NPR News Now: March 26, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Jack Speer
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. President Trump Announces Tariffs on Auto Imports

Timestamp: [00:13]

Summary: President Donald Trump has declared new tariffs on auto imports entering the United States. The White House asserts that this move aims to boost domestic production. However, many auto analysts caution that these tariffs may negatively impact companies reliant on global supply chains, including numerous U.S. automakers. Approximately 4 million vehicles sold annually in the U.S. are assembled in Canada or Mexico. The tariffs are expected to target finished vehicles rather than automotive parts, potentially narrowing their immediate impact.

Key Points:

• Domestic Production Boost: The administration believes tariffs will encourage more vehicles to be produced within the U.S.
• Impact on Supply Chains: Concerns arise over the strain on automakers dependent on parts from Canada and Mexico.
• Scope of Tariffs: Focused on finished vehicles, sparing automotive parts, which could mitigate some immediate disruptions.

2. White House Group Chat Leak Sparks Criticism

Timestamp: [01:00]

Summary: The Atlantic magazine released messages from a group chat involving senior Trump officials, revealing detailed plans about military actions against the Houthis in Yemen. This leak has intensified criticism of the administration, with the White House striving to downplay the significance of the disclosed information.

Notable Quotes:

• Alina Haba, Counselor to the President:
  "[01:23] Look, it is what it is. At the end of the day, this is in my opinion, something that they're making a big to do about nothing."

Key Points:

• Details in Messages: The chat included precise launch times and the specific fighter jets designated for the strikes.
• White House Stance: Officials claim the information was not classified and dismiss the media’s focus on the leak.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: Top officials face increasing questions regarding the leak from both the White House and Capitol Hill.

3. Supreme Court Upholds Regulations on Ghost Guns

Timestamp: [01:39]

Summary: A recent Supreme Court decision has upheld a 2022 rule that mandates ghost guns to be sold with serial numbers and subjected to background checks, aligning them with other firearms. This ruling, however, does not settle the debate, as the Trump administration is evaluating the possibility of repealing this and other Biden-era gun regulations.

Notable Quotes:

• Douglas Letter, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence:
  "[02:13] The rule prevents criminals and others who are barred from purchasing weapons from doing so. So it's unclear why anybody would want to withdraw this rule."

• Martin Kosti, NPR News:
  "[02:25] In a post on X, the NRA called on the administration to rescind what it calls this misguided rule that inhibits law-abid Americans from exercising their constitutional rights."

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Decision: The court affirmed regulations requiring ghost guns to have serial numbers and undergo background checks.
• Administration's Review: The Trump administration may seek to overturn these regulations.
• Opposition: Gun control advocates and organizations like the Brady Center oppose any repeal, emphasizing the importance of the rule in preventing illegal firearm access.

4. Canadian Prime Minister Criticizes Trump's Trade Policies

Timestamp: [02:37]

Summary: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has voiced concerns over President Trump's ongoing trade war, highlighting its detrimental effects not only on other nations but also on the U.S. economy. Carney points out that U.S. consumer confidence has hit a multi-year low and that relations between the U.S. and Canada are strained.

Key Points:

• Economic Impact: The tariffs are contributing to declining consumer confidence in the U.S.
• U.S.-Canada Relations: Relations have deteriorated to their lowest point, affecting bilateral trade.
• Ambassador Bridge Context: Carney made his remarks near the Ambassador Bridge, the busiest U.S.-Canadian border crossing, which handles about a quarter of all trade between the two countries.
• Market Reaction: Declines in major tech stocks and concerns over tariffs have led to a drop in the U.S. stock market, with the Dow Jones falling by 132 points.

5. Supreme Court to Decide on Universal Service Fund

Timestamp: [03:15]

Summary: The Supreme Court is poised to potentially preserve the Universal Service Fund, which allocates approximately $8 billion annually to subsidize Internet and phone services in schools, libraries, and rural areas. This comes after the court heard nearly three hours of arguments, reviewing a prior ruling that deemed the Fund's associated tax unconstitutional.

Key Points:

• Universal Service Fund Importance: Both liberal and conservative justices have expressed concerns about the implications of eliminating this funding.
• Future of Funding: The decision will determine whether the government continues to subsidize essential communication services nationwide.
• Historical Context: The Universal Service Fund has been supported by a tax added to consumer phone bills for nearly three decades.

6. Commemoration of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Timestamp: [03:57]

Summary: Maryland state officials gathered in Baltimore to honor the six construction workers who lost their lives when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed a year ago after a massive container ship collision. The event was marked by a somber crowd, including family members of the victims and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Notable Quotes:

• Wamboy Kamau, WYPR:
  "[03:57] We came to call Alejandro's name, Carlos name, Jose's name. At the water's edge, a somber crowd gathered. Among them were the families of the six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of its collapse. Maryland Governor Wes Moore was one of the many officials in attendance."

Key Points:

• Impact of the Collapse: The incident not only resulted in tragic loss of life but also caused significant traffic disruptions and economic strain in the region.
• Future Plans: Maryland's transportation secretary announced that pre-construction activities have commenced, with expectations to reopen the bridge by fall 2028.
• Community Response: The memorial highlighted the community's resilience and commitment to rebuilding.

7. Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Falling Inventories

Timestamp: [04:38]

Summary: Crude oil futures have surged, with prices increasing by 65 cents to settle at $69.65 per barrel. This rise comes after the release of new government data indicating a decline in oil inventories last week.

Key Points:

• Inventory Decline: The reduction in oil stockpiles has bolstered market confidence in rising oil prices.
• Economic Implications: Higher oil prices can have widespread effects on transportation costs, consumer prices, and overall economic stability.
• Market Trends: The upward movement in oil prices reflects broader market dynamics influenced by supply and demand factors.

Conclusion

The March 26, 2025, episode of NPR News Now encapsulated crucial developments ranging from President Trump's tariff announcements impacting the auto industry to significant judicial decisions on gun control and the Universal Service Fund. International relations, particularly between the U.S. and Canada, were highlighted amidst economic strains caused by trade policies. The episode also paid tribute to the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and noted the rise in crude oil prices influenced by declining inventories. Through detailed reporting and insightful analysis, NPR News Now provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing issues.