NPR News Now: March 25, 2025, 6 PM EDT – Detailed Summary

White House Group Chat Incident Involving Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [00:13]

The latest controversy within the Trump administration centers around the inadvertent inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor in Chief of The Atlantic, into a confidential group chat among top White House officials. This chat was reportedly used to discuss potential U.S. military actions in Yemen.

Deepa Shivaram further elaborates on the situation:

• The National Security Council (NSC) is conducting an investigation to determine how Goldberg was inadvertently added.
• President Trump has publicly defended National Security Advisor Mike Walsh, asserting that no apology is necessary. “As far as I understand, there was no classified information shared in the encrypted messaging app Signal,” Trump stated ([00:38]).

An Unknown Speaker commented on the security lapse:
“If it was up to me, everybody would be sitting in a room together. The room would have solid lead walls and a lead ceiling and a lead floor. But, you know, life doesn't always let you do that” ([00:53]).

Deepa Shivaram also highlighted the connection between NPR and the Signal Foundation, noting that Catherine Marr, CEO of NPR, chairs the board of the Signal Foundation—a nonprofit supporting the encrypted messaging app Signal ([01:04]).

This incident raises concerns about the security protocols within the administration and the potential implications of using encrypted platforms for sensitive communications.

Nomination of Frank Bisignano for Social Security Administration

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [01:17]

Frank Bisignano, a tech CEO, appeared before the Senate Finance Committee as President Trump's nominee to lead the Social Security Administration (SSA). The hearing addressed critical issues plaguing the SSA, including prolonged wait times, office closures, and staffing shortages.

Ashley Lopez reports:

• Bisignano tackled various challenges facing the SSA, emphasizing that the problems primarily stem from leadership gaps. “So I don't know if this is a Doge issue. I think we have a leadership issue,” Bisignano remarked during his testimony ([01:58]).
• Democratic senators expressed concern over the influence of Elon Musk's team, Doge, on the agency’s operations. Bisignano attributed the current dysfunction to the interim commissioner’s collaboration with Musk’s team, suggesting that leadership reforms are necessary to address these inefficiencies ([02:03]).

The hearing underscores the ongoing debate over private sector influence in public agencies and the need for effective leadership to restore credibility and functionality to the SSA.

Impact of Trump's Trade Policies on the Housing Market

Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Scott Horsley
Timestamp: [02:12]

The housing market has witnessed a resurgence in new home sales; however, homebuilders are increasingly concerned about escalating construction costs driven by President Trump's tariff policies.

Scott Horsley reports:

• Homebuilders warn that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are inflating the costs of construction materials, exacerbating the already high prices of new homes.
• KB Homes, a major homebuilder, saw its stock prices drop following a revised, lower sales forecast for the year.
• Concurrently, gasoline prices are on the rise as refineries transition to more expensive summer blends. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports the average pump price for regular fuel has reached approximately $3.14 per gallon, marking a 6-cent increase over the past week yet remaining lower than last year’s prices ([02:22]).

On consumer sentiment:

• The Conference Board indicated a decline in consumer confidence, which fell by over 7 points in March. Short-term economic expectations also dipped nearly 10%, reflecting consumer unease amid rising costs and economic uncertainties ([02:50]).

Despite these challenges, Wall Street showed resilience with modest gains:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 4 points.
• Nasdaq rose by 83 points.
• S&P 500 advanced by 9 points.

These economic indicators suggest a complex interplay between governmental policies and market responses, impacting both the housing sector and broader consumer confidence.

Legal Developments in Refugee Policy

An appeals court has permitted the Trump administration to continue suspending the entry of new refugees amidst ongoing litigation challenging the executive authority of the president over refugee admissions.

• A lower court had previously ruled that presidents possess only limited power to suspend refugee programs established by Congress.
• Under the appellate judge’s order, refugees who were conditionally approved before Trump assumed office must still undergo processing, maintaining a degree of continuity despite the administration’s restrictions.

This legal battle highlights the tension between executive actions and legislative frameworks in shaping the United States' refugee policies.

Broadway’s "Othello" Sets Box Office Records with Educational Access

Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Jeff London
Timestamp: [03:51]

A production of Shakespeare's "Othello" starring high-profile actors Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal has opened to mixed critical reviews but has achieved impressive box office numbers, with ticket prices soaring as high as $900.

Jeff London provides insights into the show's accessibility:

• Approximately 2,000 New York area schoolchildren will have the opportunity to attend "Othello" for free, thanks to a collaboration between the New York Department of Education, Boys and Girls of America, and several anonymous donors.
• Additionally, a limited number of $49 student rush tickets are available for each performance, providing more affordable access to the critically acclaimed show.
• Despite some high-priced tickets, Othello has been a commercial success, grossing over $2.5 million last week alone.

This initiative not only supports educational outreach but also makes high-caliber theatrical productions more accessible to younger audiences, fostering a new generation of theater enthusiasts.

Rising Injuries Among Major League Baseball Pitchers

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [04:32]

Major League Baseball has observed a concerning increase in injuries among pitchers, a trend attributed to escalating pitch velocities.

• A comprehensive 62-page report released by Major League Baseball in December identified the surge in pitch speeds as a primary factor contributing to higher injury rates.
• The relentless pursuit of greater velocity places additional strain on pitchers' arms, leading to more frequent and severe injuries.
• Solutions discussed include revising pitching techniques, implementing stricter pitch counts, and enhancing conditioning programs to better prepare pitchers for the physical demands of the game.

Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining player health and the overall competitiveness of the sport.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the substantive news content presented in the episode.