NPR News Now: March 8, 2025

Host: Dale Willman

On March 8, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive roundup of the latest national and international news. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics, discussions, insights, and conclusions covered in the episode.

1. Legal Challenge to Federal Employee Firings

Maryland Attorney General Leads Lawsuit

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is at the forefront of a coalition comprising 20 state attorneys general, challenging the recent mass firings of federal employees by the Trump administration. The lawsuit contends that the administration failed to adhere to legal protocols governing large-scale federal workforce reductions.

• Anthony Brown emphasized the severe impact of the firings: “The firings will cause irreparable burdens and expenses on the states and force workers into financial insecurity” (00:36).
• Atul Gawande provided context on the scale of the dismissals: “The Trump administration has fired roughly 23,000 probationary employees over the past three weeks, not because they were bad at their jobs or because they didn't do important work, but simply because the president will do anything to eliminate federal workers” (00:44).
• In response, Brown has filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to halt further dismissals and seek reinstatement for those already fired, countering the White House’s rationale of cutting government waste (01:03).

2. Protests in Support of Scientists

Demonstrations Advocate for Science Funding

Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., and New York on Friday to support the nation’s scientists. The demonstrations demanded the Trump administration restore funding for scientific research, halt federal employee firings, and lift hiring freezes affecting scientific agencies.

• Dr. Atul Gawande expressed concerns about the long-term implications: “Everything that's been happening to government-funded science could lead to a major crisis” (01:23).
• Maria Aspen criticized opposition tactics: “They scan for examples they can distort and ridicule. They ask no one what their work actually is” (01:35).
• Scientists highlighted the jeopardy faced by critical research areas, including Alzheimer’s disease, due to the proposed cuts (01:46).

3. Wall Street's Volatile Week Amid Tariff Changes

Impact of President Trump's Tariff Policies

The stock market experienced significant volatility as President Trump alternately implemented and delayed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 222 points on Friday, the Nasdaq increased by 126 points, and the S&P 500 rose by 31 points, the market ended the week overall down.

• Anna Tavis, NYU Professor, explained the business sentiment: “American businesses are feeling the whiplash of President Trump's on again, off again tariffs. Businesses don't like uncertainty” (02:04).
• Best Buy’s CEO warned of potential price hikes: “Price increases for American consumers are, 'highly likely'” (02:40).
• Maria Aspen reported the detailed stock movements and investor reactions, noting that despite Friday’s gains, the uncertainty continued to weigh on the markets (01:54).

4. Public Health Concerns: Measles Outbreak and Gene Hackman’s Passing

Measles Outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico

A measles outbreak persists in West Texas and New Mexico, with Texas reporting 198 cases and New Mexico experiencing a tripling of infections to 30 since late January (02:50).

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths

Renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home within days of each other. The autopsy revealed:

• Betsy Arakawa died of hantavirus, a severe rodent-borne illness with up to a 50% mortality rate in the Southwest (03:29).
• Gene Hackman succumbed to heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It was noted that due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, he may not have been aware of his wife’s death (03:29).

Ongoing Investigation

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the investigation remains open pending further evidence, including cell phone data and a necropsy of a dog found dead on the property (03:46).

5. International Women's Day Global Demonstrations

Global Call for Gender Equality

International Women's Day was marked by demonstrations worldwide, where activists called for equal pay, reproductive rights, and justice for women. This annual event, commemorated since 1977, is an official national holiday in 20 countries, with Cuba being the only nation in the Americas to recognize it formally.

• The day serves as a platform for advocating gender equality and celebrating women's achievements (04:11).

6. Recovery of Missing Oregon Family’s Car

Ford Station Wagon Found After Decades

Officials in Oregon successfully removed a Ford station wagon from the Columbia River, identified as belonging to Ken and Barbara Martin, an Oregon family that disappeared while on a trip 60 and 66 years ago, respectively.

• Alice Fordham reported that the vehicle was discovered last fall by a diver after seven years of searching. No remains were found inside the car (04:42).
• Sheriff Adan Mendoza indicated that the investigation is ongoing, pending further evidence such as cell phone data and additional autopsies (04:46).

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with in-depth coverage of pressing legal battles, public health issues, economic fluctuations, and significant global observances, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of current events.

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Brown (00:36): “The firings will cause irreparable burdens and expenses on the states and force workers into financial insecurity.”
• Atul Gawande (00:44): “The Trump administration has fired roughly 23,000 probationary employees... simply because the president will do anything to eliminate federal workers.”
• Anna Tavis (02:04): “American businesses are feeling the whiplash of President Trump’s on again, off again tariffs. Businesses don't like uncertainty.”
• Best Buy’s CEO (02:40): “Price increases for American consumers are, 'highly likely'.”

Transcript excerpts and timestamps are used to provide context and attribution to the speakers.