NPR News Now: March 12, 2025, 8 AM EDT Summary

On the March 12, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international developments. The episode covered a range of topics from economic tensions between the US and the EU to significant governmental actions, health concerns, and advancements in space exploration. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions featured in the episode.

US-EU Trade Tensions Escalate

The episode opened with significant news on international trade tensions. President Trump's implementation of a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports has not only impacted the US but also extended its effects to European countries. In retaliation, the European Union announced plans to impose tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of imported US goods.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed regret over the retaliatory actions, acknowledging that "prices will go up on both sides" but underscored the necessity to "protect consumers and business" (00:35). Despite the tensions, von der Leyen mentioned that the EU "remains open for negotiations," signaling a willingness to resolve the trade disputes amicably.

Greg Svingen from the Ruud Petersen Business Advisory Firm highlighted the detrimental impact of the tariffs, stating, "Businesses need to plan for healthy economies and happy citizens... It's a race to the bottom. May cooler heads prevail" (00:57). The uncertainty surrounding the removal of tariffs adds to the economic strain, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to mitigate adverse effects.

Government Shutdown Threat Lingers

Simultaneously, the US Labor Department was set to release its latest report on consumer prices, with economists predicting a rise in consumer inflation for February. This economic backdrop adds pressure to the Senate, which is grappling with the potential of a partial federal government shutdown slated for the end of the week.

The House of Representatives has preemptively passed a stopgap spending bill that funds the government through September. House Speaker Mike Johnson explained that the bill "allows government functions to continue as Congress works on President Trump's broader agenda" (01:36). Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the bill's role in freezing funding responsibly: "We're ensuring that troops continue to get their paychecks and TSA agents continue to do their work and be paid. And essential workers on the border and elsewhere are doing their jobs" (01:44).

The bill's passage was primarily along party lines, with minimal bipartisan support. Schumer noted that Senate Republicans would require Democratic votes to pass the legislation, crucial to avoiding an impending government shutdown by Friday midnight. However, after consultations with his Senate colleagues, Schumer did not confirm whether Democrats would support the measure, leaving the shutdown uncertainty unresolved (01:58).

Department of Education Staff Cuts Controversial

In a notable domestic policy development, the Trump administration announced plans to cut nearly half of the staff at the U.S. Department of Education, instituting administrative leave for hundreds of employees starting March 21. This move has sparked controversy, particularly concerning the legality of eliminating certain departmental offices.

NPR's Janaki Mehta reported that some of the affected offices, such as the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), were established by Congress through legislation. Mehta highlighted a termination email indicating that an entire unit was being "abolished," raising questions about the legality of such actions given their congressional origins (02:43).

The potential dismantling of these sub-branches could have significant implications for educational research and policy, as IES conducts extensive studies on various aspects of American education. The administration's unilateral decision to abolish these units without legislative backing could lead to legal challenges and debates over executive authority versus congressional powers.

US-Ukraine-Russia Diplomatic Efforts and Military Aid

The international scene also featured critical discussions on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russian officials are awaiting briefings on recent talks between US and Ukrainian officials aimed at ending the war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Ukraine is willing to accept a "30-day ceasefire," pending Russia's agreement. This proposal is part of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Amid these negotiations, President Trump announced the resumption of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, reinforcing US support in the region. However, he also claimed that the Biden administration had previously left US military personnel stranded in the International Space Station (ISS), a statement contested by former astronauts and NASA officials.

Retired astronaut Scott Kelly and other NASA representatives countered Trump's claims, clarifying that a SpaceX Dragon capsule had been present as an emergency lifeboat since September of the previous year, ensuring the astronauts' safe return if needed. Chuck Schumer further affirmed, "They had a SpaceX Dragon there as an emergency lifeboat to bring them back at any time they needed" (04:34). The capsule remains ready to facilitate the astronauts' return, with plans to transport them as soon as Sunday once the replacement crew launches.

Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico

Health officials reported a concerning rise in measles cases in Texas and New Mexico, totaling over 250 cases primarily in West Texas. Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in the deaths of an unvaccinated child in Texas and another individual in New Mexico. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges of vaccine-preventable diseases and the critical importance of public health measures in preventing such outbreaks.

NASA Astronauts' Return from ISS

The episode also covered developments concerning two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been aboard the International Space Station since June of the previous year. Their extended stay was a result of technical issues with their Boeing spacecraft. The current mission now appears to be nearing its conclusion, with their return to Earth contingent upon the successful launch of their replacement crew scheduled for the evening.

Despite claims from Trump and Elon Musk suggesting that administration-related issues prolonged the astronauts' mission, NASA officials and former astronauts maintain that the extended stay was strictly due to technical necessities and logistical timelines. The SpaceX Dragon capsule remains a reliable asset, poised to bring the astronauts home safely as planned.

Conclusion

The March 12, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a thorough overview of pressing issues spanning international trade disputes, potential government shutdowns, controversial governmental staff cuts, geopolitical conflicts, public health crises, and advancements in space exploration. Through expert insights, authoritative quotes, and balanced reporting, the episode offered a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping the current socio-political and economic landscape.