NPR News Now - NPR News: 04-21-2025 2PM EDT

Episode Date: April 21, 2025

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Climate change is drying up some water supplies and making others undrinkable. That's why Here and Now Anytime is covering the hunt for fresh water. From a pipeline in the Great Lakes to the science of desalination to extreme recycling that turns sewage into clean drinking water. That's Here and Now Anytime, a podcast from NPR and WBUR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The White House may be looking to replace Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. NPR's Quill Lawrence reports Hegseth is under fire for a second instance of sharing classified information.

NPR has learned that the White House has begun the process of looking for a new secretary of defense, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly. NPR has reached out to the White House for comment. In March, Hegseth shared details about airstrikes in Yemen in a signal chat that accidentally included a journalist. Now NPR has confirmed he also shared details in a group chat, including his wife and brother using his personal cell phone. Hegseth is trying to turn the tables.

This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputation. Not going to work with me. In recent weeks, four senior advisers to Hegseth have left abruptly and suggested that Pentagon infighting is hurting President Trump. Quill Lawrence, NPR News. Moments ago, the White House did respond, declaring NPR's reporting on this matter, quote, fake news.

Local parishioners gathered to pray and light candles at a church in Buenos Aires shortly after the death of Pope Francis was announced. Francis was the first Latin American Pope whose legacy resonated deeply in his homeland Argentina. In Vatican City, bells tolled at St. Peter's Basilica as crowds gathered to pay tribute to Pope Francis. Amakin Johansen of Norway spoke to NPR's Ruth Sherlock. I think that all the good that he did for people and his legacy will be about many things, not least compassion and humility and his courage to criticize the rulers and openness and kindness. Frances was known for his humility and his unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized. President Trump is renewing his attacks on the Fed for not cutting interest rates.

NPR's Scott Horsley has more. President Trump described the Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, as a quote, major loser and warned of an economic slowdown unless the central bank cuts interest rates. Trump complained last week that the Fed is falling behind, noting that the European central bank has cut rates seven times in the last year. Europe, unlike the United States, has not imposed steep tariffs on all imported products. Powell has warned that Trump's tariffs are likely to cause at least a temporary jump in U.S. inflation, which has made the Fed skittish about cutting rates.

The dust-up has investors worried, adding pressure to a sell-off in the stock market. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington. On Wall Street, the Dow was down more than 1,200 points. This is NPR News in Washington. Classes at Florida State University are resuming today This is NPR News in Washington. Classes at Florida State University are resuming today for the first time since last week's deadly shooting.

The stepson of a sheriff's deputy is accused of carrying out the attack on the Tallahassee campus. Two people were killed and six others were wounded. Students have the option of attending classes remotely. Authorities say a motive for the shooting is still under investigation. The shooter was wounded by police. Tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired under the Trump administration. NPR's Katie Ariddle reports, research shows that overcoming job loss is both a financial

and an emotional challenge. For people who have been fired, moving on means establishing a new identity. Like for this man, John, who worked for the CDC. He's using only his first name for fear of being doxed. John says taking his oath on his first day there was one of the proudest moments of his life. For 14 years, I didn't just see it as working. I saw it as upholding that oath. He says he's not sure who he is, if not a public servant. Those who study job loss say for people like John, it's important to find a new way to

use skills rather than becoming paralyzed with grief. Katie Riddle, NPR News. Stocks continue to take a tumble on Wall Street at this hour. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 1,279 points. The Nasdaq Composite down 594. This is NPR News in Washington.