NPR News Now: March 17, 2025, 10 AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Controversial Deportations of Venezuelan Nationals

Timestamp: [00:17]

NPR’s Korva Coleman reports on a significant and contentious deportation action undertaken by the Trump administration. Approximately 250 individuals alleged to be gang members were deported from the United States. Contrary to initial claims, these individuals were not sent back to Venezuela but were instead flown to El Salvador, where they are now facing imprisonment.

A federal judge verbally instructed the federal government to return these deportee flights, a directive that was reportedly ignored. President Trump justified the deportations by invoking a seldom-used wartime power, despite the U.S. not being at war with Venezuela.

Legal Challenges and Constitutional Concerns

Timestamp: [01:00]

Sky Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, an organization collaborating with the ACLU, criticizes the expansion of presidential power. She stated:

"This is an expansion of presidential power that could essentially say... the president is seeking to remove them without any type of due process and that's against our constitution. But it's also a threat to everyone."
— Sky Perryman [01:00]

Perryman emphasized the lack of evidence supporting the accusations against the deportees and highlighted the constitutional implications of bypassing due process. Her organization has filed a lawsuit aiming to block President Trump’s use of wartime powers in this context.

2. U.S. Airstrikes on Houthi-Driven Yemen and Potential Targets in Iran

Timestamp: [01:15]

Korva Coleman introduces escalating military actions by the Trump administration against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Over the past weekend, President Trump ordered airstrikes targeting regions controlled by the Houthis, citing their attacks on shipping vessels. The administration vows to continue using "overwhelming lethal force" as long as the Houthis persist in their assaults.

Statements from the Trump Administration

Timestamp: [01:35]

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, clarified the nature of the airstrikes:

"These strikes are not retaliatory or reactionary as they were during the Biden administration."
— Marco Rubio [01:35]

Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser, further elaborated on the administration’s strategy:

"Effort to take away their ability to control global shipping in that part of the world. That's just not going to happen anymore."
— Mike Waltz [01:44]

Waltz also hinted at potential future targets:

"Other things that they have put in to help the Houthis attack the global economy, those targets will be on the table, too."
— Mike Waltz [02:01]

Rubio revealed that Iran might become a target due to its support for the Houthis, marking an escalation in U.S. military actions.

Casualties and Reactions

Timestamp: [02:09]

The airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 individuals. In response, Houthi rebels have declared they will "meet escalation with escalation," according to the Associated Press.

3. Economic Update: Retail Sales and Housing Market Insights

Timestamp: [02:20]

The Commerce Department reported a slight recovery in retail sales for February, contributing to a positive start in the stock market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by about 100 points in early trading.

Detailed Retail Spending Analysis

Timestamp: [02:32]

Scott Horsley details the nuances of the retail data:

• Overall Increase: Retail spending rose by 0.2% in February, rebounding from a significant decline the previous month.
• Sector Performance:
  • Groceries: Increased spending.
  • Restaurant Meals: Decreased spending.
  • Department Stores: Declined in revenue.
  • Online Stores: Experienced substantial growth.

Housing Market Developments

Looking ahead, the Commerce Department is set to release data on the home building sector. President Trump’s tariffs on lumber and other construction materials are projected to elevate the cost of building a single-family home by over $7,500. Additionally, mortgage rates have seen a slight decrease, enhancing housing affordability slightly. Freddie Mac reports the average 30-year home loan now stands at just above 6.6%.

4. Severe Weather Events Result in Multiple Fatalities

Timestamp: [03:12]

NPR’s Korva Coleman covers the tragic impacts of deadly storms across the central and southeastern United States over the weekend. At least 39 fatalities have been reported due to a combination of sudden dust storms, tornadoes, and severe weather phenomena.

Specific Incidents

• Texas and Kansas Dust Storms: These rapid-onset storms led to hazardous conditions, culminating in a catastrophic 71-car pileup in Kansas that resulted in at least eight deaths due to near-zero visibility.
• Tornadoes: Tornado activity in Missouri and Mississippi has also contributed to the death toll.

5. March Madness: Women’s College Basketball Tournament Preview

Timestamp: [03:20]

The excitement of March Madness begins as the women's college basketball tournament kicks off this week. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, enters the tournament as the defending champions with an undefeated record from the previous season.

Key Teams and Players

Timestamp: [03:50]

Becky Sullivan highlights the competitive landscape:

• South Carolina Gamecocks: Holding a one seed, they face tough competition despite their strong performance last year.
• UCLA: As the top overall seed, the team boasts a storied men's program, though the women's team aims to reach the Final Four for the first time, led by standout players Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice.
• Southern California and Texas: Other top seeds expected to make significant impacts in the tournament.
• WNBA Draft Prospect: Paige Beckers from the UConn Huskies is the leading candidate for the number one pick. Although UConn hasn't clinched a championship since 2016, they remain a formidable contender with a current two-seed standing.

The tournament is set to begin with play-in games on Wednesday, followed by the round of 64 on Friday.

6. Legal Battle: Dakota Access Pipeline vs. Greenpeace

Timestamp: [04:27]

In Washington, a pivotal civil lawsuit is underway in North Dakota involving the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline’s parent company has filed a suit against environmental group Greenpeace and other parties, alleging that protests orchestrated by Greenpeace delayed the pipeline's commencement and incurred additional costs for the company.

Korva Coleman outlines the contrasting perspectives:

• Pipeline Company’s Claim: The delays caused by Greenpeace’s protests have financially burdened the company, justifying legal action.
• Greenpeace’s Defense: Greenpeace asserts that the lawsuit aims to bankrupt the organization and suppress freedom of speech, positioning the legal action as a strategic move to silence environmental activism.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for environmental advocacy and corporate accountability.

7. Upcoming Developments

Timestamp: [04:56]

As the episode concludes, NPR briefly mentions a message from Mint Mobile, promoting their wireless plans. However, adhering to the guidelines, this advertisement segment is acknowledged but not elaborated upon in the summary.

This comprehensive overview encapsulates the key discussions and insights from NPR News Now's March 17, 2025, episode. From international deportations and military actions to economic updates, severe weather impacts, sports highlights, and significant legal battles, the episode provides listeners with a broad spectrum of current events shaping the national and global landscape.