NPR News Now: March 27, 2025, 4AM EDT
Host: Shea Stevens
1. U.S. Imposes 25% Tariffs on Imported Cars and Auto Parts
Shea Stevens opens the episode with President Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and auto parts, set to take effect on April 3rd. Trump aims to bolster domestic car manufacturing and pressure automakers reliant on global supply chains. However, industry analysts warn that these tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices.
Notable Quote:
“The levies will foster domestic car manufacturing and put a financial squeeze on automakers that now depend on global supply chains.” — President Trump [00:16]
European Commission’s Response: Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission Chief, expressed deep regret over the tariffs, highlighting the automotive industry's role in innovation and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. She emphasized that the tariffs would negatively impact businesses and consumers alike and noted that the EU is evaluating potential countermeasures to protect its economic interests.
Notable Quote:
“The tariffs will be bad for businesses and consumers on both sides.” — Ursula von der Leyen [00:48]
2. Leaked Group Chat Reveals Planning for U.S. Attack in Yemen
Shea Stevens reports on a significant leak by The Atlantic, which published group chat messages received by the publication's editor-in-chief. These messages detail Defense Secretary Pete Hegsep's timeline for a planned U.S. attack in Yemen, communicated via an encrypted app. The Trump administration had previously claimed the information was unclassified, but Democrats on Capitol Hill are now calling for a comprehensive investigation.
Notable Quote:
“The messages show Defense Secretary Pete Hegsep giving a timeline for the attack using an encrypted app.” — Shea Stevens [01:33]
3. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Visit to Jamaica: Travel Advisories and Cuba's Medical Program
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently in Jamaica and Suriname, focusing on energy, security, trade, and tourism. During his meeting with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Rubio addressed the State Department's travel advisory against Jamaica, citing high crime rates and inadequate medical services.
Notable Quote:
“Jamaica is safer than it's been in decades.” — Prime Minister Andrew Holness [02:19]
Rubio announced plans to reevaluate these travel advisories to better reflect the current realities, aiming to promote tourism. Additionally, Rubio criticized Cuba's program of sending doctors to the region, labeling it as forced labor. In response, Prime Minister Holness defended the Cuban medical initiative, stating that Jamaica benefits significantly from it.
Notable Quote:
“I will reevaluate the messages to American tourists.” — Marco Rubio [02:44]
4. France Considers European Armed Force in Ukraine Amid Russian Threats
In international defense news, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a proposed European armed force could be deployed to respond swiftly in the event of a Russian attack on Ukraine. This comes as EU leaders convene in Paris to discuss collective security measures amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
Notable Quote:
“A proposed European armed force in Ukraine could respond to a Russian attack.” — Emmanuel Macron [03:03]
5. Appeals Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants
A federal appeals panel has denied the Trump administration's request to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. The administration had attempted to fly alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador but faced judicial resistance. The appeals court ruled that the administration failed to demonstrate a likely success in overturning the court orders blocking these deportations.
Notable Quote:
“The administration has so far failed to show that it can win its lawsuit against court orders blocking the deportations.” — Shea Stevens [03:03]
6. Massive Wildfires in South Carolina Prompt Evacuations
Shea Stevens covers the severe wildfires raging in the South Carolina mountains, exacerbated by shifting winds and dry weather. Fires at Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge have grown rapidly, leading to significant evacuations.
Key Details:
- Madeline Stewart of the South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that ground crews are contending with rugged terrain and unexpected fire directions due to high winds.
- The Table Rock fire has doubled in size, while the Persimmon Ridge fire has tripled.
- An additional 20 crews have been deployed, and containment lines have been extended further out.
Notable Quotes:
"Those high winds and that extreme fire behavior caused the fire to move in the opposite direction from what we were expecting." — Marco Rubio [04:06]
"From Tuesday to Wednesday, both blazes grew significantly, with the Table Rock fire doubling and the Persimmon Ridge fire tripling in size." — Madeline Stewart [04:11]
7. Destructive Wildfires in South Korea Leave 26 Dead
The episode concludes with a tragic update from South Korea, where wildfires have claimed 26 lives. The fires originated last week in the southern region, displacing tens of thousands and destroying hundreds of structures, including an ancient mosque. Authorities continue to battle the blazes to protect vulnerable communities.
Notable Quote:
"The fires have forced thousands of evacuations and destroyed hundreds of structures, including an ancient mosque." — Shea Stevens [04:27]
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments presented in the March 27, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news stories.