NPR News Now: March 14, 2025, 4PM EDT
Hosted by NPR, providing the latest news in five minutes.
1. President Trump Visits the Department of Justice
Timestamp: [00:17]
President Donald Trump made a notable visit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, where he addressed ongoing investigations into the DOJ and those involved in scrutinizing his administration. Trump characterized these investigations as part of a "corrupt group of hacks and radicals" within the American government.
Donald Trump [00:31]: "Unfortunately, in recent years, a corrupt group of hacks and radicals within the ranks of the American government obliterated the trust and goodwill built up over generations. They weaponized the vast powers of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to try and thwart the will of the American people."
Trump's remarks underscore his long-standing criticism of federal investigations into his conduct during his first term and his attempts to challenge the 2020 election results, which culminated in his loss to President Joe Biden.
2. U.S. Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza
Timestamp: [00:51] - [01:21]
The White House has reported that Hamas is imposing unreasonable demands in its negotiations to extend the ceasefire in Gaza. The proposed extension aims to continue the current ceasefire beyond Passover and Ramadan, providing additional time to negotiate a permanent resolution and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Timestamp: [01:21]
NPR’s Tamara Keith highlighted skepticism from U.S. officials regarding Hamas's negotiation stance.
Tamara Keith [01:21]: "...Hamas is making a very bad bet. That time is on its side. It is not."
Despite Hamas's public willingness to release one American hostage and the bodies of four others held since the October 7 attack, U.S. officials, including Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, argue that Hamas's demands are impractical and unlikely to lead to a favorable outcome for the militants.
3. Senate Confirms Steven Feinberg to Defense Department
Timestamp: [02:03]
The U.S. Senate confirmed Steven Feinberg as the second-in-command at the Department of Defense under Secretary Pete Hegseth. The vote concluded with a majority of 59 to 40, solidifying Feinberg's role in shaping defense policies and strategies moving forward.
4. Severe Weather Threatens Millions Across the U.S.
Timestamp: [02:03] - [02:28]
A significant weather system is poised to impact approximately 100 million Americans with a range of severe conditions, including blizzards, tornadoes, and large hail across various regions.
Pat Duggans of Alabama Public Radio provided detailed coverage:
Pat Duggans [02:28]: "Forecasters have been keeping an eye on this system for close to a week, and that's considered unusual. It's the size of the approaching storm that has residents from the Great Plains to the Eastern Seaboard on guard."
Highlights include:
- Alabama: Under a weather alert for three days with Governor Kay Ivey declaring a statewide emergency.
- Northern Plains: Potential blizzards.
- Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma: Windy conditions may spark wildfires.
- East Coast: Risk of flooding and flash floods expected on Sunday.
Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for the varying weather hazards.
5. U.S. Stock Markets Close Higher
Timestamp: [02:59]
U.S. stock markets ended the day on a positive note:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up by 674 points (>1.5%)
- Nasdaq: Increased by 2.6%
- S&P 500: Rose by more than 2%
The upward trend reflects investor confidence and positive market dynamics at the close of trading.
6. Venezuela to Resume Flights for Deported Citizens
Timestamp: [03:27]
Venezuela is set to resume flights for its citizens deported from the United States, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations.
Timestamp: [03:27]
NPR’s Carrie Conn reported:
Rick Grenell [03:27]: Announced the resumption of flights on social media, stating, "Venezuela agreed to resume the flights to pick up their citizens who broke U.S. immigration laws."
Jorge Rodriguez, Venezuela’s top negotiator, confirmed the agreement:
Jorge Rodriguez [03:27]: "This move would protect Venezuelans' human rights and safeguard family reunions."
Background:
- Over 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country due to economic decline and political turmoil under President Nicolás Maduro.
- Maduro had previously halted the flights citing strained relations with the U.S., particularly after Trump canceled a Chevron license in Venezuela.
The resumption of these flights is expected to facilitate the safe return or reunification of Venezuelan families affected by deportations.
7. NASA and SpaceX Launch Crew to the International Space Station
Timestamp: [04:11]
An international crew is scheduled to launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral shortly after 7 PM EDT for the International Space Station (ISS), marking the 10th crew rotation mission undertaken by NASA and SpaceX.
Key Points:
- Astronauts Replaced: Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been aboard the ISS for nine months.
- Technical Delays: Their return was postponed due to multiple technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
- NASA's Workforce Plans: Reuters reports that NASA has received a one-week extension to submit plans addressing potential mass layoffs amid numerous high-priority space missions this month.
The mission underscores ongoing collaboration between NASA and private aerospace companies to maintain and support the ISS's operational needs.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the NPR News Now episode released on March 14, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.