NPR News: 04-28-2025 8PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: April 28, 2025, 8 PM EDT

Hosted by NPR, this episode of "NPR News Now" delivers the latest news in a concise five-minute format, updated hourly. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics covered in the April 28, 2025, 8 PM EDT episode.

---

1. Trump Administration Targets Sanctuary Cities

[00:18]

Host Jack Spear introduces the segment on President Donald Trump's recent executive order aimed at identifying sanctuary cities. Joel Rose reports from Washington, detailing the administration's efforts to crack down on jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration authorities.

Key Points:

• Executive Order: Directs the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to identify sanctuary jurisdictions—cities, counties, and states where local law enforcement does not fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

• Federal Response: The administration's strategy includes potential federal lawsuits and attempts to withhold funding from these jurisdictions. However, as Joel Rose notes, "a federal judge blocked the administration's latest efforts to withhold funds, saying it was unlawfully trying to force local officials to cooperate" ([00:34]).

• Sanctuary Cities' Defense: Leaders of sanctuary jurisdictions argue that collaborating with ICE would "drain their resources and undermine trust between police and immigrant communities" ([00:34]).

Conclusion: The executive order represents the Trump administration's continued push to enforce stricter immigration policies, facing significant legal challenges from affected jurisdictions.

---

2. Canadian Federal Election Influenced by Nationalism and Trump's Remarks

[01:14]

As Canadians head to the polls, Kara Wakeme reports from a polling station in Toronto on the factors shaping the federal election.

Key Points:

• Primary Issues: Affordability remains the top concern for voters. However, President Trump's rhetoric, including threats to make Canada the "51st state," has significantly influenced the campaign ([01:14]).

• Impact of Nationalism: The administration's tariffs and aggressive stance have sparked a surge in Canadian national pride, benefiting Prime Minister Mark Carney. Kara Wakeme highlights that "Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives were ahead by more than 20 points" just months prior, but the rise in nationalism has reversed this trend ([01:28]).

• Voter Engagement: The election has seen historic voter turnout, with record-breaking numbers during early voting. Long lines at polling places, such as downtown Toronto, indicate sustained high engagement ([01:28]).

Conclusion: The interplay between economic concerns and nationalist sentiments, fueled by external pressures from the U.S., has reshaped the Canadian electoral landscape, favoring the incumbent Prime Minister.

---

3. Kremlin Announces Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict

[02:06]

Jack Spear reports on the Kremlin's declaration of a 72-hour ceasefire in the ongoing war against Ukraine, scheduled from May 8 to May 10. Kyiv has called for a longer and immediate truce.

Key Points:

• Ceasefire Details: Moscow's announcement is seen as a strategic move amid increasing tensions and discussions of a potential peace deal brokered by President Trump ([02:06]).

• U.S. Involvement: Trump expresses growing frustration with both Kyiv and Moscow, indicating his desire to mediate a resolution to the conflict ([02:06]).

• Regional Stability: The ceasefire comes at a critical time, aiming to reduce immediate hostilities while broader negotiations continue.

Conclusion: The temporary ceasefire reflects the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, with international efforts, particularly by the U.S., striving to facilitate a sustainable peace agreement.

---

4. Major Power Outages Hit Spain and Portugal

[02:35]

Alexis Marshall reports from Seville on the severe power outages affecting Spain and Portugal.

Key Points:

• Extent of Outages: Many businesses and residents remain without electricity after prolonged hours, though some areas are beginning to see power restoration ([02:35]).

• Disruptions: Telecommunications networks, airports, and train stations have suffered interruptions, exacerbating the crisis ([02:35]).

• Public Response: Despite the challenges, residents are adapting by gathering in public plazas, engaging in normal activities like playing soccer and socializing ([02:35]).

Conclusion: The power outages in Spain and Portugal highlight vulnerabilities in regional infrastructure, as authorities work to restore services and mitigate the impact on daily life.

---

5. US Airstrikes in Yemen: Houthi Rebels Report Significant Casualties

[03:07]

Jane Araf reports from Oman on the latest developments in Yemen, where Houthi rebels accuse the U.S. of conducting a deadly airstrike.

Key Points:

• Attack Details: Houthi-controlled television reported that a U.S. airstrike killed 68 people and wounded dozens at a crowded detention center in Yemen's Saada governorate ([03:07]).

• Context of Conflict: This strike is one of the deadliest in six weeks of intensified U.S. airstrikes against Yemeni targets, part of a broader campaign against groups affiliated with Israel amid the Gaza war ([03:29]).

• Humanitarian Impact: The detention center was reportedly housing undocumented African migrants, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian implications of ongoing military actions ([03:29]).

• US Military Stance: While the U.S. has launched over 800 airstrikes in the region recently, it has not officially commented on this specific attack ([03:29]).

Conclusion: The latest U.S. airstrike in Yemen underscores the escalating conflict and its dire consequences for vulnerable populations, amidst international scrutiny and calls for accountability.

---

6. Levi Strauss Defends Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts

[04:16]

Jack Spear discusses corporate responses to the Trump administration's push to dismantle DEI initiatives within the federal government.

Key Points:

• Shareholder Vote: Shareholders of Levi Strauss voted against a proposal that sought to eliminate the company's DEI efforts, affirming their support for these initiatives ([04:16]).

