NPR News Now: April 28, 2025, 9 PM EDT

Host: NPR
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Duration: 5 Minutes

Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, questions are mounting over Russia's refusal to initiate an immediate ceasefire. Instead, Russia plans to wait until May 8, coinciding with a military parade commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgency for peace, stating, “We value human lives, not parades” (00:35). Zelensky has been advocating for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States last month. He insists that peace negotiations can only commence once a durable ceasefire is in place, arguing that temporary halts in fighting would merely delay the inevitable resumption of hostilities.

U.S. Tariff Adjustments and Legal Challenges

President Donald Trump has announced a strategic reduction in tariffs imposed on automakers, a move aimed at providing relief without dismantling existing trade protections entirely. An administration official, speaking anonymously, revealed that formal details would be publicized ahead of Trump's upcoming rally in Michigan.

The modification is designed to prevent the stacking of tariffs, allowing importers of foreign auto parts to receive reimbursements over the next two years. This approach intends to support domestic manufacturers while giving foreign companies time to invest in local production facilities.

Concurrently, legal battles are intensifying as attorneys for Jenner & Block, a prominent law firm, seek to nullify Trump’s executive order targeting them. The order included punitive actions such as suspending security clearances and restricting access to government buildings for the firm’s employees.

Ryan Lucas of NPR reported, “Attorneys representing the law firm of Jenner and Block say Trump's executive order violates the First, Fifth and Sixth Amendments” (02:11). They argue that the order is retaliatory, aimed at punishing the firm for representing dissenting clients. In court, Jenner & Block's counsel described the order as “reeks of unconstitutionality,” advocating for its permanent blockage. Meanwhile, the Justice Department maintains that the executive order falls within the president’s legal authority.

European Power Outage and Super Bowl Celebrations

A significant blackout has disrupted daily life across Spain and Portugal, with millions affected as the power gradually returns. Officials have yet to determine the exact cause, though a strong oscillation in the European power grid is suspected. The outage has disrupted train services and forced critical facilities like airports and hospitals to rely on backup power.

In the United States, President Trump hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at the White House following their Super Bowl victory. However, notable absence marked the event as star quarterback Jalen Hurts cited scheduling conflicts for missing the celebration. This mirrors a similar event in 2018 when players also opted out of attending. Conversely, running back Ja'Marr Barkley attended, sharing on social media, “I respect the office” (03:59), even taking a ride aboard Air Force One.

Second Trial of Memphis Police Officers in Tyree Nichols Case

The legal saga surrounding the death of Tyree Nichols continues as three former Memphis police officers face a second trial on charges related to their involvement in his fatal beating.

Katie Reardon from WKNO reports that the trial’s opening statements commenced today for the second-degree murder case. The officers, who are Black themselves, had previously been convicted of federal crimes, including witness tampering and civil rights violations. Bodycam and surveillance footage show the officers restraining and assaulting Nichols during a traffic stop in January 2023, leading to his death three days later in the hospital.

Two of the officers have entered guilty pleas to federal charges and plan to plead guilty in state court as well. The state trial is projected to last two weeks, highlighting ongoing tensions and the pursuit of accountability within law enforcement.

Crude Oil Prices Impacted by U.S.-China Trade Tensions

Crude oil futures saw a decline today, influenced by persistent uncertainties surrounding the U.S.-China trade dispute. Prices fell by 97 cents per barrel, closing the session at $62.05 a barrel. This downturn reflects investor anxiety over the potential escalation of trade conflicts, which could disrupt global markets and supply chains. Concurrently, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a modest increase of 114 points, indicating a complex and fluctuating economic landscape.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on April 29, 2025. For a more comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.

Timestamp Reference

• 00:35: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement
• 02:11: Ryan Lucas on Trump’s executive order against Jenner & Block
• 03:59: Ja'Marr Barkley’s social media comment