NPR News Now: March 13, 2025, 10 PM EDT Summary

Released on March 14, 2025

1. Government Shutdown Averted as Congress Moves Forward with Funding Bill

Host: Jack Spear opens the episode by reporting on the near miss of a U.S. government shutdown. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer indicated his support for advancing a Republican-backed funding bill to keep the government operational through September.

Lexi Schapitl elaborates:

"While Republicans control the Senate, they do not hold the 60 seats required to break a filibuster and advance legislation. Democratic senators said they were torn between two bad options: supporting a bill they saw as enabling President Trump and his adviser Elon Musk, or letting the government shut down. But Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says advancing the bill, also known as a continuing resolution or CR, is the better choice for the country."
[00:33]

An unnamed analyst weighed in:

"While the CR bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse."
[01:00]

The government’s funding was set to expire by the end of the day on Friday, heightening the urgency of the legislative action. Schumer's backing suggested that sufficient Democrats might rally behind the bill to prevent a shutdown.

[01:10]

2. Putin Signals Openness to Ceasefire in Ukraine, Awaiting Further Talks

Jack Spear reported on the latest developments in U.S.-Russia relations concerning the Ukraine conflict:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated he agrees in principle with the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine but stopped short of supporting an immediate pause to the fighting. Speaking today in Moscow, Putin indicated that further discussions are necessary with Washington."
[01:15]

These remarks followed the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow for negotiations. President Trump responded with guarded optimism about Putin's comments, suggesting a cautious hope for progress.

3. Significant Decline in U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a substantial decrease in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Brian Mann provided detailed coverage:

"According to the CDC, roughly 84,000 people are dying every 12 months from overdoses. That's still a lot, but it's a huge drop from the peak in 2023, when fentanyl and other drugs killed more than 114,000 people in the U.S. Many states are now seeing drug deaths decline by more than 30%. CDC researchers call the improvement unprecedented."
[01:53]

The decline translates to approximately 30,000 fewer deaths annually. The reasons behind this public health success are debated, with one prominent theory attributing progress to the Biden administration’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis by widely distributing naloxone (Narcan), an easy-to-use nasal spray that effectively reverses most fentanyl overdoses.

4. Federal Judge Orders Rehiring of Thousands Fired by Trump Administration

Jack Spear reported a significant legal development:

"A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to rehire thousands of probationary workers who were let go in mass firings across multiple agencies. U.S. District Court Judge ruled the firings did not follow federal law and necessitated immediate offers of reinstatement at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. The ruling was based on a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor groups and others. The Trump administration has vowed to fight the order."
[02:35]

This decision has had immediate repercussions on the financial markets:

"The bleeding showed no signs of lessening on Wall Street today amid the latest trade war volley from President Trump. The Dow fell 537 points. The S&P moved into correction territory, down 77 points."
[02:35]

5. Education Department Faces Technical Glitches Amid Large-Scale Layoffs

The Education Department is experiencing significant challenges following large-scale layoffs:

"The latest agency to stare down the barrel of large-scale layoffs. Some cracks in the system are already developing. Hundreds of users seeking to fill out the student aid form FAFSA via studentaid.gov found themselves shut out today due to an hours-long outage. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors says it's received reports of users having difficulties."
[02:35]

These technical issues have disrupted access to critical financial aid services for students nationwide.

6. Passing of Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva

Cameron Sanchez mourned the death of a longstanding public servant:

"Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva died today following complications from cancer treatment. He was 77. Grihala's colleagues mourn the loss of a longtime community leader."
[04:15]

Greg Stanton, a fellow Arizona Democratic Congressman, paid tribute:

"Arizona and the country are going to be a much better place for decades to come because of his greatest legacy, and that is the young people that he personally mentored."
[04:15]

Grijalva, first elected to Congress in 2002, was renowned for championing environmental issues and serving as chair and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. Governor Katie Hobbs announced a special election would be called in the coming days to fill his vacant seat.

7. Producer Price Index Indicates Stable Wholesale Inflation

In economic news, Jack Spear reported on inflation metrics:

"While prices at the consumer level showed some signs of moderating last month, it appears there was little change in the cost of goods before they head down the pipeline to retailers. The government says its producer price index for February, a key wholesale inflation gauge, was little changed from the previous month, where prices did show signs of easing compared to the same period a year ago."
[04:34]

This stability in the producer price index suggests that wholesale inflation pressures remain steady, potentially influencing future consumer price trends.

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