NPR News Now: March 11, 2025, 11 PM EDT
Hosted by NPR’s Giles Snyder, this episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive update on the latest developments in politics, the economy, international affairs, social issues, and sports. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
Political Developments
President Trump's Cabinet Completion
NPR's Don Gonyea reports on the completion of President Trump's cabinet with the confirmation of Lori Chavez DiRiemer as Labor Secretary. The Senate approved her nomination with a 67-32 vote, where "17 Democrats joined with the majority Republicans to vote yes" (00:25). Notably, Senator Rand Paul expressed reservations due to her past support for the PRO Act. During her Senate hearing, Chavez DiRiemer clarified her stance, indicating that she views the PRO Act as a "starting point for legislative bargaining."
Government Funding and Potential Shutdown
House Republicans are preparing for a vote on a stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown. According to Giles Snyder, the House Rules Committee advanced the measure, but "House Democrats expected to oppose the bill that would extend government funding past midnight Friday" (01:13). The bill must also pass the Senate, highlighting ongoing legislative negotiations.
Economic Updates
Stock Market Volatility Amid Tariffs
Economist Maria Aspen explains the recent turbulence in the stock market, largely influenced by President Trump's implementation of new tariffs. "The stock market has been up and down, but mostly down, since early last week when President Trump's new tariffs went into effect" (01:43). Temporary relief measures for automakers in Mexico and Canada provided some respite, but persistent concerns over the potential economic impact of tariffs have led to significant investor anxiety.
Market Indices Performance
The S&P 500 experienced a notable decline, falling by 2.7% on Monday after its worst week since September. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 890 points, and the Nasdaq Composite fell by 4%, as reported by Giles Snyder (02:00). Asian markets mirrored Wall Street's downturn, reacting sharply in Tuesday trading due to fears of an escalating trade war.
International Affairs
Crisis in Syria: Druze Minority Evacuation
Jane Araf provides a poignant update on the humanitarian crisis affecting Syria's Druze minority. "It's late at night and we're on the highway between Damascus and Su of these buses coming back, and they're filled with students, more than a thousand of them," recounts Araf as she describes the evacuation of Druze students from the violence-ridden Syrian coast (02:32). The exodus follows the targeted killings of members of the Alawite minority, instilling fear among the Druze population of facing similar atrocities.
Social Issues and Cultural Milestones
Removal of Black Lives Matter Graffiti Near White House
In response to pressure from Republican members of Congress, Washington D.C. has initiated the removal of large yellow "Black Lives Matter" paint on a street just one block from the White House. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the action, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the movement (03:07).
Harriet Tubman Day and Currency Honor Effort
On Harriet Tubman Day, Chandelys Duster reports on a significant legislative effort spearheaded by a New Hampshire lawmaker to honor Tubman on U.S. currency. The "Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025" aims to have Tubman's face featured on all $20 bills printed after December 31, 2030. Ernestine Tina Martin, Tubman's great-great-great-grandniece, passionately advocates for the bill: "You don't have to like us... but just do the right thing. Think about what God would want you to do." (04:08). Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the bill's creator, remains committed to pursuing all avenues to ensure Tubman's recognition on U.S. currency (04:19).
Sports Highlights
UConn Women's Basketball Triumph
In sports news, the UConn women's basketball team secured its fifth consecutive Big East Tournament championship by defeating Creighton with a score of 70 to 50. This victory grants UConn an automatic bid to the women's NCAA basketball tournament set to commence the following week (04:30).
Timestamp References
- 00:00 – Fred Hutch Cancer Center Advertisement
- 00:08 – Episode Introduction by Giles Snyder
- 00:25 – Confirmation of Lori Chavez DiRiemer as Labor Secretary
- 01:13 – House Republicans' Stopgap Funding Bill
- 01:43 – Stock Market Impact Due to Tariffs
- 02:00 – Decline in S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq; Asian Markets Reaction
- 02:32 – Evacuation of Druze Students from Syria
- 03:07 – Removal of BLM Graffiti Near White House
- 03:46 – Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025
- 04:08 – Quote by Ernestine Tina Martin on Currency Honor
- 04:19 – Senator Jeanne Shaheen's Commitment to Tubman Tribute
- 04:30 – UConn Women's Basketball Championship
- 04:52 – Warby Parker Advertisement
Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative segments of the podcast.
This summary encapsulates the pivotal moments and discussions from the NPR News Now episode, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the topics covered.