NPR News: 03-07-2025 4PM EST

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Carvana]

This message comes from Carvana. Finance your next car the convenient way with customizable, transparent terms, all online. Make your budget work for you and swap hassle for convenience with Carvana.

[Lakshmi Singh]

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. President Trump denies Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Doge architect Elon Musk are feuding.

[Donald Trump]

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.

[Lakshmi Singh]

During an Oval Office Q and a with the media, President Trump shot down a question stemming from a New York Times report of an explosive Cabinet room meeting where Rubio and other agency heads clash with a billionaire entrepreneur. The Times reports Musk complained Rubio had not fired anyone despite orders for sweeping cuts across federal government. In about two hours, South Carolina is expected to execute 67 year old Brad Sigmund by firing squad, a method that has never been used in the state and that has not been used in the US in 15 years. South Carolina Public Radio's Myan Schechter has more.

[Mayan Schechter]

Brad Sigman 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. According to prison protocol, he will give his final statement and be strapped into a chair. A hood will be placed over his head and an aim point on his heart. There are three members of the firing squad. All will hold rifles with live ammunition. At 67, Sigmund will be the oldest inmate put to death in South Carolina. And so far, Governor Henry McMaster has refused to grant clemency. For NPR News, I'm Mayan Schechter in Columbia, South Carolina.

[Lakshmi Singh]

The Trump administration revived its old practice of putting entire families in immigration detention. NPR's JimeneBustia reports. A policy was ended during the Biden administration.

[Ximena Bustillo]

According to the Department of Homeland Security, two detention centers in Texas will be reopening and retrofitted for families who enter or in the US Illegally. Families have already been sent to the detention center in Karn City. DHS says these individuals have final deportation orders from a judge and that the administration is, quote, not going to ignore the rule of law. But immigrant rights advocates are pushing back. During the first Trump term, doctors, psychologists and advocates said the administration misrepresented the condition at these detention facilities and that they were harmful to the physical and psychological health of children, specifically. Ximena Bustillo, NPR News.

[Lakshmi Singh]

In a video posted on Fox News, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accuses two people of leaking immigration enforcement operations. She says the unauthorized disclosures put law enforcement lives in jeopardy. Fox quotes DHS spokeswoman Trisha McLaughlin in reporting the two alleged offenders, who have not yet been publicly ID'd, are expected to face charges. This is NPR News. The big jobs report is out. The Labor Department saying that in February the economy gained 151,000 jobs, falling short of the 160,000 to 170,000 job gains widely projected. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.1% last month. The government's also revising previous estimates, down in January to 125,000, up in December to 323,000. A Houston based company says its mission to land on the surface of the moon ended early. NPR's Jeff Brumfield reports. The lander fell over.

[Steve Altemas]

The robotic lander built by the company, Intuitive Machines, sent one last picture before shutting down, an image of the gray lunar surface and planet Earth hang on the horizon. Also visible were the lander's feet, which were supposed to be planted firmly in the lunar soil, but were instead pointed skyward. This is the second landing attempt for Intuitive Machines and the second time the lander has tipped over. A touchdown last year went wonky after a landing leg collapsed. In a press conference, CEO Steve Altemas stood by the design.

We know how to control the vehicle with the center gravity and the footprint that we have.

Intuitive Machines is one of several companies trying to land stable on the moon. NASA hopes they might one day deliver supplies to astronauts. Jeff Brumfiel, NPR News.

[Lakshmi Singh]

U.S. stocks ended the day higher. The Dow closed up 222 points, or more than half a percent, to settle at 42,801. This is NPR.

[Carvana]

Listen to this podcast sponsor free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR news [e-mail] that's plus NPR. Org.