NPR News Now: April 26, 2025, 7AM EDT

Host: NPR
Release Date: April 26, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Farewell to Pope Francis in Vatican City

Reported by Giles Snyder and Deepa Shivaram

The Vatican was the center of global attention today as tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to bid farewell to Pope Francis. The funeral service, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, witnessed an estimated 200,000 attendees, including dozens of foreign leaders.

Cardinal Re opened the service with a poignant message:

"And the peace of the Lord be with you always."
[00:33]

Among the notable attendees was former President Donald Trump, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shortly before the service commenced.

2. Trump and Zelenskyy Hold Productive Talks Amid Peace Negotiations

Reported by Laura Fitzgerald

In a significant development, the White House announced that more details would be released regarding the meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This encounter marks their first since February's contentious meeting in the Oval Office, which concluded with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance publicly criticizing Zelenskyy.

The White House described the discussion as a "very productive discussion." This meeting comes at a critical juncture as negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war appear to be nearing a resolution. Trump expressed optimism on his social media platform, Truth Social, advocating for high-level meetings to finalize a peace deal:

"Both sides should meet and finish off a deal."
[01:03]

3. 19 States File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over DEI Programs

Reported by Laura Fitzgerald and Pam Bondi

A coalition of 19 states has initiated a lawsuit targeting the Trump administration for its directive to withhold federal funds from K-12 schools that continue Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This legal action responds to the Department of Education's order from early April, which requires schools to comply with civil rights laws by discontinuing DEI initiatives to remain eligible for federal funding.

Pam Bondi, speaking on behalf of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, emphasized the potential impact of this directive:

"With this order, the Department of Education is unapologetically abandoning its mission to ensure equal access to education. With this order, the president has yet again broken the law."
[02:01]

Three federal judges have already issued temporary blocks against the directive, highlighting the contentious nature of this policy change.

The Department of Education maintains that:

"Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,"
and characterizes DEI programs as discriminatory.
[02:13]

4. Arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Sparks Criticism

Reported by Pam Bondi

Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the recent arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin judge accused of aiding a fugitive in evading federal immigration authorities. Speaking on Fox News, Bondi condemned the actions:

"She put the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk. She put the lives of citizens at risk. A street chase which is absurd that that had to happen. But yes, she put a lot of people in danger."
[02:34]

Judge Dugan has since been released but faces charges including concealing an individual to prevent their discovery and arrest. Wisconsin's Democratic governor has accused the Trump administration of attempting to undermine the judiciary through this action.

5. Massive Explosion in Bandar Abbas Amid Nuclear Negotiations

Reported by Giles Snyder and Deepa Shivaram

A significant explosion rocked the port city of Bandar Abbas in Iran, resulting in at least 281 injuries. The incident occurred as Iran embarks on its third round of nuclear talks with the United States and Oman. State media reports indicate substantial damage and highlight the challenges facing the negotiations.

The timing of the explosion adds tension to the ongoing discussions, especially with former President Trump present for recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

6. Virginia Giuffre, Epstein Accuser, Passes Away

Reported by Deepa Shivaram

Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, was found deceased at her farm in Western Australia. Her family has confirmed that she took her own life. Giuffre was a key figure in the legal battles stemming from Epstein's criminal activities and had settled a lawsuit against Britain's Prince Andrew in 2022.

Her passing marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding Epstein's network and the broader implications for those involved.

7. Stock Markets Rebound Following Fed Leadership Reassurances

Reported by Scott Horsley

Financial markets showed signs of recovery this week, buoyed by statements from the White House reassuring investors about the stability of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's position. President Trump declared:

"I do not intend to fire the Fed chairman."
[03:42]

This assurance came after earlier comments where Trump suggested that Powell's termination was imminent, causing market volatility. Additionally, hints at a possible easing of trade tensions with China provided further optimism.

Investor confidence was reflected in the market's performance:

• Dow Jones: Rose 2.5% during the week
• S&P 500: Increased by 4.6%
• Nasdaq: Surged nearly 7%

Despite these gains, all major indices remain below their April 2 levels when the president implemented stringent tariffs on imports.

Notable Quotes

• Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re:
  "And the peace of the Lord be with you always."
  [00:33]

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta:
  "With this order, the Department of Education is unapologetically abandoning its mission to ensure equal access to education. With this order, the president has yet again broken the law."
  [02:01]

• Attorney General Pam Bondi:
  "She put the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk. She put the lives of citizens at risk. A street chase which is absurd that that had to happen. But yes, she put a lot of people in danger."
  [02:34]

• President Trump:
  "Both sides should meet and finish off a deal."
  [01:03]
  "I do not intend to fire the Fed chairman."
  [03:42]

This comprehensive overview captures the key developments presented in today's NPR News Now episode, providing listeners with detailed insights into significant national and international events.