NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of the March 31, 2025, 10AM EDT Episode

Released on March 31, 2025

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events in its March 31, 2025, episode. Hosted by Korva Coleman, the five-minute broadcast covered a range of topics from economic shifts and political maneuvers to significant legal cases and natural disasters. This summary encapsulates all key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

Market and Economic Updates

Stock Market Decline Amid Tariff Fears

The episode opened with Korva Coleman reporting on the Dow Jones Industrial Average's downturn, noting a drop of approximately 180 points in early trading as investors remain cautious ahead of anticipated tariff announcements. Scott Horsley provided further context, explaining that President Trump's implementation of new tariffs on cars and car parts is set to take effect within the week. Additionally, the president hinted at forthcoming "reciprocal tariffs," which could impose additional taxes on imports from major trading partners. This economic tension contributed to the stock market's negative performance, with Dow Jones Industrials falling by 125 points later in the morning.

Gasoline Prices and Corporate Acquisitions

Scott Horsley also highlighted the rise in gasoline prices, attributing the increase to refiners transitioning to more expensive summer fuel blends. The average price of regular gas climbed to approximately $3.17 per gallon, marking a five-cent rise from the previous month, as reported by AAA. Despite the increase, gas prices remain relatively low compared to the same period in previous years, thanks in part to subdued demand.

In the corporate sector, NPR reported that Rocket, an online mortgage company, is in the process of acquiring rival Mr. Cooper in a stock deal valued at over $9 billion. This acquisition is part of Rocket's broader strategy of expansion, which recently included plans to purchase the Redfin real estate brokerage.

Political Developments

President Trump’s Potential Third Term Ambitions

Korva Coleman introduced a significant political topic regarding President Trump's speculated interest in serving a third term. NPR's Tamara Keith delved into this issue, stating, "The way he talks about a third term, it's like he's keeping his options" [01:29]. Keith emphasized the constitutional barrier, citing the 22nd Amendment, which "bars a president from being elected to a third term" [01:29]. Despite this, Trump has not dismissed the notion entirely, leading to discussions about novel and largely speculative legal theories that could challenge the existing constitutional framework. Keith concluded that while these theories are currently far-fetched, Trump's open dialogue on the matter means the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed.

Legal Developments

Supreme Court Case on Catholic Charities

Korva Coleman reported on a significant legal case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, involving Catholic Charities. NPR's Nina Totenberg provided an in-depth look into the case, explaining that a chapter of Catholic Charities in northern Wisconsin is contesting its obligation to participate in the state unemployment compensation system. The organization argues for an exemption, proposing to enroll in an alternative church-based system that is less costly. The state, however, contends that Catholic Charities serves a diverse population, including non-Catholics, and does not engage in proselytizing, thereby necessitating its participation in the mandatory state system. Totenberg noted, "the state explicitly forbids proselytizing it is required to participate in the state unemployment compensation system" [02:10].

International News

Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar

A major earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation. Korva Coleman detailed the alarming figures, reporting that the military junta confirmed over 1,700 fatalities and thousands of injuries by Friday's tremor. The city of Mandalay was particularly hard-hit, with substantial destruction reported. The earthquake's effects were felt as far south as Thailand, where at least 18 people lost their lives due to a building collapse hundreds of miles from the epicenter. The tremor has had significant humanitarian implications, prompting international concern and relief efforts.

President Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

In an unexpected international development, President Trump reiterated his intention to annex Greenland. In a recent interview, he stated there is "a good possibility the US could do it, [quote] without military force" [04:00]. This ambition has been met with strong opposition from Greenland's new Prime Minister, Jens Friedrich Nielsen, who asserted that "the United States will not get Greenland" and emphasized Greenlanders' right to "decide their own future" [04:00]. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Greenland over sovereignty and territorial claims.

Domestic Protests

Massive Protests Against Immigration Policies in Texas

Korva Coleman reported significant protests in Texas against the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, particularly the deportation of individuals without legal status. Demonstrators gathered in downtown Dallas, carrying signs with messages like "rise up" and "no one is illegal." Priscilla Rice from member station KERA provided a vivid account of the demonstrations, capturing the emotional atmosphere with "Shouts of 'Si se puede,' yes you can echoed across downtown Dallas" [04:05].

Malu Pinon Castro, a Dallas resident with Mexican heritage, shared her personal fears: "We want our country to survive. My children were born here. My parents fought for us to be in this country" [04:26]. Although this year's protest did not reach the attendance levels of the 2006 mega march, which saw 500,000 participants, organizers still hailed the event as a success, highlighting the sustained opposition to the administration's immigration stance.

Weather Alerts

Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings in the South

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for areas near New Orleans due to a powerful thunderstorm affecting parts of the southern United States. Korva Coleman emphasized the severity of the weather situation, noting its potential impact on local communities. Concurrently, the ongoing instability in the stock market was reiterated, with Wall Street experiencing further declines as the day progressed.

Conclusion

The March 31, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a broad spectrum of current events, from economic fluctuations and political strategies to critical legal battles and international crises. Notable moments included President Trump's controversial remarks on a third term and territorial expansion, the Supreme Court's deliberation on Catholic Charities' obligations, and the global repercussions of Myanmar's devastating earthquake. Additionally, the episode highlighted significant domestic unrest regarding immigration policies and severe weather warnings impacting the southern United States. Through clear sections and attributed quotes, NPR News Now ensured a comprehensive and engaging overview for its audience.

For those interested in more details, you can listen to the full episode on Amazon Music with a Prime membership, any podcast app, or by subscribing directly at plus.NPR.org.