NPR News Now: April 27, 2025, 9 AM EDT

Violent Incident at Vancouver's Filipino Community Event

Timestamp: [00:16]

In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic incident unfolded at a Filipino community event in Vancouver, Canada. Acting Police Chief Steve Rye reported that a man driving an SUV deliberately plowed into the crowd, resulting in significant casualties.

"The crowd immediately called police. We then took custody of the subject and he is now being held," Rye stated at [00:28], assuring the public that the suspect, who is known to authorities under certain circumstances, is in custody and that the incident is "not linked to terrorism."

The attack occurred during the celebration of Lapu Lapu Day, honoring the 16th-century Filipino warrior who resisted Spanish explorers. As authorities worked through the night and into the morning to manage the aftermath, at least nine people were confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries. This occurred against the backdrop of an upcoming Canadian election, which is heavily influenced by President Trump's contentious policies on tariffs and his rhetoric concerning the potential addition of a 51st state.

Devastating Explosion in Southern Iran Amid Nuclear Negotiations

Timestamp: [01:32]

A massive explosion rocked a port in southern Iran, leading to a catastrophic fire and resulting in at least 25 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The incident transpired as the United States and Iran concluded their third round of talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. NPR's Carrie reported:

"The blast was an accident, but officials have not specified the exact cause," according to Iran's authorities at [01:32]. Early images showed reddish smoke clouds, hinting at a possible chemical explosion, especially since the port had recently received chemicals used in missile fuel.

As the U.S. and Iranian mediators wrapped up their discussions in Oman, a senior U.S. official described the talks as "positive and productive," emphasizing the ongoing efforts and the agreement to reconvene soon. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Europe, where Israel advocates for military action to thwart Iran's nuclear advancements. President Trump has reiterated his preference for continued diplomatic engagement over military interventions.

U.S. Consumer Brands Warn of Economic Downturn

Timestamp: [02:14]

Major American consumer brands have signaled concerns about the economic outlook, adjusting their financial forecasts downward amid President Trump's implementation of new tariffs on global and Chinese imports. NPR's Alina Selyuk provides an in-depth analysis:

"Uncertainty creates a pensive and anxious consumer, and when you have uncertainty, consumers tend to hunker down," explained the CEO of Colgate-Palmolive at [02:30].

Companies like Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, and Kimberly-Clark have reported potential declines in sales and profits. Kimberly-Clark anticipates an additional $300 million in costs due to tariffs impacting products like Kleenex and Huggies. Procter & Gamble may need to raise prices for items such as Tide and Pampers. Restaurants, including Chipotle, are experiencing a decrease in customer visits as consumers become more cautious with their spending. These adjustments reflect the broader economic strain caused by the recent trade policies.

Global Reactions to the Passing of Pope Francis and London Marathon Highlights

Timestamp: [03:10]

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, with thousands visiting his tomb at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica just a day after his funeral. Crowds have also gathered at St. Peter's Square for a special Mass, marking the second day of the nine-day official mourning period. The Catholic Church is in the process of selecting a new pope, with cardinals expected to commence meetings soon.

In sports news, Ethiopia's Tigastasefa clinched her first London Marathon title, finishing the women's race in a record time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 50 seconds. On the men's side, Sebastian Sawe of Kenya won with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 27 seconds. The marathon, which saw over 56,000 participants, aimed to surpass last year's New York record of 55,646 finishers. Elite runners are competing for substantial bonuses, including $130,000 for any world record achievements. The event also highlighted inspirational stories, such as a runner dressed as Robin Hood and fathers racing in memory of their daughters lost in a tragic attack.

"With unseasonably high temperatures forecast, we urge amateur runners not to attempt personal bests this year," advised marathon organizers through Vicki Barker's report from London at [04:06], emphasizing the safety of participants amid challenging weather conditions.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode covered a range of significant events, from a horrific attack in Vancouver and a deadly explosion in Iran to economic challenges faced by major U.S. consumer brands. Additionally, the global community mourns the loss of Pope Francis, and the London Marathon showcased both athletic excellence and heartfelt human stories. These updates provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs, reflecting both local tragedies and international developments.

This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on April 27, 2025.