NPR News Now: March 17, 2025, 10 PM EDT – Comprehensive Episode Summary
NPR News Now, hosted by Jack Spear, delivered a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news stories in its March 17, 2025, episode. Covering topics from immigration controversies and diplomatic expulsions to public health advisories and cultural developments, the episode provided listeners with insightful analysis and notable quotes from key figures involved.
1. ACLU Challenges Trump Administration’s Deportation Policies
The episode opened with a significant legal battle as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) accused the Trump administration of violating a judge's temporary order that barred deportations. The contention centers around the administration's use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport over 200 individuals, including suspected Venezuelan gang members, to El Salvador.
ACLU Representative highlighted the misuse of the statute, stating at [00:40] “Absolutely not. Congress could not have been clear in the statute that it has to be a foreign government or nation invading or in a declared war with the US. Fundamentally, this is about separation of powers and the Trump administration thumbing their nose at Congress and the courts.”
In a related update, Jack Spear reported that a federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s verbal directive to halt the deportations, emphasizing its non-binding nature. Despite the judge's order to turn the flights around, members of the gang Trende Aragua were deported, prompting the court to demand a sworn declaration from the U.S. Justice Department by noon the following day.
2. Diplomatic Strain: South Africa’s Ambassador Expelled
In a rare diplomatic move, the United States revoked the diplomatic privileges of South Africa’s Ambassador, Ibrahim Rasool, declaring him Persona non grata. This decision was a direct response to Rasool’s derogatory remarks about President Trump’s MAGA movement.
Tammy Bruce, State Department spokesperson, explained at [01:33] that Ambassador Rasool made “obscene remarks about white supremacy in President Trump's MAGA movement.” Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, reinforced the gravity of the comments at [01:47], stating, “These remarks were unacceptable to the United States, not just to the president, but to every American. They were pretty much obscene when it came to the nature of what was alleged.”
The State Department summoned South African embassy staffers and issued a formal diplomatic note, underscoring the administration’s intolerance for such inflammatory statements. Michelle Kellerman from NPR added that ambassadorial expulsions of this nature are exceptionally rare, highlighting the severity of the situation.
3. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Gun Violence Removed
Turning to public health and safety, the episode covered the recent removal of a binary advisory by the Surgeon General that labeled gun violence as a public health crisis. This action responds to a February executive order by President Trump, reversing last year’s declaration by President Biden.
Martin Costi from NPR explained, “Gun rights groups were welcoming the move.” Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, voiced strong support at [02:46], asserting, “Gun ownership is not a communicable disease. It's not a health issue. That's what bothers us. It's intellectual dishonesty.”
Conversely, gun control advocates like Gifford argued that firearms do pose significant public health risks, noting that shootings have become the leading cause of death among American children aged 1 to 17. Despite the removal of the advisory, the debate between gun rights and gun control remains deeply polarized.
4. Stock Market Trends and EEOC Scrutiny on DEI Policies
In financial news, Jack Spear reported a positive start to the trading week with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 353 points and the Nasdaq up by 54 points. This uptick reflects investor optimism amidst ongoing economic fluctuations.
Shifting to workplace regulations, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken a critical stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within major law firms. Andrea Lucas, the acting chair of the EEOC, sent letters to 20 leading law firms, questioning the legality of their DEI initiatives. She expressed concerns that these policies might result in “unlawful, disparate treatment in terms conditions and privileges of employment.” This move aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to curtail DEI programs, especially those tied to firms opposing the administration or linked to political adversaries.
5. Broadway’s Latest Jukebox Musical: James Taylor’s "Fire and Rain"
Concluding with cultural news, the episode highlighted the expanding repertoire of jukebox musicals on Broadway. While classic acts like The Four Tops and ABBA have seen success, the introduction of singer-songwriter James Taylor marks a new addition to this genre.
Jeff London shared insights at [04:10], noting, “Ever since Mamma Mia hit it big in 2001, Broadway has featured a jukebox musical or two a season. But for every hit like Jersey Boys, there are flops. Shows featuring the music of the Beach Boys and John Lennon opened closed quickly, but the producers of the new James Taylor show are hedging their bets.” The musical, aptly titled “Fire and Rain,” features original storytelling by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts, who famously quoted, “I've seen fire and I've seen rain” at [04:32]. Directed by Tony winner David Cromer, the production awaits its official announcement date, promising a blend of James Taylor’s beloved tunes with fresh narrative elements.
Closing Remarks
Jack Spear concluded the episode by reiterating the day's highlights, providing listeners with a succinct yet thorough overview of the major news events. From legal disputes and international diplomacy to public health policies and the arts, this episode of NPR News Now ensured that audiences were well-informed on the latest developments shaping the nation and beyond.
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