NPR News Now: March 26, 2025

Hosted by Korva Coleman

National Security Advisor’s Use of Signal Messaging App Under Fire

In today's early segment, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz addressed controversy surrounding his use of the commercial messaging app Signal for official communications. Waltz admitted responsibility for creating a group chat on Signal that unintentionally included a journalist. This incident has raised concerns about the security protocols within the Trump administration.

Notable Quote:

"I created the Signal group, not a subordinate." — Mike Waltz at [00:16]

Despite previous Pentagon advisories against using Signal for any classified information, President Trump has directed Waltz to assess the app's suitability for secure communications. Tom Bowman elaborated on the administration's stance:

"President Trump said he wants National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to look into Signal, whether it can be used." — Tom Bowman at [00:43]

This directive comes amid ongoing discussions about the balance between user-friendly communication tools and national security requirements.

Supreme Court to Hear Challenge Against FCC’s Universal Service Fund

The Supreme Court is set to review a significant case involving the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today. The case questions whether Congress overstepped its constitutional authority by empowering the FCC to establish the Universal Service Fund, which aims to provide affordable Internet services to rural and underserved areas.

NPR’s Nina Totenberg provided historical context:

"In 1934, Congress created the Federal Communications Commission to ensure the availability of affordable and reliable phone services throughout the country... In 1996, with the Internet exploding, Congress overhauled the act, telling the FCC to set up a universal service fund." — Nina Totenberg at [01:35]

A conservative group is challenging the legality of this fund, arguing that it effectively imposes a tax on telecommunications companies, which then pass the costs to consumers. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for internet accessibility and the regulatory scope of federal agencies.

NPR and PBS CEOs Testify Amid Allegations of Media Bias

Today, the CEOs of NPR and PBS are scheduled to testify before a House subcommittee chaired by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene has alleged that these media organizations produce biased coverage while being subsidized by taxpayer dollars, questioning the justification for such funding.

Korva Coleman reported on the CEOs' stance:

"The CEOs reject the allegations of bias. They also point out that any cuts in federal funding will harm local member stations." — Korva Coleman at [02:23]

The leaders emphasized that federal funding constitutes a mere 8-10% of revenue for member stations, with some rural stations relying more heavily on these funds. NPR specifically receives about 1% of its funding from direct federal sources. They argued that reducing federal support could undermine the operational capacity of local media outlets, which play a crucial role in community journalism.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Visits El Salvador Prison Amid Legal Tensions

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is scheduled to visit a prison in El Salvador housing over 200 Venezuelan deportees. This visit is at the center of a legal confrontation between the Trump administration and federal courts concerning the use of wartime powers under the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals deemed as violent gang members.

Giles Snyder reported:

"The administration is seeking to overturn a federal judge's order, putting a hold on Trump's use of the law." — Giles Snyder at [03:26]

The administration argues that these deportations are necessary for national security, while opponents contend that the actions violate legal protections and due process. Secretary Noem’s visit underscores the administration’s commitment to its immigration policies despite ongoing judicial challenges.

Record-Breaking Spending in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Raises Concerns

The Wisconsin state Supreme Court election has set a new record for campaign spending, reflecting intense partisan interest in the judiciary's future composition. President Trump has endorsed Brad Shimmel, a conservative candidate, while business magnate Elon Musk has contributed approximately $18 million to support his bid to shift the court's balance. Conversely, Democrats and former President Barack Obama have backed Susan Crawford, aiming to maintain judicial independence.

Chuck Kuernbach from member station WUWM detailed the financial landscape:

"New totals showing that $73 million has been spent on the contest so far." — Chuck Kuernbach at [04:05]

Marquette University law professor Janine Geske voiced significant concerns regarding the implications of such substantial funding:

"It is really an attack on independence of our judiciary, and I'm very concerned." — Janine Geske at [04:39]

The April 1st election is poised to not only determine judicial leadership but also to spark broader debates about the influence of money in judicial processes and the preservation of impartiality within the legal system.

For more detailed updates, visit NPR News Now