NPR News Now: March 7, 2025, 4 PM EST
Host: Lakshmi Singh
1. President Trump Addresses Alleged Feud Between Secretary Rubio and Elon Musk
In the latest Oval Office press briefing, President Donald Trump vehemently denied reports of a feud between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk, the CEO of Dogecoin’s parent company. Responding directly to inquiries based on a New York Times report, Trump stated at [00:23]:
“They're both great guys and by the way, they both get along fantastically well. Marco has done unbelievably as secretary of state and Elon is a very unique guy who's done a fantastic job.”
This statement comes amid claims from The Times that Musk had criticized Rubio for not implementing sweeping federal government cuts and failing to enforce personnel reductions. The president's remarks aim to quell any speculation of discord within his administration, emphasizing unity and mutual respect between his cabinet members.
2. South Carolina to Execute 67-Year-Old Inmate by Firing Squad
A significant development in South Carolina's judicial system was reported, highlighting the impending execution of 67-year-old Brad Sigmund by firing squad—a method not utilized in the state for 15 years and the first of its kind in South Carolina. Reporter Mayan Schechter detailed the situation at [01:15]:
“Brad Sigmund was convicted in 2002 of the beating deaths of his ex-girlfriend's parents. He chose to be shot to death over the other options for execution, lethal injection and electrocution. His attorney said he faced an impossible choice among barbaric methods.”
Sigmund's execution is set to proceed with strict adherence to prison protocol, including a final statement and secure positioning before the firing squad takes its aim. Governor Henry McMaster has declined to intervene, maintaining the governor's stance against clemency in this case. This marks Sigmund as the oldest inmate slated for execution in South Carolina's history.
3. Trump Administration Revives Policy of Detaining Entire Families in Immigration Centers
The Trump administration has reinstated a policy that places entire families in immigration detention centers, a practice previously halted during the Biden era. NPR’s Ximena Bustillo reported at [02:06]:
“According to the Department of Homeland Security, two detention centers in Texas will be reopening and retrofitted for families who enter or are in the US illegally. Families have already been sent to the detention center in Karn City.”
These centers are designated for individuals with final deportation orders. The Department of Homeland Security emphasizes adherence to the rule of law, but the move has sparked backlash from immigrant rights advocates. Critics argue that the conditions are detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of detained children, a concern echoed during the Trump administration's initial implementation of this policy.
4. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Accuses Unauthorized Leakers
In a recent video statement on Fox News, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused two unnamed individuals of leaking sensitive immigration enforcement operations. At [02:44], Noem asserted:
“The unauthorized disclosures put law enforcement lives in jeopardy.”
Fox News reported that these alleged leakers, whose identities remain undisclosed, are anticipated to face legal charges. The DHS spokesperson, Trisha McLaughlin, confirmed the impending actions, underscoring the administration's commitment to safeguarding operational integrity and personnel safety.
5. February Jobs Report Reveals Slower Economic Growth
The Department of Labor released its February employment data, indicating the economy added 151,000 jobs—short of the forecasted 160,000 to 170,000 gains. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.1%. Additionally, the department revised January's job growth downward to 125,000 from an initial estimate of 323,000. These adjustments suggest a more cautious outlook on economic recovery and labor market strength.
6. Intuitive Machines' Moon Lander Fails Again
Houston-based aerospace company Intuitive Machines experienced a second unsuccessful attempt to land its robotic lander on the moon. NPR's Jeff Brumfield covered the incident, noting at [03:52] that the lander collapsed upon touchdown, similar to last year's failed mission. CEO Steve Altemas addressed the setback during a press conference at [04:24]:
“We know how to control the vehicle with the center gravity and the footprint that we have.”
Despite the failures, Altemas remained optimistic about the lander's design and reiterated the company's commitment to lunar exploration. Intuitive Machines continues to be a key player in NASA's initiatives to establish sustainable lunar operations, including potential supply deliveries to astronauts.
7. U.S. Stocks Close Higher
In financial markets, U.S. stocks ended the day on a positive note. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 222 points, surpassing half a percent to close at 42,801. This uptick reflects investor confidence amidst the day's mixed economic reports and ongoing developments in federal policies.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of the day's pivotal events, from high-stakes political interactions and judicial actions to significant developments in immigration policy, economic indicators, and space exploration endeavors. The detailed reporting and direct quotes offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the current national landscape.