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.