NPR News Now: April 30, 2025, 3 PM EDT

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

1. Supreme Court Deliberates on Religious Charter Schools

Overview:
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments in a pivotal case that could redefine the intersection of religion and public education. The case centers on whether religious charter schools can receive public funding without violating the Establishment Clause.

Key Players:

• James Campbell: Lawyer representing two Catholic dioceses in Oklahoma.
• Gentner Drummond: Oklahoma’s Republican Attorney General.

Discussion Highlights:
James Campbell argued against the state's attempt to prevent religious organizations from applying to create public programs. He stated, “[00:46]…you can’t create a public program and then just simply say that no religious organization can apply.”

In response, Gentner Drummond emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between religious freedom and state-sponsored religious activities. He clarified, “[00:50] Religious liberty is really the freedom to worship. It is not taxpayer-funded state-sponsored religious indoctrination.”

Implications:
A decision is anticipated by summer and could significantly impact the funding and operation of religious charter schools nationwide, potentially altering the landscape of public education.

2. Columbia University Student Released from Immigration Custody

Overview:
Mohsen Madawi, a legal resident and Columbia University student, has been released on bail after a federal court in Vermont ruled in his favor against immigration enforcement.

Key Quote:
James Campbell expressed his support for Madawi’s release, stating, “[01:18] He has made a very brave decision to let me out and this is what justice is. And for anybody who's doubting justice, this is a light of hope.”

Background:
Madawi was detained during his naturalization interview due to accusations from the Trump administration, which alleged that he advocated anti-Semitic violence and that his presence in the U.S. could have adverse foreign policy consequences. Madawi denies these allegations, asserting that he does not promote violence.

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Children Facing Severe Malnutrition

Overview:
Hospitals in Gaza are reporting unprecedented levels of hunger and malnutrition among children amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. The situation is dire, with critical shortages of medical supplies and food.

Report by:
Anas Baba from Gaza City.

Key Insights:
Anas Baba described the harrowing conditions inside Gaza's only hospital in the north: “Inside the patient's Friends Hospital, the cries of hungry children echo through the corridors. It's the only hospital in northern Gaza still treating severe malnutrition, and it's running out of supplies” ([02:08]).

Current Situation:

• Food Insecurity: Half of Gaza’s population relies on local charity kitchens, many of which have ceased operations or are on the verge of running out of food.
• Aid Blockade: Israel has blocked all aid into Gaza for two months, citing concerns that Hamas diverts it. However, the UN maintains that Israel controls the blockade and warns of imminent famine risks.

4. U.S. Economic Concerns Amidst Political Tensions

Overview:
President Trump is attempting to distance himself from recent economic data indicating a contraction in the U.S. economy during the first quarter of the year.

Key Points:

• The economy contracted by 3.10% from January to March.
• The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by over 200 points (approximately half a percent).
• Other major indices also saw declines: S&P 500 down 39 points, and Nasdaq down nearly 1% or 169 points.

Trump’s Stance:
Lakshmi Singh reported that Trump is attributing the economic downturn to the Biden administration rather than his own policies, aiming to shield his legacy amidst challenging economic indicators ([02:50]).

5. NFL Fines Atlanta Falcons for Draft Prank Call

Overview:
The NFL has imposed a $250,000 fine on the Atlanta Falcons and an additional $100,000 fine on their defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbricht, following a prank call incident during the NFL Draft.

Details:

• Incident: Jeff Ulbricht’s 21-year-old son, Jax, along with a friend, prank-called Saints quarterback Shador Sanders, falsely offering him a spot on the New Orleans Saints.
• League’s Statement: “[03:36] The NFL says the fine is for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information shared with the Falcons in advance of the draft.”
• Falcons’ Response: The team acknowledged the breach, stating, “Ulbricht wasn’t aware of his son’s actions,” and affirmed their cooperation with the NFL. They are also initiating community service projects in response to the incident.

Outcome:
Shador Sanders was subsequently selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the draft.

6. Severe Storms Impact Millions in Pennsylvania and Beyond

Overview:
A powerful storm system has left more than half a million households without power across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The storm has also resulted in at least three fatalities.

Weather Impact:

• Power Outages: Extensive downing of trees and power lines.
• Active Alerts: The National Weather Service has issued alerts for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and possible tornadoes from Southwest Texas through Northwestern Missouri.

Economic Impact:
Significant downturns in the stock market continue, with the Dow Jones down 189 points, the S&P 500 off 39 points, and the Nasdaq down nearly 1% or 169 points ([04:19]).

Summary:
The combination of severe weather and economic instability highlights ongoing challenges facing the region, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure and economic resilience.

Conclusion:
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, ranging from landmark Supreme Court cases and immigration rulings to humanitarian crises, economic shifts, sports controversies, and severe weather impacts. Each story underscores the multifaceted nature of current affairs, offering listeners in-depth insights and updates on matters of public interest.

For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of NPR News Now.