NPR News Now: April 28, 2025, 7 PM EDT – Detailed Summary

NPR’s "News Now" delivers the latest headlines in a concise five-minute format. This episode from April 28, 2025, covers significant political developments, environmental policies, economic indicators, and cultural news. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. President Donald Trump's Declining Approval Ratings and Republican Leadership's Confidence

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [00:18] - [00:38]

Despite a noticeable decline in President Donald Trump's public approval ratings, Republican leaders remain unwavering in their confidence. A recent ABC News Washington Post Ipsos poll reveals Trump's job approval rating has dipped to 39%. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism about the Republican Party maintaining its majority in the House during upcoming midterm races.

Quote:
"No, I'm not worried at all. I just had a great meeting with the president at the White House and he's in good spirits, and we are as well."
— Mike Johnson, House Speaker [00:45]

2. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker Criticizes Trump Administration and Raises Presidential Ambitions

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [00:57] - [01:54]

Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois delivered a powerful critique of President Trump's economic policies, particularly focusing on tariffs and the trade war with China, which he argues have negatively impacted the economy. Speaking in New Hampshire, a critical early state in the presidential primaries, Pritzker received standing ovations for his forthright opposition.

Quote:
"Pritzker blasted Trump over what he called authoritarian power grabs and allegedly sending U.S. citizens to, quote, foreign gulags."
— J.B. Pritzker [01:20]

Pritzker also lambasted certain Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing decorum over defending the party’s voters and values.

Unidentified Speaker Quote:
"Now that this culture of timidity is on full display, those same do nothing. Democrats want to blame our losses on our defense of black people, of trans kids, of immigrants, instead of their own lack of guts and gumption."
— Unknown Speaker [01:38]

These remarks have sparked interest from Democratic organizations nationwide, suggesting Pritzker may be considering a bid for the 2028 presidential race.

3. The Papal Conclave Begins to Elect the Next Pope

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [02:05] - [02:48]

NPR’s Jason DeRose reports from Rome on the commencement of the papal conclave, set to elect the next leader of the 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide. Initiating on May 7, the conclave involves 135 eligible cardinals, the majority appointed by Pope Francis, marking the most geographically diverse election in history with increased representation from the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Quote:
"There are currently 135 cardinals eligible to vote. The vast majority were appointed by Pope Francis. It's the most geographically diverse group in history."
— Jason DeRose, NPR Reporter [02:14]

Cardinals will be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, conducting multiple voting rounds each day until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

4. EPA Extends Sales of Higher Ethanol Gasoline Amid Environmental Concerns

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [02:48] - [03:33]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to extend the sales period for E15, a higher ethanol content gasoline, through the summer and into early fall. This move is aimed at reducing costs for consumers. However, environmentalists have raised alarms, warning that increased E15 sales during hotter months could adversely affect air and water quality.

5. Economic Indicators: Stock Market and Oil Prices

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [02:48] - [04:56]

Wall Street: The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an uptick of 114 points, signaling positive movement in the stock market.

Oil Prices: Crude oil futures experienced a decline, dropping 97 cents to close at $62.05 per barrel.

6. Lin Manuel Miranda’s Upcoming Baseball Movie Project

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [03:33] - [04:12]

NPR highlights Lin Manuel Miranda’s latest venture—a baseball movie centered on the Molina brothers from his father's hometown in Puerto Rico. The Molina trio is renowned as the only set of brothers in Major League Baseball to have all secured World Series rings.

Quote:
"I'll tell you something I'm working on, which is the Molina brothers, who are from my dad's hometown of De Galta, Puerto Rico."
— Lin Manuel Miranda [03:41]

Miranda, also engaged in a stage adaptation of Warrior and portraying Hermes in a TV adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, has not disclosed a timeline for the baseball film.

7. Trump Administration’s Efforts to Revive the Declining Coal Industry

Host: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:12] - [04:56]

In contrast to the ongoing decline of the U.S. coal industry, the Trump administration is implementing measures to rejuvenate it. An executive order has been signed to permit coal mining on federal lands, and emergency authority is being utilized to allow older coal-fired power plants, slated for retirement, to continue operations to meet increasing energy demands.

Details:

• Approximately 70 older coal-fired plants have received a two-year exemption from federal environmental requirements.
• The administration plans to ease mine safety regulations and close certain federal offices that oversee mine safety.

These actions aim to bolster coal production and address rising electricity demand but have sparked debates over environmental and safety implications.

Note: This summary intentionally excludes all advertisements, introductory remarks, and non-essential content from the original podcast transcript to focus solely on the core news segments.