NPR News Now: April 15, 2025

Presented by NPR

1. El Salvador's Stance on Deporting Maryland Citizen

Host: Shea Stevens
Timestamp: [00:19]

El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele has declared his intent not to return Kilmore Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. During a recent visit to the White House, Bukele asserted, “The US has no say in the matter” (00:19). This statement comes despite a court order mandating the Trump administration to repatriate Garcia.

2. US vs. El Salvador on Deportation Legality

Reporter: Danielle Kurtzleben
Timestamp: [00:51]

The Trump administration maintains that Abrego Garcia's deportation was lawful, citing his alleged affiliation with the MS-13 gang—a group designated as a terrorist organization by the administration. However, in 2019, a judge found insufficient evidence to justify his deportation. The Supreme Court recently ruled that Garcia is entitled to due process, compelling the administration to facilitate his return to the United States (00:51). Despite this, Bukele has been cooperative with the US in housing deportees, even those not from El Salvador. Last month, over 200 individuals deemed dangerous gang members were deported under this collaboration.

3. Army Orders Removal of DEI and Critical Race Theory Books

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Tom Bowman
Timestamp: [01:29]

The military's civilian leadership has directed army libraries, including West Point and the Army War College, to eliminate all books that advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), gender studies, and critical race theory. Acting Secretary of the Army Derek Anderson stated in a memo, “Books promoting diversity, gender and race subverts meritocracy and unity” (01:46). Libraries are required to submit a list of such books by April 16th. This directive follows the U.S. Naval Academy's removal of nearly 400 titles from Nimitz Library, including Maya Angelou's seminal work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

4. IRS Tax Deadline Pressures Amid Workforce Layoffs

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Eva Pukach
Timestamp: [02:20]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) anticipates that over 140 million Americans will file their taxes by the upcoming Tuesday. This surge in filings coincides with significant layoffs within the IRS workforce, raising concerns about processing delays (02:31). Taxpayers who cannot meet the April 15 deadline can purchase an extension, moving the federal deadline to October 15. Additionally, individuals in nine states impacted by Hurricane Helene, including Florida and North Carolina, have an extended deadline of May 1. Other regions, such as Los Angeles County and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia affected by wildfires and severe storms, also enjoy extended deadlines into the fall. Failing to file or request an extension may result in penalties of 5% of the owed amount per month, up to 25% total.

5. Attack on Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion

Host: Shea Stevens
Timestamp: [03:14]

In a shocking incident on Sunday, Cody Ballmer, a 38-year-old suspect, was apprehended without bail in connection with a burglary and arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion. Ballmer faces charges including attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson. Authorities allege that his plan was to target Governor Josh Shapiro, who was present at the residence with family members during the break-in and ensuing fire.

6. Sudan Civil War: RSF Attacks Aid Camps

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter: Emmanuel Akinwotu
Timestamp: [03:49]

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have intensified their assault on aid organizations, resulting in the deaths of over 320 individuals across two aid camps since Thursday. These attacks have targeted the city of Al Fashir in Darfur, the last major city in the region not under RSF control. The city and its camps have been under bombardment for several months. Notably, nine medical staff from Relief International were killed by the RSF. Relief International manages the only remaining medical facility in Zamzam camp, which shelters over half a million refugees. Despite these attacks, the RSF has taken control of Zamzam camp and denies involvement in civilian casualties.

7. Blue Origin's All-Female Spaceflight

Host: Shea Stevens
Timestamp: [04:32]

In a groundbreaking achievement, Blue Origin launched an all-female crew into space on Monday. The mission included singer Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and helicopter pilot Lawrence Sanchez, among six passengers, embarking on an 11-minute journey beyond Earth's atmosphere. Since its inception in 2021, Blue Origin's New Shepard launch vehicle has facilitated numerous private citizen spaceflights, marking significant progress in making space accessible to diverse groups.

This summary provides an overview of the key news stories covered in NPR News Now's episode released on April 15, 2025.