• Industry Context: While companies like Walmart, Target, and Amazon have rolled back DEI programs, Levi Strauss stands with others like Costco in upholding these principles ([04:16]).

• Administration Influence: This corporate stance comes amid the Trump administration's efforts to reduce DEI activities, signaling a growing divide between federal policies and private sector commitments ([04:16].

Conclusion: Levi Strauss's decision to maintain its DEI initiatives reflects a broader trend of select companies prioritizing inclusive practices despite governmental pressures, advocating for sustained commitment to diversity and equity in the workplace.

---

7. Market Brief: Dow Up, Oil Prices Drop Amid Trade Concerns

[03:07]

Jack Spear provides a brief update on the stock market and commodity prices.

Key Points:

• Stock Performance: The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up by 114 points, reversing a midday slump and signaling resilience in the market ([03:07]).

• Commodity Prices: Oil prices fell by 97 cents, settling at $62.05 per barrel, influenced by ongoing concerns over the U.S. trade battle with China ([04:16]).

Conclusion: Market movements reflect investor responses to geopolitical tensions and economic policies, with the Dow showing strength while oil prices react to trade uncertainties.

---

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR "News Now" episode released on April 29, 2025. For the most current updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR's hourly broadcasts.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less, and all plans include high speed data, unlimited talk and text and nationwide coverage. See for [e-mail] Switch live from NPR.

[Jack Spear]

News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at identifying sanctuary cities. NPR's Joel Rose reports. It's the administration's latest effort to target jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration authorities.

[Joel Rose]

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 with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown that could set the stage for more federal lawsuits against those cities, counties and states. The Trump administration has also tried to withhold funding from those jurisdictions, but they have fought back in court last week, 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 collaborating with ICE would drain their resources and undermine trust between police and immigrant communities. Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

[Jack Spear]

Canadians head to the polls today in their federal election, where much of the campaign has been shaped by President Donald Trump, who continues to repeat his desire to make Canada the 51st state. NPR's Kara Wakeme reports from a polling spot in Toronto.

[Kara Wakeme]

Affordability remains the number one issue for Canadians in this federal election, but much of the race has been fought over the American president. New tariffs and threats to make Canada into the 51st state have ignited an explosion of Canadian national pride, and it's helped turn the race in favor of Prime Minister Mark Carney. Just a few months ago, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives were ahead by more than 20 points. The surge in nationalism has also translated to historic voter engagement. Canadians turned out in record breaking numbers during early voting over Easter weekend, and long lines at polling places like this one in downtown Toronto seem to indicate that engagement continues. Kyra Joachim, NPR News, Toronto.

[Jack Spear]

The Kremlin now says it's declaring a 72 hour ceasefire in its war against Ukraine next week. Moscow saying the ceasefire will run from May 8 through May 10. Kyiv has called for a longer and immediate truce in the fighting. The move comes as US President Donald Trump's been growing increasingly frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow as he looks to broker a peace deal. Spain and Portugal continue dealing with major power outages. Reporter Alexis Marshall in Seville describes where people are outside and making the best of it.

[Alexis Marshall]

Some people are beginning to see power return, but many businesses and residents remain without electricity after many hours. Telecommunications networks have also been disrupted, as have airports and train stations. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blackouts. But at a public plaza, residents are gathering much like any other night, with kids playing soccer and patrons drinking what's left of the cold beer. For NPR News, I'm Alexis Marshall in Seville.

[Jack Spear]

Stocks shook off a midday slump to close mix the Dow down or down? Up. Dow up 114 points today. This is NPR. Houthi rebels in Yemen say a U.S. attack killed 68 people and wounded dozens more in a crowded detention center. It was one of the deadliest strikes so far in six weeks of intensified U.S. airstrikes. NPR's Jane Araf reports from Oman.

[Jane Araf]

A Houthi controlled television network says the airstrike hit a detention center full of undocumented African migrants in Yemen's Saada governorate. Iran backed Houthis who control northern Yemen have been attacking ships in the Red Sea. The they say are affiliated with Israel since the war in Gaza began. The US has not commented on the latest attack, but the US military said recently it has launched more than 800 airstrikes against Yemeni targets since it escalated its bombing campaign six weeks ago. The television images showed bodies being carried out of the wreckage of a building known to hold migrants. Tens of thousands of Africans cross through Yemen every year to trying to get to Saudi Arabia. Jane Araf, NPR News, Aman.

[Jack Spear]

Shareholders of jeans maker Levi Strauss have voted against a proposal that would have done away with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the company. That's according to a filing today. It comes at a time the Trump administration has been pushing to dismantle DEI in the federal government. At least some companies, including Walmart, Target and Amazon, have rolled back their initiatives. Levi Strauss and upholding DEI principles joined some other companies like Costco that are refusing to change their policy. Criminal future prices moved lower today, but ongoing worries about the U.S. trade battle with China oil fell 97 cents a barrel to settle at $62.05 a barrel. In New York, I'm Jack Spear, NPR News, in Washington.

[Advertiser]

This message comes from Allianz Travel Insurance. Is this the year you check a few dream destinations off your bucket list? An all Trips annual travel insurance plan can protect you, your trips and your peace of mind all year round. Learn [e-mail].