YOUR MORNING

April 23, 2025

Good morning, NewsNation. For more fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 – Download the NewsNation app here >

Thousands pay respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis: The Vatican opened St. Peter’s Basilica to the general public Wednesday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, with thousands filling the central aisle and Swiss Guards standing at attention. Francis died Monday at 88. His body will lie in state at the basilica until Saturday’s funeral and burial. You can watch the funeral on NewsNation’s site and app. Not sure how to watch NewsNation? Find your channel here >

Who will be attending Pope Francis’ funeral? >

Which cardinals are seen as contenders to be the next pope? >

The possibility of an American pope >

Would $5K 'baby bonus' be enough to boost US birth rate?

‘Baby bonus’: President Donald Trump backed what a published report said was a $5,000 “baby bonus” for women who give birth to help reverse a decline in U.S. birth rates. Asked Tuesday about the possibility of providing a financial reward to women, Trump responded, “Sounds like a good idea to me.” According to reports, the White House has explored various ideas to encourage Americans to marry and have more children. What to know >

London talks on ending Russia-Ukraine war pared down

War in Ukraine: A meeting planned between top U.S., Ukrainian, British and French diplomats on Wednesday to discuss a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was called off at the last minute. U.K. officials said the talks would involve only lower-ranking officials after the State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was unable to attend due to a scheduling issue. The scrapped meeting raised doubts about negotiations to end the more than three-year war. Read more >

Karen Read’s retrial revives debate over who killed Boston police officer

Karen Read trial: Opening statements kicked off Tuesday in the retrial of Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of striking her Boston police officer boyfriend with her car and leaving him to die in a snowstorm in 2022. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene. The road to Read’s retrial has been lengthy, with months of pretrial hearings and 10 days of jury selection paving the way for Tuesday’s court developments. Karen Read case timeline >

Trump eyes trade deal with China

Tariffs: The Trump administration is giving signs that relief from the trade war with China may be on the horizon. President Donald Trump said 145% tariffs on China could come down “substantially.” During a speech Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted a de-escalation between the U.S. and China over tariffs and that the next steps are up to China. Read more: Can you 'tariff-proof' your shopping list? >

Which food dyes are expected to be eliminated in the US?

Food dyes: Health officials on Tuesday announced plans to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors from the nation’s food supply by the end of next year. The move could possibly change many products found on grocery store shelves. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to establish a standard and timeline for the food industry to shift to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in production and remove remaining dyes on the market. The dyes set to be phased out >

Kids' mattresses release toxic chemicals: Study >

Tech gives man with locked-in syndrome hope for voice >

Silent strokes: Can you have a stroke without realizing? >

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

We're keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at IIF Global Outlook Forum.
A court hearing is scheduled for Linda Sun, the former aide to New York Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul.
Former Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson, accused of fatally shooting a woman in her own home, is expected to appear in court.

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

A vacant home owned by Habitat for Humanity in Colorado is attracting squatters and making neighbors angry. Details >

A Texas woman has been arrested for allegedly providing Jell-O shots with vodka to fifth graders at an elementary school holiday party. The investigation >

A Kansas City family said they are traumatized after a funeral home left their loved one's bodies unrecognizable. Full report >

A California resident, born in the U.S., received an email from the Department of Homeland Security warning him to leave the country immediately. What to know >

A Florida man was arrested for attacking an 11-year-old child, believing she had been throwing eggs at his apartment for the past week, authorities said. The investigation >

The iconic “I Believe in Nashville” mural in Tennessee has been vandalized. Video >

Survivors and loved ones of those killed in a 2022 shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago will address the gunman Wednesday at a hearing. Read more >

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued the Trump administration after it threatened the state’s federal funding over its refusal to ban transgender athletes from girls and women’s sports. What to know >

A state lawmaker in New York is pushing for the state to guarantee minimum wage to tipped workers by 2029. Details >

Police are investigating after a violent video went viral, showing a man severely abusing a dog in Long Beach. The investigation >

A Florida woman faces criminal charges after police say she pretended to be a federal immigration officer to kidnap her ex-boyfriend’s wife. Read more >

Officers become inseparable through kidney donation

An Arkansas police sergeant learned he had end-stage kidney failure, but fortunately, his police captain father stepped in to donate his spare kidney. How their bond grew from father and son, to brothers in blue, to sharing an organ >

Find a good news story each day in NewsNation’s Your Morning newsletter! Subscribe >