NPR News Now: March 12, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary
Hosted by Lakshmi Singh, NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on national and international events. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the March 12, 2025, episode released at 3 PM EDT.
U.S. Inflation and Trade Tensions with the European Union
The episode opens with economic news highlighting a positive trend in U.S. inflation rates. However, this improvement is shadowed by escalating trade tensions initiated by President Donald Trump's recent tariffs. As of the episode's release, the U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move that has provoked significant retaliation from the European Union (EU).
The EU has responded with levies targeting up to $28 billion of U.S. goods, including popular items such as bourbon and jeans, set to take effect next month. During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Mihail Martin, President Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with the EU's policies:
Donald Trump [00:41]: "The European Union treats us very badly. They have for years. I saw that. I had it out with them in my first term, did well, but we had to solve other problems and we did. But the European Union has been very tough. And it's our turn, too. You know, we get a turn at that."
This confrontation underscores the fragile state of transatlantic trade relations and raises concerns about the potential impact on global markets.
Congressional Deadlock Over Spending Bill and Senator Jeanne Shaheen's Retirement
Turning to domestic politics, Congress is grappling with a tight deadline to pass a spending bill by the end of Friday. Senate Democrats face a dilemma with two unfavorable options on the table:
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Adopt the GOP-led House bill: This proposal would fund the government through September but includes an increase in defense spending coupled with reductions in non-defense programs to below 2024 levels.
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Risk a Partial Government Shutdown: Failing to pass the bill would result in a temporary halt to government operations.
Adding to the legislative challenges, Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. This development introduces significant uncertainty into her long-held Senate seat, which has been a Democratic stronghold since 2009.
Josh Rogers of New Hampshire Public Radio reports:
Josh Rogers [01:37]: "Shaheen stepping aside leaves the race to succeed her wide open. No Democrats have yet indicated plans to run. On the Republican side, former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown is considering a run, as is former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu."
Senator Shaheen, a prominent figure in her state's politics, made her decision after a distinguished career spanning five decades:
Jeanne Shaheen [02:00]: "I am announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026. It's just time."
Her retirement is poised to reshape the political landscape in New Hampshire, providing both parties with a competitive opportunity to vie for the seat.
Russia's Stance on U.S.-Proposed Ceasefire in Ukraine
International relations take center stage as Russia responds to a U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire proposal intended to facilitate peace talks in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the proposal, emphasizing Moscow's need for more detailed information:
Dmitry Peskov [02:30]: "Moscow is studying public statements out of the U.S. Ukrainian talks, which restored American military support for Kyiv in exchange for the ceasefire offer. But Moscow wouldn't weigh in until it had detailed information from the American negotiators, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Mike Waltz."
Despite the official stance, nationalist factions within Russia criticize the proposal, viewing it as a strategic maneuver by Ukraine to mitigate Russia's recent territorial gains. The episode highlights that a U.S. delegation is expected to visit Moscow in the coming days, and President Trump plans to discuss the ceasefire directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Charles Mainz of NPR elaborates on the complexities of this diplomatic effort, reflecting the ongoing tensions and the fragile nature of peace negotiations in the region.
Rising Cancer Rates Among Young Adults Who Are Parents
Shifting focus to public health, the podcast addresses the alarming increase in cancer diagnoses among adults under 50. This trend presents unique challenges for individuals who are also parents, compounding both practical and financial burdens.
NPR's Yuki Noguchi reports on the personal and societal impacts of this issue:
Carissa Hodgson [03:48]: "It actually helps a child to accept what's going on and work through those big feelings because it's the fear and the unknown and feeling like you're being kept from the truth, that's what really revs up a child's fear."
Carissa Hodgson, a social worker and program director at Bright Spot Network, emphasizes the importance of honesty with children facing a parent's illness. Additionally, she advocates for the benefits of seeking support through both online and in-person communities to navigate these difficult circumstances.
Menendez Brothers Awaiting Parole Hearing
In legal news, the Menendez brothers—Lyle and Eric—are set to appear before a parole board hearing on June 13th. California Governor Gavin Newsom has scheduled this hearing to decide whether to grant clemency to the siblings, who have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents.
The brothers maintain that their actions were in self-defense, citing years of physical and sexual abuse. This case continues to draw significant public and legal attention, reflecting ongoing debates about criminal justice and parole policies.
Stock Market Update
Concluding the episode, a brief update on the stock market notes:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 34 points to 41,468
- Nasdaq: Up more than 1%
This positive movement signals investor confidence amidst the current economic and political climate.
Final Note: This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in this episode of NPR News Now. For more detailed coverage, listening to the full podcast is recommended.