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Today’s top stories
President Trump’s early performance assessed: A recent survey conducted by NPR/PBS News/Marist shows mixed reviews, with nearly half of the respondents rating his first 100 days in office as unsatisfactory. In contrast, 23% of those surveyed gave him a top grade of A. Read more.
President Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House on April 25 in Washington, D.C., for Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
- 🎧 NPR’s Domenico Montanaro commented that President Trump’s approval ratings, especially concerning the economy, have hit a low, with a 39% approval rate. Most respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of foreign policy and immigration. Montanaro noted that the polarized political climate might prevent significant shifts in public opinion. Listen to the full commentary.
President Trump’s actions in his second term: The administration has taken steps against over 100 entities, including political opponents and media organizations, as part of a promised “retribution.” Measures include directing Justice Department investigations into various targets. Explore the details.
- 🎧 According to NPR’s Tom Dreisbach, President Trump is signaling desired outcomes for ongoing investigations, utilizing more than 10 agencies to pursue these objectives. Actions include revoking Secret Service protection for President Biden’s children, FCC probes into unfavorable media outlets, and Department of Education investigations into universities. Further insights available.
Interview with Mohsen Mahdawi: The first media interview with detained Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi is now available. Held in Vermont, Mahdawi, a green card holder awaiting naturalization, is facing deportation for advocacy related to Palestinian rights amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. He remains hopeful for justice and emphasizes his adherence to legal processes. Full story.
- 🎧 Mahdawi told NPR’s Leila Fadel that despite his circumstances, he believes in the possibility of justice. He has resided in the U.S. for a decade and was close to graduating with a bachelor’s degree. The U.S. government has used a seldom-invoked immigration act to justify detaining students, claiming foreign policy concerns. Listen to the interview.
Today’s listen
Violinist Esther Abrami realized when she was 25 that none of the hundreds of pieces she had played were composed by women. The results of her journey to change that are on her new album, Women. Hauskonzerte
Violinist Esther Abrami’s latest album, Women, is dedicated to highlighting the works of female composers throughout history. Inspired by her realization that she had never performed music composed by women, Abrami embarked on a musical discovery that she describes as uncovering a “hidden treasure.” The album features the first recorded studio performance of Ina Boyle’s Violin Concerto, alongside a diverse array of compositions from different cultures and eras. Learn more about her journey.
Picture show
Durham, N.C. – April 26th, 2025: Attendees watch and dance as New Dangerfield performs during the Biscuit and Banjos festival. Cornell Watson for NPR
Durham, North Carolina, recently hosted Biscuits & Banjos, a festival celebrating the rich history of Black music. Curated by Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens, the event featured performances by celebrated artists and included activities like a walking tour of Black Wall Street, dance sessions, and engaging panel discussions. Photographer Cornell Watson captured vibrant moments from the festival. See the photos.
3 things to know before you go
A transfer truck arrives at a DHL facility in Ludwigsfelde near Berlin, Germany, in May 2022. The company said this week it would resume shipping packages over $800 to individual U.S. customers. Michael Sohn/AP
- DHL, a global shipping leader, has reversed its decision to halt package shipments exceeding $800 to the U.S., following adjustments to new U.S. customs regulations. Read about the policy change.
- The TAKE IT DOWN Act, endorsed by First Lady Melania Trump, is set to become law. The legislation aims to impose strict penalties for those involved in the dissemination of revenge porn. Discover more about this legislation.
- The 2025 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert took place at the Kennedy Center, celebrating the new inductees. The event highlighted jazz’s role in promoting freedom and transcendence. Explore the highlights.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
