NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on March 4, 2025

Hosted by NPR, the "NPR News Now" podcast delivers the latest news in a concise five-minute format. The episode released on March 4, 2025, at 2 PM EST covers a range of topics from President Trump's upcoming congressional address to global trade tensions, educational policy changes, notable achievements in architecture, and updates on Mardi Gras celebrations.

President Trump’s Upcoming Address to Congress

Jeanine Herbst opens the episode by announcing that President Trump is set to deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress since beginning his second term. The central theme of the address is the "renewal of the American dream," where Trump is expected to outline his domestic and foreign policy agendas.

• Quote: "President Trump gives an address to a joint session of Congress tonight... The theme, the renewal of the American dream." — Jeanine Herbst [00:12]

Daniel Kurtzleben provides further analysis, highlighting the unusual dynamic within a narrowly Republican-controlled Congress that has shown remarkable acquiescence to Trump's significant shifts in policy and governance.

• Quote: "This Congress... has been remarkably acquiescent to Trump's norm, shattering moves." — Daniel Kurtzleben [00:32]
• Insight: Kurtzleben notes that Trump's consolidation of governmental powers into the executive branch, including traditionally Congressional powers like imposing tariffs, contrasts with typical checks and balances.

Ukraine’s Minerals Deal and Relations with the U.S.

Jeanine Herbst reports on Ukraine’s President Zelensky expressing readiness to sign a minerals deal with the United States and collaborate with President Trump. This statement comes amid tensions regarding their recent meeting at the White House.

• Quote: "Ukraine's President Zelensky says on social media he ready to sign a minerals deal with the US and work with President Trump." — Jeanine Herbst [00:55]

Maria Aspen adds that Zelensky emphasized the desire to avoid an "endless war," expressing regret over the recent White House meeting not proceeding as planned.

• Quote: "He says no one wants an endless war." — Maria Aspen [01:06]
• Quote: "And his meeting with Trump at the White House last Friday didn't go as it was supposed to. And he says that was regrettable." — Maria Aspen [01:07-01:10]

Escalating Global Trade Tensions Impacting Wall Street

Maria Aspen delves into the escalating global trade tensions, explaining that President Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% on Chinese imports has led to retaliatory measures from China and Canada.

• Quote: "Global trade tensions are escalating and Wall street is worried." — Maria Aspen [01:22]
• Details: China, Canada, and Mexico, being the largest U.S. trading partners, have responded with tariffs that are expected to raise consumer prices across a wide range of products. This economic uncertainty has led to a significant impact on the stock market.

Impact on the Market:

• Automakers: Shares of Ford, GM, and Tesla have declined.

• Retailers: Best Buy and Target have seen their stocks drop as they warn investors about potential price increases due to tariffs.

• Quote: "President Trump imposed a 25% tariff against Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China." — Maria Aspen [01:22]

Market Movements:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Down by 321 points.

• NASDAQ: Up by 81 points.

• S&P 500: Down by 21 points.

• Quote: "The dow is down 321 points. The NASDAQ is now in positive territory, up 81 points." — Jeanine Herbst [02:56]

• Further Quote: "The S&P 500 down 21." — Jeanine Herbst [03:06]

Controversial Changes in the Department of Education

Jeanine Herbst brings attention to Linda McMahon, the new Secretary of Education, who has signaled plans to dismantle the Department of Education. McMahon communicated her intentions through a note to staff, emphasizing a swift overhaul.

• Quote: "The new secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, sent a note to staff making it clear she will work quickly to dismantle the department." — Jeanine Herbst [02:06]

Cory Turner elaborates on McMahon’s message, which calls for restoring the "culture of liberty and excellence" in American education. He highlights a public opinion poll indicating that 63% of Americans oppose the elimination of the Department of Education, reflecting substantial resistance to McMahon's plans.

• Quote: "Our final mission at the department as an overhaul... a last chance to restore the culture of liberty and excellence that made American education great." — Cory Turner [02:15]
• Poll Statistic: "63% of Americans do not support getting rid of the U.S. department of Education." — Cory Turner [02:15]

Liu Jiakun Wins the Prestigious Pritzker Prize

Jeanine Herbst announces that Liu Jiakun, a Chinese architect, has been awarded the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honor.

• Quote: "An architect from China has won architecture's most prestigious award, the Pritzker Prize." — Jeanine Herbst [03:08]

Piersnetta Uluby provides a profile of Liu Jiakun, highlighting his pioneering role as one of China's first private firm architects. Her report details his diverse portfolio, including museums, university buildings, and unique projects like a maternity ward for pandas.

• Quote: "Liu Jiakun was born in 1956. He was one of the first architects to start a private firm in China." — Piersnetta Uluby [03:21]

• Notable Achievement: Post the 2008 earthquake, Liu's firm created "rebirth bricks" from rubble for reconstruction projects, symbolizing resilience and memory.

• Quote: "Each brick... contained a visible memory, what came before." — Piersnetta Uluby [03:56]

Mardi Gras Celebrations Under Threat from Severe Weather

Maria Aspen reports that Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans have commenced early due to forecasts of severe weather, including thunderstorms and gusty winds over 60 miles per hour. Officials are responding by rescheduling or shortening parades to ensure safety.

• Quote: "Mardi Gras and celebrations got underway early in New Orleans this as severe weather is forecast for the area." — Maria Aspen [04:04]

• Details: The National Weather Service anticipates heavy rain and damaging winds, prompting proactive adjustments to traditional festivities.

• Quote: "Gusty winds over 60 miles an hour and also the possibility of Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday is the final day of decadence before Lent." — Maria Aspen [04:26]

Jeanine Herbst ties the significance of Fat Tuesday to its place in the Christian calendar, marking the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter.

• Quote: "40 days when many Christians reflect on the events leading up to and including the death of Christ." — Jeanine Herbst [04:36]

Conclusion

This episode of "NPR News Now" provides a comprehensive overview of significant current events, from political developments and economic concerns to cultural achievements and societal celebrations. By highlighting key statements and providing contextual analysis, the podcast ensures that listeners are well-informed on the pressing issues of the day.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "President Trump gives an address to a joint session of Congress tonight... The theme, the renewal of the American dream." — Jeanine Herbst [00:12]
• "This Congress... has been remarkably acquiescent to Trump's norm, shattering moves." — Daniel Kurtzleben [00:32]
• "He says no one wants an endless war." — Maria Aspen [01:06]
• "President Trump imposed a 25% tariff against Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China." — Maria Aspen [01:22]
• "Our final mission at the department as an overhaul... a last chance to restore the culture of liberty and excellence that made American education great." — Cory Turner [02:15]
• "Liu Jiakun was born in 1956. He was one of the first architects to start a private firm in China." — Piersnetta Uluby [03:21]
• "Gusty winds over 60 miles an hour and also the possibility of Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday is the final day of decadence before Lent." — Maria Aspen [04:26]