NPR News Now: April 29, 2025, 12 PM EDT

NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive overview of today's most pressing issues, ranging from U.S. politics and international affairs to health and economic updates. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode released on April 29, 2025.

1. President Trump's 100th Day and Approval Ratings Slide

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporters: Lakshmi Singh, Danielle Kurtzleben

President Donald Trump marks his 100th day in office with his first rally at Macomb Community College near Detroit. Traditionally, Trump uses such events to showcase policy achievements. However, current sentiments indicate growing skepticism among Americans.

• Approval Ratings: A new poll from NPR/PBS News Marist places Trump's approval at 42%, showing a steady decline since he assumed office. This decline occurs despite Trump securing victories in Michigan and other battleground states.

• Economic Policies: Trump aims to bolster American manufacturers, particularly Detroit's auto industry, through tariffs. Notably, a 145% tariff on Chinese goods has unsettled global markets and intensified recession fears.

Danielle Kurtzleben highlights, “While Trump tends to use these speeches to claim policy victories, this one comes as Americans are increasingly doubting him” [00:45].

2. Amazon Responds to Tariff Price Display Reports

Host: Lakshmi Singh

In response to a White House protest over media reports, Amazon clarifies that it has no plans to display import charges on select products. Tim Doy, Amazon spokesman, stated:

“A team that runs the Amazon hall store considered the idea of listing the import charges on some products, but that was never approved” [01:25].

This clarification comes amidst scrutiny of Amazon's pricing strategies under tariffs. Additionally, it's noted that Jeff Bezos supported Trump's inauguration, reflecting the intertwined relationships between major corporations and the administration.

3. Canadian Political Landscape Shifts

Reporters: Katie Toth, Pierre Poliev

The Canadian political arena experienced significant developments as voters chose to retain Liberal Party leader Mark Carney. Carney and his party have committed to opposing President Trump’s policies.

• Carney's Statement: “As prime minister, Carney thanked voters, he warned them to prepare for the worst” [02:11].

• Conservative Gains: Under Pierre Poliev, the Conservatives made substantial strides but fell short of governing majority: “While we will do our constitutional duty of holding government to account and proposing better alternatives, we will always put Canada first” [02:33].

• New Democrats' Decline: The New Democrats faced major losses, leading leader Jagmeet Singh to resign, visibly emotional during his farewell: “...causing leader Jagmeet Singh to push back tears as he resigned” [02:42].

4. Vatican Conclave Preparations Amid Leadership Transition

Host: Lakshmi Singh

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at age 88, the Vatican is set to convene a conclave starting May 7th to elect his successor. Two of the 135 cardinal electors have withdrawn due to health issues, reducing the number to 133 [02:54].

This conclave is pivotal for the Catholic Church as it navigates the transition and the future direction under new leadership.

5. Trump Administration's Deportation of Pro-Palestinian Students

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporter: Leila Fadel
Interviewee: Mohsen Maudawi

In the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport students advocating for Palestinian rights. One notable case is Mohsen Maudawi, a Columbia University student.

• Maudawi's Statement: “I am centered. Internally, I am at peace. While I still more deeply that this is a level of injustice that I am facing. I have faith. I have faith that justice will prevail” [03:39].

Leila Fadel reports from Vermont on these detentions, highlighting Maudawi's current confinement at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans.

6. High Demand for Early Alzheimer's Detection Among Older Americans

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporter: John Hamilton, Danielle Kurtzleben

A recent National Survey conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, involving 1,700 Americans aged 45 and older, reveals a strong desire for early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

• Survey Findings:
  • 79% wish to know their Alzheimer's status before symptoms emerge or affect daily life.
  • Over 90% are willing to undergo a blood test for amyloid plaques, a hallmark of the disease.
  • A majority would take medications to slow Alzheimer's progression despite potential side effects.

Elizabeth Edgerly, a clinical psychologist with the Alzheimer's Association, emphasized, “The results were unequivocal” [04:25]. Notably, since 2023, the FDA has approved two drugs targeting Alzheimer's, aligning with public willingness to engage in preventative measures [04:34].

7. Stock Market Update

Host: Lakshmi Singh

The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a significant uptick, rising 250 points (over half a percent), reflecting positive investor sentiment [04:56].

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a thorough analysis of current events, offering valuable insights and diverse perspectives to understand the complexities of today's world.