NPR News Now: April 28, 2025, 5AM EDT

NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines in five minutes, providing listeners with concise and comprehensive updates on current events. This episode covers significant developments in U.S. politics, international relations, tragic incidents, religious leadership transitions, and economic indicators.

1. President Trump Marks 100 Days of His Second Term

Host: Dave Mattingly
Reporter: Asma Khalid

President Donald Trump commemorates the first 100 days of his second term in office, a period traditionally used to evaluate a president's early performance. Asma Khalid reports that Trump has pursued an aggressive agenda, aiming to implement substantial changes more swiftly than in his previous term.

"Trump has acted more swiftly and more aggressively than his first term to enact sweeping change," Asma Khalid explains [00:33].

Key actions taken by the administration include:

• Shrinking the Federal Government: Streamlining operations and reducing the size of federal agencies.
• Dismantling Agencies: Rolling back regulatory bodies and altering their fundamental structures.
• Cultural Institutions: Taking control or influencing major cultural institutions.
• Immigration Policies: Intensifying crackdowns on immigration and enforcing stricter border controls.
• Economic Shifts: Introducing tariff plans that have significantly altered the economic landscape.

Despite these efforts, Trump's popularity appears to be waning. Polls indicate that his approval rating at this milestone is the lowest among recent U.S. presidents, signaling potential challenges ahead.

2. North Korea Acknowledges Troop Deployment to Support Russia in Ukraine War

Host: Dave Mattingly
Reporter: Anthony Kuhn, Seoul

In a significant geopolitical development, North Korea has officially admitted to deploying troops to Russia to support its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Initially dismissed by South Korea as unfounded rumors, the move has been confirmed by Russian authorities.

"Leader Kim Jong Un ordered the deployment based on his country's mutual defense treaty with Russia and in line with the United Nations Charter," Anthony Kuhn reports [01:33].

Details of the deployment include:

• Troop Numbers: Over 10,000 North Korean troops were dispatched last year, with further admissions of their involvement.
• Public Statements: Kim Jong Un commended the troops for their bravery and military prowess, announcing plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang in their honor.
• South Korean Response: South Korea highlighted that North Korea has acknowledged committing criminal acts in this context.
• U.S. Position: The U.S. Department of State holds North Korea accountable alongside other third parties prolonging the war.

Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude toward North Korea and Kim Jong Un for their support, further solidifying the alliance.

3. Tragic Attack at Vancouver Filipino Heritage Festival

Host: Dave Mattingly

A devastating incident occurred in Vancouver during a Filipino heritage festival when a 30-year-old man drove his car into the crowd, resulting in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries. Authorities have filed murder charges against the suspect, who has a documented history of mental illness.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Simon stated, "Mental health appears to be the underlying issue with what happened" [02:20].

Key points include:

• Nature of the Attack: The perpetrator intentionally targeted the festival attendees, though authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
• Victim Status: Several individuals sustained critical injuries, necessitating urgent medical attention.
• Legal Proceedings: Charges reflect the severity of the incident, emphasizing the suspect's mental health struggles.
• Election Context: This tragic event unfolds on Election Day in Canada, where voters will decide whether to extend the interim prime minister Mark Carney's term or support the conservative opposition.

4. Cardinals Prepare for Conclave to Elect New Pope

Host: Dave Mattingly
Reporter: Jason DeRose, Rome

Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church is gearing up for the conclave to elect his successor. Cardinals are set to convene within 15 to 20 days, aiming to begin the conclave early next month.

"The upcoming start date is early next month," Jason DeRose notes [03:24].

Historical context provided includes:

• Pope Francis' Election: Notably swift, his election was completed in just over a day, one of the shortest conclaves in history.
• Longest Conclave: The 13th-century conclave lasted nearly three years, with several cardinals passing away during the process.
• Conclave Reforms: Pope Gregory X instituted modern conclave rules to expedite the election, including sequestering cardinal electors until a decision is reached.

The conclave is expected to honor Pope Francis' legacy while navigating the Church's future direction.

5. Other Notable News

Host: Dave Mattingly

• Pope Francis' Funeral: The funeral and burial ceremonies for Pope Francis were held on Saturday. He passed away a week prior at the age of 88 due to heart failure following a stroke.

• Florida Ferry Incident: In Clearwater, Florida, a boat collision with a ferry resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The boat operator fled the scene after the crash, which left the ferry with over 40 passengers stranded on a sandbar.

• Wall Street Earnings Reports: Investors are closely monitoring upcoming corporate earnings from major tech companies, including Apple, Amazon, Meta (Facebook's parent company), and Microsoft. Additionally, the latest U.S. employment numbers for April are anticipated to influence market dynamics.

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