NPR News Now

Episode: March 28, 2025, 12 PM EDT
Host: Windsor Johnston
Released: March 28, 2025

U.S.-Canada Relations Tense Over New Tariffs

In the latest developments concerning U.S.-Canada relations, President Donald Trump engaged in an "extremely productive" call with Canada's new Prime Minister earlier today. As Windsor Johnston reports, the President expressed optimism about the discussions, stating, “They agreed on many things and will meet immediately, immediately after Canada's upcoming election” (00:00). This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions, primarily due to President Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles starting in April.

Scott Newman provides an analysis of the potential fallout from these tariffs, particularly for the electric vehicle (EV) market. While foreign carmakers face significant challenges, Tesla might weather the storm better thanks to its domestic assembly plants in Texas and California. Newman notes, “Foreign made auto parts are also on the tariff list, and about 30 to 40% of Teslas use components made abroad. That's still less than for many of the company's competitors in the electric vehicle market” (00:56). Despite this, Tesla has encountered a slump in sales and incidents of vandalism linked to public discontent with CEO Elon Musk’s controversial actions.

Health Department Targets Artificial Dyes in Food

The Department of Health and Human Services is embarking on regulatory reforms aimed at reducing the use of artificial dyes in food products. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spearheading these changes, focusing on items like brightly colored candies, cereals marketed to children, cookies, chips, and soft drinks.

Jonathan Lambert highlights the underlying issue, stating, “The real battle is that we're getting sicker and sicker every year, no matter. And it's really just a debate about who's going to pay the treatment. Nobody has been focused on how do we get ourselves less sick” (01:48). This shift signifies a proactive approach to public health by addressing dietary contributors to illness before they necessitate costly treatments.

Montana Enacts Restrictive Transgender Laws

In a significant move that has garnered national attention, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed legislation restricting transgender individuals' access to public accommodations and participation in school sports. Shailee Ragar of Montana Public Radio reports, “Governor Greg Gianforte signed a law requiring transgender people to use public accommodations like bathrooms, according to their reproductive anatomy” (02:23).

This law also bans transgender athletes from competing on girls' and women's sports teams, effective July. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Montana has swiftly filed an emergency request to block the law, arguing that it is discriminatory and infringes upon the state's right to privacy. Previously, a similar ban under a prior governor was struck down, making this latest legislation a focal point of ongoing debates about transgender rights and equality in Montana.

Stock Market Declines Amid Policy Uncertainties

Wall Street is experiencing significant downturns, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting by 531 points and the NASDAQ dropping by 390 points as of the latest update (04:41). These declines reflect investor anxieties over recent policy decisions and economic uncertainties.

Adding to the turbulence, the White House is petitioning the Supreme Court to reinstate deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under the outdated Alien Enemies Act. Windsor Johnston explains, “The White House is asking the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th-century wartime law” (03:06). This legal maneuver follows a setback when a federal appeals court previously blocked the deportations, citing the act's temporary restraining order based on its infrequent use and contested relevance.

Genetic Insights into Equine Athleticism

Shifting to scientific advancements, new research sheds light on why horses are such exceptional athletes. Jonathan Lambert reports, “To run far and fast, cells need to burn a lot of oxygen to produce energy. This process creates harmful byproducts, which cells clean up using antioxidants” (04:01). The study, published in Science, reveals that horses have undergone unique genetic modifications in the key gene pathways that regulate the balance between energy production and the management of cellular damage.

These genetic adaptations enable horses to generate more energy efficiently while enhancing their cellular damage control mechanisms. As a result, horse muscles can operate at higher intensities without incurring the additional costs typically associated with increased metabolic activity. This evolutionary advantage explains the remarkable endurance and speed that characterize horse athleticism.

Market Recap

Continuing the earlier trend, stocks remain on a downward trajectory. Windsor Johnston summarizes, “Stocks continue to trade lower on Wall Street at this hour. The Dow was down 531 points, the NASDAQ down 390” (04:41). Investors are closely monitoring these developments as they navigate the volatile market conditions influenced by both domestic policies and international relations.

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on March 28, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.