NPR News Now: March 25, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens

NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth coverage of current events. In this episode released on March 25, 2025, host Shea Stevens navigates through several significant news stories, ranging from legal battles within the Trump administration to international conflicts and social issues. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and insights from various contributors.

1. Trump Administration Challenges Deportation Orders

The episode opens with a tense legal showdown as the Trump administration contests a district court's order to halt the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.

Shea Stevens reports, "The Trump administration is challenging a judge's March 15 order to halt the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador." Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign criticizes the court's intervention, stating at [00:32], "The district court's order represents an unprecedented and enormous intrusion upon the powers of the executive branch. It enjoins the president's exercise of his war and foreign affairs powers under the Alien Enemies Act and does so in a manner that purports to direct operations outside the United States borders and in a manner that could intrude upon sensitive diplomatic negotiations."

Conversely, Judge Patricia Pellet questions the administration's reliance on antiquated laws, noting at [00:53], "The administration used an 18th-century law to justify deportations that were based on unsubstantiated claims."

Ensign further emphasizes the chaos surrounding the deportations, expressing frustration at [01:03], "It's insane from their complaint that their clients, at least the ones that we have, the named plaintiffs and some of the other ones, are not members of Trenduragua and had no chance to demonstrate that when they were rushed onto airplanes."

The administration is also invoking state secrets to resist judicial demands for more information on the deportation flights. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court is being petitioned to block a judge's order to reinstate some dismissed federal workers, highlighting the administration's ongoing legal struggles.

2. Federal Workers' Reinstatement Order Faces Supreme Court

Andrea Hsu provides an update on a pivotal court ruling involving federal employees. At [01:36], Hsu explains, "The ruling in question came from U.S. District Judge William Allsup. He ordered six federal agencies to reinstate the probationary employees they'd fired since mid-February after finding that the Office of Personnel Management unlawfully directed the agencies to carry out the firings."

The Trump administration contends that the agencies acted independently, a stance Judge Allsup dismisses: "The government appealed Alsop's ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which declined the government's request for emergency relief." The administration has now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that Judge Allsup's decision "inflicts intolerable harm on the functioning of the executive branch."

This legal tug-of-war underscores the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive branch, particularly concerning personnel decisions within federal agencies.

3. Ceasefire Talks Amid Deadly Drone Strikes in Ukraine

Amid escalating tensions in Ukraine, Eleanor Beardsley reports on the delicate ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Russia following a series of lethal drone strikes.

At [02:27], Beardsley describes a tragic scene where "young boys discuss whether it's better to be burned alive in a drone attack or ripped apart by a missile." Yaroslav Timofyev, an 18-year-old law student, poignantly shares at [02:43], "I am really in a horrible situation because every night I'm thinking about it, that every night can be explosion in my house." His testimony highlights the human cost of the conflict and the desperation for peace.

Russia has stipulated that any long-term peace deal requires Ukraine to demilitarize and relinquish control of four provinces annexed by President Putin in a referendum two years prior. In contrast, Ukraine demands an immediate halt to Russia's nighttime attacks on its cities as a precondition for meaningful talks. This standoff illustrates the complex and deeply entrenched positions of both nations, making ceasefire talks highly challenging.

4. Sierra Leone Eyes Decriminalization of Abortion

Sierra Leone is on the brink of a significant policy shift that could make it the second West African nation to decriminalize abortion. Health workers advocate that such a move would greatly enhance the safety of pregnant women and reduce preventable maternal deaths.

The country's high teen pregnancy rates and the prohibitive costs associated with safe abortion services have led many women and girls to resort to unsafe methods to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Decriminalizing abortion could provide a safer, regulated environment, thereby addressing a critical public health concern.

5. Gerard Depardieu Faces Sexual Assault Trial in France

In a high-profile case shaking the French entertainment industry, renowned actor Gerard Depardieu appeared in a Paris courthouse on multiple sexual assault charges, which he vehemently denies.

Rebecca Rossman reports at [03:56], "Depardieu walked into court without saying a word, but his silence won't last long after years of sexual assault and rape allegations from over a dozen women." This trial marks Depardieu's first appearance in court, a pivotal moment for France's MeToo movement, which has seen efforts to hold powerful figures accountable for sexual misconduct.

The allegations, stemming from incidents on the set of the 2022 film "Les Vaux les Vert," involve claims of groping by the 76-year-old actor. If convicted, Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and an $80,000 fine. The trial, initially slated for October, was postponed due to Depardieu's health issues, adding to the anticipation and scrutiny surrounding the proceedings.

6. Market Movements and Economic Updates

The episode concludes with a brief overview of financial markets. Shea Stevens notes at [03:12], "U.S. futures are flat in after-hours trading on Wall Street following Monday's gains on Asia Pacific markets." While shares in the U.S. are mostly higher, Hong Kong markets are down nearly 2%, and Shanghai's markets show marginal increases. These fluctuations indicate a cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a concise yet comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues. From legal battles within the Trump administration and the human toll of the Ukraine conflict to significant social reforms and high-profile trials, the program encapsulates the multifaceted nature of current events. By incorporating direct quotes and insights from various contributors, the summary offers a nuanced understanding of the topics for those who may not have tuned into the full episode.