reporting.

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Hakeem Jeffries Addresses US-Greenland Relations Amidst Trump's Ambitions

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries weighed in on the speculative discourse surrounding a potential U.S. invasion of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory. Speaking in Copenhagen during a congressional visit to Denmark, Jeffries stated at [03:10], “It is unlikely that Congress will support any invasion of Denmark, semi-autonomous territory of Greenland.”

He further elaborated on the importance of maintaining robust bilateral relations: “The relationship between our two countries is important, has been strong and must remain that way moving forward” ([03:24]). Jeffries's comments come in the wake of former President Trump's provocative statements advocating for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, including threats of using force. The U.S. delegation accompanying Jeffries included members from both political parties, underscoring a collective stance against such aggressive foreign policy moves.

Jeffries made these remarks after meetings with Denmark's Prime Minister and the country's Defense Minister, highlighting a united front in preserving international alliances and deterring unilateral territorial ambitions by any nation.

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Swedish Moose Migration Captivates Millions Through Slow TV

Shifting to lighter yet culturally significant news, Anna Archie reported on the burgeoning popularity of slow TV, exemplified by Sweden's live-streamed moose migration. Each spring, hundreds of moose traverse from their winter habitats to summer grounds near the Sweden-Norway border, seeking fresh grazing areas and suitable environments for raising calves ([04:09]).

Since 2019, the Swedish public broadcaster SVT has live-streamed this event, attracting over 9 million viewers worldwide last year, with numbers expected to climb higher this year. Archie noted that “the program is an indication of how popular the slow TV genre has become,” describing it as live, unedited coverage of routine events that emphasize a thematic journey or experience.

The moose migration broadcast has resonated with audiences globally, tapping into a desire for tranquil and authentic natural spectacles amidst increasingly fast-paced media consumption. This phenomenon underscores a growing appreciation for slow storytelling and immersive viewing experiences.

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NPR News Now continues to provide succinct and insightful updates on pressing global issues, ensuring listeners stay informed on matters ranging from international affairs and environmental challenges to media freedoms and cultural trends.

Transcript

[Nature Conservancy Representative]

This message comes from the Nature Conservancy. Working together to create a future with a livable climate, healthy communities and thriving nature. Explore ways to act during Earth Month and every [e-mail] NPR Live from NPR News.

[Giles Snyder]

In Washington, I'm Giles Snyder. The sun is shining at the Vatican today where huge crowds are saying goodbye to Pope Francis. St. Peter's Square is packed. Some spent the night to secure spot. And more than 160 foreign delegations are attending the funeral. Among them, dozens of foreign leaders, including President Trump. NPR's Lauren Frayer is at the Vatican.

[Lauren Frayer]

President Trump and first lady in Melania wearing a black mantilla head covering were escorted to their seats. World leaders are taking their seats to the right of the altar. Immediately after Trump and his wife, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was escorted in alone in a black suit without a tie. And at that moment, applause erupted through the crowd.

[Giles Snyder]

Just before arriving in Rome, Trump said on social media that Russia and Ukraine should meet for high level talks. For decades, researchers asked whether they could trace climate change damages back to the biggest fossil fuel emitters. NPR Julia Simon explains how a new study in the Journal of Nature came up with yes for an answer.

[Julia Simon]

The study finds Chevron, for example, likely caused at least 1.98 trillion in economic losses from intensifying extreme heat between 1990 and 2020. ExxonMobil it estimates 1.91 trillion. The Dartmouth scientists who wrote the study used thermodynamics and other science plus economics to estimate every 1% of greenhouse gases causes 502 billion in damage from heat alone. They then use data from big fossil fuel producing companies showing their greenhouse gas emissions to make estimates of damages. A lawyer for Chevron says this quote, quote, so called attribution science is junk science. ExxonMobil did not respond. As states like Vermont sue big oil companies, researchers say science like this could play a role in litigation. Julia Simon, NPR News.

[Giles Snyder]

Attorney General Pam Bondi has rescinded a Biden era Justice Department policy that provided protections for journalists and leak investigations. The move paves the way for the use of subpoenas and other investigative tools against reporters as part of such probes. Here's NPR's Ryan Lucas.

[Ryan Lucas]

Bondi announced the changes in a memo to Justice Department employee. The document obtained by npr says the department will not tolerate the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information to the media. The new policy allows for the use of subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to compel production of information and testimony by journalists. Such actions must be approved by DOJ leadership. Reporters must be given advance notice and the requests must be as narrow as possible. The policy change comes as news outlets continue to report stories with leaked information that has angered the administration. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says in a statement that strong protections for journalists serve the public by safeguarding the free flow of information. Ryan Lucas, NPR News, Washington.

[Giles Snyder]

And you're listening to NPR News. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says it is unlikely that Congress will support any invasion of Denmark, semi autonomous territory of Greenland.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

The relationship between our two countries is important, has been strong and must remain that way moving forward.

[Giles Snyder]

Jeffries, speaking in Copenhagen while on a visit to Denmark with other members of Congress. President Trump has said he wants the US to take over Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. The US Delegation visiting Denmark included members of both parties. Jeffrey's remarks came after a meeting with Denmark's prime minister and the country's defense minister. Moose are on the move in Sweden. They've begun their annual migration across the northern part of the country and millions are tuning in to watch as NPR's Anna Archie reports.

[Anna Archie]

Each spring, hundreds of moose journey from their winter hangout spot to their summer one, which is in the mountains near the Sweden Norway border. They're looking for new food sources as well as a nice place to raise their calves. Since 2019, Swedish public broadcaster SVT has live streamed the triple. More than 9 million people watched around the world last year and viewership is expected to be even higher this year. That's according to an executive producer of the Livestream. The program is an indication of how popular the slow TV genre has become. Slow TV includes live, unedited and hours or even months long coverage of some routine event, usually with a theme or journey in mind. Ayanna Archie, NPR News.

[Giles Snyder]

And I'm Giles Snyder. This is NPR News.

[Nature Conservancy Representative]

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