NPR News Now – March 17, 2025

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter Contributions: Luke Garrett, Paul Flav, Joe Hernandez
Release Date: March 17, 2025

1. U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen and Potential Targets Expansion

[00:17] Jeanine Herbst reports that President Trump has authorized airstrikes targeting Houthi-led regions in Yemen. The president has committed to using "overwhelming lethal force" to deter further attacks on shipping vessels by the Houthis.

[00:36] Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the nature of these strikes, emphasizing, “these strikes are not retaliatory or reactionary as they were during the Biden administration.”

[00:45] National Security Adviser Mike Waltz elaborates on the strategic intent, stating, “Effort to take away their ability to control global shipping in that part of the world. That's just not going to happen anymore.”

[00:51] Rubio further warns of expanding targets, indicating that “Iranian positions in Yemen could be airstrike targets” due to their support for the Houthis: “Other things that they have put in to help the Houthis attack the global economy, those targets will be on the table, too” ([01:02]).

The airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 people. In response, the Houthi rebels have declared they will "meet escalation with escalation" ([01:10]), signaling a potential intensification of conflict.

2. Trump Administration's Crackdown on Migrant Assistance

[01:22] Jeanine Herbst highlights actions by the Trump administration targeting communities and organizations that support migrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dispatched letters to nonprofits and cities, alleging violations of human smuggling laws.

[01:37] Paul Flav from Texas Public Radio reports that Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton has demanded the names of migrants assisted by these entities. Hamilton's concerns revolve around claims that these organizations and local governments are incentivizing migrants to enter or remain in the United States.

The non-compliance letters threaten to withhold $13 million from San Antonio and revoke grant funding intended to feed and house recent arrivals. This is despite FEMA having allocated over $45 million in grants to support migrant services, primarily through the Migrant Resource Center established in collaboration with Catholic Charities.

The City of San Antonio has pledged compliance by providing the requested information, while noting that the letter did not specify any particular allegations against the Migrant Resource Center or the city itself.

3. Devastating Storm System Impacts Midwest and South

[02:18] A massive storm system has swept through the Midwest and Southern United States, resulting in at least 35 fatalities across multiple states. The storm has caused extensive damage and left tens of thousands without power.

In Mississippi, numerous tornadoes have led to at least six deaths and injured more than two dozen individuals. Governor Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

[02:41] Governor Reeves detailed the tornado activity, stating, “We could have as many as 12 tornadoes that came through our state over the last 48 hours” ([02:41]).

[02:50] He reported that 23 counties in Mississippi are experiencing significant damage. In response, President Trump has expressed readiness to assist state and local officials in managing the crisis.

The storm system has since moved towards the Northeast, with the National Weather Service issuing tornado watches for parts of Virginia and North Carolina. Concurrently, U.S. futures contracts are trading lower, with Dow futures down by approximately 0.4%.

4. Pope Francis Appears in Hospital Chapel

[03:30] Joe Hernandez from NPR reports a significant image released by the Vatican showing Pope Francis praying in a hospital chapel. This marks the first visual appearance of the pontiff since his hospitalization in Rome over a month prior.

The photograph depicts the 88-year-old Pope seated in a wheelchair within the hospital's private chapel, adorned in a white robe and purple vestment. He is seen praying shortly after completing a mass celebration on Sunday morning.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14th due to bronchitis. His condition worsened as he developed a polymicrobial infection and pneumonia in both lungs. However, medical professionals have now confirmed that he is stable and responding well to ongoing treatments.

5. Astronauts on the ISS Prepare for Return Home

[04:06] Jeanine Herbst announces that the two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months are scheduled to return to Earth this week. Their return follows the arrival of a SpaceX capsule at the ISS, which delivered replacement crew members.

The four new astronauts will undergo familiarization with the station's operations under the guidance of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. After this brief training period, the original pair will embark on their journey home aboard SpaceX's capsule, deviating from their initial plan to return via the Boeing Starliner. The latter mission encountered multiple issues, leading NASA to deem it unsafe for a safe return.

The successful preparation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between NASA and SpaceX. Meanwhile, Asian markets are experiencing gains, with the Nikkei in Japan up by 1.1% and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong rising by 1%.

This episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of significant global and national events, including international military actions, domestic policy enforcement, natural disasters, religious leadership updates, and advancements in space exploration. Through timely reporting and insightful analysis, listeners are kept informed on developments shaping the world.