NPR News Now: Episode Summary – April 28, 2025

Host: NPR
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

1. Insights from the Wild Card Podcast with Brett Goldstein

The episode opens with a snippet from Rachel Martin's interview with actor and writer Brett Goldstein on the "Wild Card" podcast. Goldstein discusses his approach to handling emotions in his shows:

• Rachel Martin [00:00]: "On this week's Wild Card podcast, Brett Goldstein says even though his shows Ted Lasso and Shrinking get emotional, he doesn't."
• Brett Goldstein [00:07]: "I haven't cried in years."

Goldstein elaborates on his emotional restraint, attributing it to his creative process:

• Brett Goldstein [00:14]: "I write all this stuff because then I don't have to live it."

His friend Joel Rose playfully challenges him:

• Joel Rose [00:16]: "Stuff because then I don't have to live it."
• Lakshmi Singh [00:16]: "Whoa."

Goldstein responds confidently:

• Brett Goldstein [00:18]: "She's like, I got him."

2. President Trump's Executive Order on Sanctuary Cities

Reporter: Joel Rose
Timestamp: [00:25 – 01:23]

President Donald Trump announced the signing of an executive order targeting sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This move is part of the administration's broader immigration crackdown.

• Joel Rose [00:43]: "The White House says the executive order directs the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to identify sanctuary jurisdictions where local law enforcement has declined to cooperate."

The order aims to pressure cities, counties, and states by withholding federal funding, potentially leading to more lawsuits. However, recent legal challenges have seen federal judges blocking these funding withholdings:

• Joel Rose: "A federal judge blocked the administration's latest efforts to withhold funds, saying it was unlawfully trying to force local officials to cooperate."

Sanctuary jurisdictions argue that collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) strains local resources and erodes trust within immigrant communities.

3. Impact on Elon Musk’s Business Empire

Reporter: Brett Goldstein
Timestamp: [01:49 – 02:23]

Brett Goldstein discusses how President Trump's policies are benefiting Elon Musk's businesses:

• Brett Goldstein [01:49]: "The White House has taken a number of big steps that will benefit Musk's business empire."

Key developments include:

• Federal Broadband Program: The Commerce Department has revamped the requirements, potentially injecting billions into Musk’s Starlink satellite service.

• SpaceX and Defense: Musk's SpaceX may contribute to building Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense shield.

• Tesla Promotions: The White House has been showcasing Tesla vehicles on the White House lawn, effectively turning it into a promotional space.

Furthermore, investigations into Musk’s companies have slowed due to federal workforce reductions, as Goldstein notes:

• Brett Goldstein: "Investigations into Musk's companies appeared to have slowed or have been completely sidelined by the layoff of federal workers."

4. Canadian Election Day Coverage

Reporter: Katie Toth
Timestamp: [02:23 – 03:22]

Election Day in Canada sees voters choosing whether the Liberal Party will retain power or if the Conservatives will take control. The election outcome is pivotal against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's contentious tariffs and his unconventional stance on Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.

• Katie Toth [02:43]: "Cost of living, inflation, health care and housing have consistently been top issues here."

Voters like Shannon Young express concerns over potential Conservative policies:

• Shannon Young [02:51]: "She fears conservatives might cut dental care and doesn't like the way their leader, Pierre Poliev, talks about the LGBT community."

Despite national issues, some voters remain unaffected by Trump's policies:

• Drake McNeil [03:05]: "Trump would not impact his vote at all. This is a Canadian election. He voted conservative."

Local reporter Katie Toth concludes from Halifax:

• Katie Toth [03:22]: "For NPR News, I'm Katie Toth in Halifax."

5. Global News Highlights

A. Vatican Conclave Preparation

The Vatican is gearing up for a conclave starting May 7 to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88.

• Lakshmi Singh [03:22]: "135 cardinals are eligible to elect the new leader of a church representing roughly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide."

B. Bishop T.D. Jakes Steps Down

Bishop T.D. Jakes announces his resignation as senior pastor of The Potter's House, a Dallas-based mega church he founded nearly three decades ago. His daughter and son-in-law are set to assume leadership roles.

C. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2025

Reporter: Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Timestamp: [03:22 – 04:59]

Seven artists are honored in this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reflecting the institution's broadened definition of rock icons:

• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [04:17]: "Some are true to the hall's namesake genre, like classic rockers Bad Company, the late English singer Joe Cocker, and grunge pioneers Soundgarden."

Inclusion of diverse genres continues:

• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento: "Southern rap duo Outkast and 80s pop star Cyndi Lauper are among the inductees, alongside garage rock duo The White Stripes and 1960s star Chubby Checker, who advocated for his induction for years."

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant political developments in the United States and Canada, insights into the business strategies benefiting Elon Musk, and notable cultural events such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Additionally, it touched upon global religious leadership changes with the upcoming Vatican conclave and Bishop T.D. Jakes's resignation.

Note: Advertisements, intros, and outros have been omitted to focus solely on content-rich sections.