NPR News Now: February 11, 2025, 10 AM EST

On this morning’s episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. The episode covers significant geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, critical shifts in U.S. education policy, escalating trade conflicts, influential statements from global religious leaders, environmental policy changes, and major weather warnings affecting the United States. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

1. Tensions Escalate in the Middle East

Jordan’s King Abdullah to Visit the White House

King Abdullah of Jordan is scheduled to visit the White House, marking a highly anticipated meeting with President Donald Trump. The discussions are set against a backdrop of ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Trump has made contentious demands regarding the situation in Gaza, which have been met with resistance from both Jordan and Egypt.

Hostage Situation in Gaza

President Trump has publicly insisted that all hostages held in Gaza be returned to Israel by Saturday, threatening severe consequences if his demands are not met. At [00:45], NPR’s Kat Lansdorf reports:

"[Trump] has demanded that Jordan and Egypt, except all Palestinians now living in Gaza, a suggestion both countries have rejected."

Trump added, “[...] all hell is going to break out" if hostages are not released ([00:45]). This statement has heightened fears of increased conflict in the region.

Ceasefire Fragility

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered with U.S. support, stipulates the gradual release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, Hamas has postponed the release of three hostages as part of the ceasefire agreement, citing Israel’s alleged violations of the truce. Israel has responded by placing its troops on heightened alert in Gaza, indicating the tense and uncertain nature of the ceasefire’s future ([00:45]).

2. U.S. Education Department Cuts Impact Learning Programs

Shutting Down the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has decided to cut funding to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), a crucial research arm within the U.S. Department of Education. NPR’s Janaki Mehta explains the implications of this decision at [01:47]:

"There's some high quality digital tools that are already being used in classrooms in many states to measure how kids can make up ground in math. It's part of a study that IES was conducting and now that that contract is canceled, the study is going to be cut short and the tools could soon be pulled from classrooms."

The termination of IES threatens to dismantle vital educational programs that support classroom learning and student assessment, potentially hindering advancements in educational methodologies and student performance evaluation.

3. Trade Conflicts Stir Market Turmoil

U.S. Tariffs Draw Retaliation from Trading Partners

The implementation of new 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum by President Trump has sparked promises of retaliation from U.S. trading partners, notably the European Union. NPR’s Scott Horsley reports at [02:23]:

"The European Union says the president's new 25% taxes on imported steel and aluminum will not go unanswered. EU leader Ursula von der Leyen says the trading bloc will push back with its own on US exports in order to protect European workers, businesses, and consumers."

This trade battle mirrors previous conflicts under Trump’s administration, which economists argue have cost U.S. manufacturing jobs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reflected investor concerns, falling nearly 100 points in early trading ([02:06]).

Federal Reserve’s Stance on Interest Rates

Amidst the trade tensions, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is set to testify before a Senate committee. Powell has indicated that the Federal Reserve is not in a hurry to reduce interest rates further, citing persistent inflation and a low unemployment rate as factors necessitating a cautious approach ([02:23]).

4. Influential Voices Speak on Immigration and Environmental Policies

Pope Francis Condemns Mass Deportations

Pope Francis has openly criticized the Trump administration’s plans to conduct mass deportations of undocumented migrants in the United States. In a letter to U.S. Bishops, the pontiff stated:

"Forcibly removing people based on their documented status strips them of inherent dignity. This [...] will end badly" ([03:04]).

The Pope also disagreed with Vice President Vance’s theological justification for deportation, highlighting the moral and ethical concerns surrounding the administration's immigration policies.

Trump’s Executive Order on Plastic Straws

In an environmental policy reversal, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back former President Joe Biden’s initiative to reduce plastic pollution. NPR’s Jacob Benston details this move at [03:54]:

"Trump says we're going back to plastic. On Truth Social, he complained about paper straws that disgustingly dissolve in your mouth."

The executive order eliminates the provision for paper straws in federal buildings, a part of Biden’s plan to phase out single-use plastics by 2027. Activist Jackie Nunez welcomed the attention to single-use plastics despite disagreements with the policy ([04:18]):

"We use plastic straws, we're literally drinking in plastic particles and chemicals."

5. Severe Winter Storms Set to Impact the U.S.

Winter Storm Warnings Issued Nationwide

A powerful winter storm is projected to sweep through the central and eastern regions of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories spanning from Colorado to Delaware. Areas are expected to experience heavy snowfall and significant ice accumulation over the coming days, posing challenges to travel and daily activities ([04:31]).

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a nuanced and in-depth look at critical issues shaping the national and global landscape. From escalating geopolitical tensions and impactful policy changes to environmental initiatives and severe weather forecasts, the program ensures that audiences are well-informed about the events unfolding around them.