NPR News Now: Detailed Summary for March 9, 2025, 1 AM EST

Release Date: March 9, 2025

1. House Republicans Unveil Government Funding Plan

Timestamp: [00:17]

Host Dale Willman introduces the session by reporting that House Republicans have presented their plan to fund the U.S. government through September. This move comes as some government funding is poised to expire this Friday. According to the released bill's text, Republicans seem confident they can pass the measure without needing Democratic support.

Reporter Eric McDaniel elaborates on the plan:

"Overall, the stopgap measure doesn't make big changes to government funding, but the changes that are there are consequential. A little more money for the Pentagon, a little less money for non-defense programs." ([00:35])

Democrats have criticized these adjustments, particularly the increased defense spending coupled with cuts to non-defense areas. House Speaker Mike Johnson previously relied on Democratic votes to pass funding bills, but this time he believes with President Trump's backing, he can secure passage with his single Republican vote margin. However, McDaniel points out challenges in the Senate:

"The Senate has a de facto 60 vote threshold to pass legislation and there are just 53 Republican senators. It remains to be seen whether Republican Majority Leader John Thune could get at least 7 Dems on board and get this bill to the president's desk." ([02:09])

2. International Women's Day Protests in Los Angeles

Timestamp: [01:16]

Thousands convened in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning to mark International Women's Day. Reporter Evan Jacoby provides an on-the-ground perspective of the vibrant and diverse demonstration.

Participants marched from Pershing Square to City Hall, featuring:

• Megaphones and chanting individuals
• Tongva tribal members
• People of all ages waving signs

Notable Voices:

• Ruby Villa holds a sign stating, "If you don't fight for all women, you fight for no woman," emphasizing inclusivity and unity. ([01:34])

• Alexa Krupat displays a sign declaring, "We're not overreacting," clarifying that concerns are genuine and justified. ([01:34])

These protesters were accompanied by family members, including mothers and grandmothers, highlighting the generational commitment to women's rights.

Marisa Krupat, mother of Alexa Krupat, expressed her intentions:

"I'm here to make sure that they have at least the same rights that I had when I was their age." ([01:52])

Emiliana Guereca, founder of the Women's March Foundation, voiced concerns for future generations:

"Our daughters, our granddaughters, our kids, kids. They are inheriting a world with less rights for women." ([02:02])

3. US Suspends Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

Timestamp: [02:13]

In a significant policy shift, the United States has suspended military aid to Kyiv, and President Trump halted the sharing of real-time satellite images with Ukraine's military as of Friday. This development intensifies the pressure on Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Professor Phillips O'Brien of St. Andrews University in Scotland provides analysis:

"They should have done more to now in the sense that they should have planned on a Trump presidency resulting in the US switching sides to support Putin. They didn't believe it was possible. Maybe they didn't want to believe it was possible." ([02:34])

O'Brien critiques European preparedness, noting:

"There is now, I think, a greater understanding of the actual reality of the US's position and its support of Putin. And so the Europeans are desperately trying to pay some kind of catch up." ([02:34])

He emphasizes Europe's need to bridge the strategic gap left by the U.S.:

"They do have resources. They're much, much richer than the Russians, but they wasted the time they should have had getting ready for this." ([02:34])

4. Major Strike Planned at German Airports

Timestamp: [03:07]

Germany is bracing for significant travel disruptions as airport ground staff prepare to strike for the first time in 24 hours. Reporter Esme Nicholson reports from Berlin:

"Airports across Germany are set to grind to a halt on Monday when ground staff plan to lay down tools." ([03:29])

This 24-hour strike represents a major escalation in pay negotiations. Trade Union Verdi has advised passengers to anticipate widespread cancellations and disruptions across major and regional hubs, including Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg.

Union Demands:

• 8% raise
• Higher bonuses
• Additional vacation time for airport ground staff

Airport Operators' Stance:

"Union demands are not financially feasible." ([03:29])

The impending strike underscores ongoing tensions between labor unions and airport management over compensation and working conditions.

5. Escalating Conflict in Syria: Civilian Casualties Rise

Timestamp: [04:07]

The humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to deteriorate, with over 1,000 fatalities reported in just two days of intense fighting. The conflict involves Syria's security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Additionally, numerous revenge killings have been recorded following the initial clashes.

According to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights, based in Britain:

"745 of the people killed were civilians." ([04:07])

This escalation highlights the ongoing instability and the severe impact on civilian populations amidst the power struggles within the country.

6. Golf Update: Arnold Palmer Invitational Highlights

Timestamp: [04:07]

In sports news, the Arnold Palmer Golf Invitational in Orlando is heating up with notable performances:

• Colin Morikawa secured a 12-foot putt on the final hole on Saturday, finishing with a score of 67 and currently leading the tournament. ([04:07])

• Russell Henley holds a position one stroke off the lead, showcasing a strong performance throughout the event.

• Cory Connors from Canada is two strokes behind, maintaining competitive momentum as the final rounds approach.

• Shane Lowry experienced a setback, dropping from a two-shot lead to trailing by six shots after shooting a 76 in his latest round. ([04:07])

These developments set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament, with players vying for the top spot in the final rounds.

This summary encapsulates the key news topics covered in the NPR News Now episode released on March 9, 2025, providing insights and quotes to inform listeners who may have missed the live broadcast.