NPR News Now - Episode: March 17, 2025, 3 AM EDT

Release Date: March 17, 2025

In this episode of NPR News Now, host Dale Willman delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international headlines. Covering significant developments in U.S. immigration policy, presidential pardons, severe weather disasters, economic forecasts, international conflicts, space exploration, and sports achievements, this summary provides an in-depth overview of the key topics discussed.

1. U.S. Immigration Policy: Trump Administration’s Controversial Actions

Dale Willman [00:18] opens the episode by discussing a contentious move by the Trump administration, which involved transporting hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador. The administration cited the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as the legal basis for this action, asserting that the immigrants are affiliated with violent gangs in the U.S., although no concrete evidence has been provided to support these claims.

Key Points:

• Legal Justification: The administration references the Alien Enemies Act, arguing it permits such transfers.
• Judicial Intervention: A federal judge has temporarily blocked further transfers, challenging the administration’s interpretation of the law.

Luke Garrett [00:41] further elaborates on the legal debate, clarifying that the Alien Enemies Act is traditionally applicable during times of war and was intended to address threats from foreign governments, not individual gangs.

Luke Garrett [00:41]: "This Alien Enemies act can only be used during a time of war. But the Trump administration seems to be focusing on a clause that says a president can use the act during, quote, any invasion or predatory incursion."

Garrett points out that former President Trump’s proclamation about the gang trust “Trent Aragua” mounting an invasion misapplies the law's original intent, which specifies invasions by foreign governmental forces rather than non-state actors.

2. Presidential Pardons: Biden’s Actions and Trump’s Rebuttal

In a significant development, Dale Willman [01:01] reports on former President Joe Biden’s final acts in office, which included pardoning several individuals, notably members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 riot.

Dale Willman [01:01]: "In one of his final acts at the White House, former President Joe Biden pardoned a number of people, including members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 riot."

However, former President Trump has publicly disputed the legitimacy of these pardons. In a social media post [01:23], Trump claims that the pardons are invalid, alleging without evidence that they were executed using an auto pen rather than Biden’s personal signature.

Dale Willman [01:23]: "Trump says those pardoned are now subject to investigation," referencing the president’s assertion about the improper execution of the pardons.

This claim has sparked discussions about the validity and ramifications of executive pardons, although no substantial evidence has been provided to support Trump's allegations.

3. Severe Weather Disasters: Tornadoes Devastate Southern and Midwestern States

The episode highlights the devastating impact of severe tornadoes and storms that swept through several Southern and Midwestern states over the weekend, resulting in at least 40 fatalities.

Emily Mosher [01:40] brings a personal perspective from Troy, Alabama, where Christopher Allen [01:57] recounts his harrowing experience:

Christopher Allen [01:57]: "I just would have never thought that I was going to wake up to something like this. It was just absolutely shocking. I think my dad is still in so much shock. He just hasn't had many words."

Allen describes how his mobile home was lifted and carried hundreds of yards by the tornado, leading to severe injuries and the tragic loss of his home and beloved pet cat. The community has rallied together, with neighbors and responders distributing essential supplies like toiletries and food. Additionally, President Trump has authorized the deployment of the National Guard to aid storm victims in Arkansas.

4. Economic Outlook: Treasury Secretary Bessant on Recession Risks

Shifting to economic news, Dale Willman [02:23] reports on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant’s recent statements regarding the U.S. economy. While acknowledging the inherent uncertainties, Bessant expressed confidence in the Trump administration’s economic policies.

Scott Bessant [02:34]: "I'm not worried about the markets over the long term. If we put good tax policy in place, deregulation and energy security, the markets will do great."

Despite Bessant’s optimistic outlook, market indicators present mixed signals. The S&P 500 experienced a significant decline, entering correction territory by dropping 10% from its recent peak. This downturn raises concerns about the potential for a looming recession, although Bessant remains steadfast in his positive projections.

5. International Tensions: Houthi Attacks on U.S. Naval Vessels

The podcast also addresses escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. On Sunday, the Houthis launched approximately a dozen drones and a missile targeting U.S. ships off the Yemeni coast.

Dale Willman [02:45] provides details on the incident:

Dale Willman [02:45]: "U.S. official says the drones were shot down by Navy and Air Force planes while the missile fell into the sea far from the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group that had been targeted. Houthi officials, meanwhile, say U.S. strikes on the country this weekend killed at least 53 people."

The U.S. military confirmed the interception of the drones and missile, ensuring minimal damage to their naval assets. Conversely, the Houthis claim their actions were in retaliation for U.S. military strikes within Yemen, which they assert resulted in significant casualties.

6. Space Exploration: NASA Astronauts Preparing to Return from the ISS

In an update from the realm of space exploration, Amy Helb [03:35] reports on the ongoing transition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As NASA astronauts conclude their nine-month mission, preparations are underway for their return to Earth.

A new four-person crew arrived at the ISS over the weekend, with Butch Williams and Sunny Wilmore welcoming them warmly.

Amy Helb [03:35]: "Butch Williams and Sunny Wilmore greeted the newcomers with grins, handshakes and hugs."

Despite previous claims by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and President Trump regarding a malfunction of the Boeing capsule that delayed astronaut returns, Amy Helb [03:49] clarifies that the astronauts refute these allegations, attributing delays to cost and safety considerations. The current plan anticipates the astronauts' return midweek, contingent on favorable weather conditions.

7. Sports Highlights: Golf Championship and Newcastle’s Historic Soccer Victory

Concluding the episode, Dale Willman [04:19] shifts to sports news, highlighting two major events:

• Golf: J.J. Spahn and Rory McIlroy are set to enter a three-hole playoff following a tie for the lead at the Players Golf Championship in Florida. McIlroy, who started the day four strokes behind, made a remarkable comeback to secure a three-shot lead at one point. The championship winner will receive a prize of four and a half million dollars.

• Soccer: In a historic moment for English soccer, the Newcastle Soccer Club clinched a major domestic trophy for the first time in 70 years by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the English League Cup Final. Goals from Alexander Isaac and Dan Byrne secured the victory for Newcastle, whose last major domestic trophy was the FA Cup in 1955.

Dale Willman [04:19]: "For the first time in 70 years, the Newcastle Soccer Club has won a major domestic soccer trophy. They beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday in the English League Cup Final. Alexander Isaac and Dan Byrne scored the winning goals for Newcastle. The team's last major domestic trophy came in 1955 when they won the FA Cup."

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a wide array of pressing issues and triumphant moments, providing listeners with a thorough and engaging overview of current events both domestically and internationally.