NPR News Now - Detailed Summary
Episode: NPR News: 04-26-2025 7PM EDT
Release Date: April 26, 2025
Host/Author: NPR
US and Ukrainian Presidents Hold Historic Meeting Amid Ongoing Conflict
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst, Joanna Kakissis
Timestamps: [00:18] - [01:14]
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of Pope Francis' funeral. Jeanine Herbst introduces the segment from Washington, highlighting the meeting's potential impact on international relations ([00:18]).
Key Points:
- Historic Potential: Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, "this meeting could turn out to be historic" ([00:31]).
- Criticism of Putin: President Trump utilized the platform to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing on his social media network, Truth Social, "It makes me think he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along" ([00:31]).
- U.S. Pressure on Ukraine: The meeting follows a week of U.S. pressure urging Zelensky to concede certain territories. Zelensky remains resolute, declaring, "I will never recognize Russian occupied Ukrainian land as part of Russia" ([00:31]).
- Crimea Stance: Trump informed Time magazine, "Russia can keep the southern Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014" ([01:14]).
Joanna Kakissis provides in-depth coverage from Kyiv, discussing the implications of the leaders' discussions and the broader geopolitical context surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Pope Francis' Funeral Marks Transition to New Papacy
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst, Sarah Ventri
Timestamps: [01:14] - [02:06]
Following the funeral of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and prepares for the selection of his successor. Jeanine Herbst transitions to the Vatican's updates, with Sarah Ventri reporting from Rome ([01:14]).
Key Points:
- Novem Diales: The funeral mass initiated the Novem Diales, a nine-day tradition of mourning that includes daily masses led by cardinals ([01:24]).
- Papal Conclave Preparation: After the mourning period, the papal conclave will convene to elect the new pope. There are 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 eligible to vote out of a total of 252 cardinals ([01:24]).
- Papabili: Likely candidates for the papacy are referred to as "papabili," an Italian term meaning "pope-able" ([01:24]).
Sarah Ventri elaborates on the conclave process, the qualifications of the cardinal electors, and the significance of the upcoming papal election within the Catholic community.
National Science Foundation Cuts Over 700 Research Grants
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst, Nell Greenfield Boyce
Timestamps: [02:06] - [03:10]
In a major shift affecting scientific research across the United States, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has canceled more than 700 of its grants. Jeanine Herbst introduces the story from Washington, with Nell Greenfield Boyce providing detailed reporting ([02:06]).
Key Points:
- Scope of NSF: The NSF is a pivotal agency funding research, education, and infrastructure in science, math, and engineering at colleges and universities nationwide ([02:06]).
- Initial Cancellations: Approximately a week prior, the NSF began canceling grants focused on misinformation research and efforts to increase diversity in STEM fields ([02:06]).
- Leadership Changes: The abrupt resignation of the NSF director on Thursday has raised concerns about potential budget and staff reductions, prompting further grant cancellations ([02:06]).
- Agency Priorities: An NSF spokesperson stated that the canceled projects were "not aligned with agency priorities" ([02:24]).
Nell Greenfield Boyce discusses the potential long-term impacts of these cancellations on scientific research and education, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the NSF's future direction.
Appalachian Caverns in Tennessee Listed for $2.2 Million
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst, Chad Barrett
Timestamps: [03:10] - [04:17]
A unique Appalachian attraction, Appalachian Caverns in Blountville, Tennessee, is now up for sale for $2.2 million. Jeanine Herbst introduces the segment, and Chad Barrett provides on-the-ground reporting from Johnson City ([03:10]).
Key Points:
- Property Details: The sale includes two apartments, over nine acres of land, and a three-mile cave system, offering a distinctive opportunity for prospective buyers ([03:10]).
- Owner's Intent: Roger Hartley, the owner since 2004, stated, "I'm three, three and a half years away from retirement, got time to sell. And if it doesn't sell right now, I'm still okay" ([03:49]).
- Visitor Statistics: Appalachian Caverns attracts over 10,000 visitors annually, serving as a popular regional attraction ([03:38]).
- Environmental Considerations: The caverns are home to endangered species, including approximately 15,000 gray bats and Indiana bats ([03:55] - [04:09]).
- Preservation Hopes: Hartley emphasizes the importance of preserving the caverns, expressing hope that buyers will share his passion for conservation ([04:17]).
Chad Barrett interviews Roger Hartley, who discusses his reasons for selling and the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of the caverns alongside their commercial use.
Boston Commemorates 1965 Freedom Rally Amidst Trump's DEI Critiques
Reporter: Jeanine Herbst
Timestamps: [04:17] - [04:56]
Boston marked the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally, a pivotal event led by Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., while addressing contemporary issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jeanine Herbst provides coverage of the event ([04:17]).
Key Points:
- Historical Significance: The 1965 Freedom Rally protested housing discrimination and school segregation in Boston, with hundreds gathering at the same site today to honor the legacy ([04:17]).
- Memorial Site: The rally took place near a 20-foot-high memorial dedicated to racial equity, depicting King embracing his wife, Coretta Scott King ([04:17]).
- Continuing Struggles: Martin Luther King III remarked, "More work is needed to ensure everyone has access to quality health care," highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving equity ([04:17]).
- Trump's Stance: President Trump's attacks on DEI initiatives were a central theme during the commemoration, reflecting current political debates on these issues ([04:17]).
Jeanine Herbst discusses the parallels between the historical event and today's societal issues, emphasizing the continued relevance of King's message in contemporary discourse.