NPR News Now: March 10, 2025, 6AM EDT

On the morning of March 10, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international developments. Hosted by Korva Coleman, the episode covered pivotal geopolitical events, economic fluctuations, political shifts, and significant local incidents. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and precise timestamps for reference.

1. U.S.-Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Endeavors and the Ukraine Conflict

Host Introduction: Korva Coleman opened the segment by highlighting President Donald Trump's anticipation of significant developments in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. diplomats are set to engage with Ukrainian officials to explore potential resolutions to the ongoing war with Russia.

Key Details:

• Diplomatic Mission: The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to facilitate discussions that could pave the way for peace between Ukraine and Russia.

• Trump's Optimism: Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump expressed confidence in achieving substantial progress within the week.

  Donald Trump, [00:40]: "I think everybody wants to see it get done. We're going to make a lot of progress, I believe this week."

• Trump's Stance on the Conflict: Despite Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, recent weeks have seen Trump attributing significant responsibility to Ukraine and publicly clashing with the Ukrainian president.

  Donald Trump, [00:56]: "You know, I say they don't have the cards. Nobody really has the cards. Russia doesn't have the cards. They don't have. What you have to do is you have to make a deal and you have to stop the killing."

European Support: Tamara Keith reported that European leaders continue to back Ukraine, reinforcing the international stance against Russian aggression.

2. Political Shifts in Canada and U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions

New Canadian Leadership: Korva Coleman informed listeners about Canada's impending leadership change. Mark Carney has emerged victorious in the Liberal Party race, set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carney anticipates national elections soon and has already voiced concerns regarding U.S.-Canada trade relations.

Mark Carney, [01:35]: "Donald Trump, as we know, has put, as the prime minister just said, unjustified tariffs on what we build, on what we sell, on how we make a living. He's attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses, and we cannot let him succeed."

U.S. Tariff Movements:

• Recent Actions: President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods last week, followed by a brief reprieve for U.S. automakers the next day. Subsequently, most tariffs on Canada and Mexico were suspended, except for a maintained 20% tariff on Chinese imports.
• Chinese Retaliation: In response, China has announced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on U.S. agricultural products, escalating trade tensions further.

Economic Impact: Rafael Nam highlighted the turmoil these tariff changes have caused in the stock markets, emphasizing investor unease due to the fluctuating trade policies and their implications on inflation.

Rafael Nam, [02:30]: "March has so far proven to be an incredibly volatile month for stock markets. A large reason for that has been President Trump's confusing approach to tariffs, especially when it comes to Canada and Mexico."

3. Federal Government Funding and Historical Civil Rights Commemoration

Government Shutdown Threat: Korva Coleman reported that House Republicans have introduced a stopgap federal spending bill to prevent a partial government shutdown looming this Friday night. However, uncertainties remain regarding the bill's passage in both the House and the Senate.

Selma's 60th Anniversary: Mark Carney and Johanse MacBella participated in a rally commemorating the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama—a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement where peaceful protesters were violently confronted by law enforcement.

Mark Carney, [04:00]: "For over 60 years, the world has stood on the backs of Selma. And instead of just being held up, Selma has been pushed down further and further and further and further."

Despite adverse weather conditions, thousands marched to honor the enduring struggle for voting rights. Notably, former President Trump and Vice President Pence were absent from this year's event.

4. Aviation Incidents in Pennsylvania

Plane Crash in Lancaster County: Authorities reported a small aircraft crash yesterday in Lancaster County, southern Pennsylvania. The incident involved five individuals onboard who were hospitalized. Fortunately, no casualties were reported on the ground.

Recent Aviation Safety Concerns: This crash adds to a series of recent plane accidents, including a fatal crash of a medical flight near Philadelphia in late January. The spate of incidents has raised concerns over aviation safety protocols and regulatory oversight.

Conclusion

The March 10, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a succinct yet thorough overview of pressing issues ranging from international diplomacy and trade disputes to political changes and historical commemorations. The inclusion of direct quotes and specific timestamps offers an accurate and engaging recount of the day's most significant news stories.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments were intentionally omitted to focus on the substantive news coverage presented in the episode.