NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of March 11, 2025, 2PM EDT Episode
Released on March 11, 2025
U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Escalate
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporter: Danielle Kurtzleben
President Donald Trump has intensified his administration's tariff strategy by announcing plans to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, up from the previously stated 25%. This decision comes amidst escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
“Trump had already set blanket 25% steel and aluminum tariffs to go into effect at midnight. But in a social media post Tuesday, the president said he would specifically set the tariffs for Canada at 50%.”
— Danielle Kurtzleben, [00:33]
The move is a retaliatory response to Ontario's 25% surcharge on all electricity exports to the U.S., which itself was a reaction to Trump's initial tariffs on Canadian goods. This latest escalation contributes to the unpredictability surrounding Trump's tariff policies, causing unease in both the stock markets and among consumers.
Economic Outlook and Potential Recession
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Spokesperson: Caroline Levitt
Amidst the ongoing trade disputes, President Trump has not dismissed the possibility of a recession in the current year. When questioned, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt reflected the President's sentiment:
“As President Trump has said, and I'm here to echo the remarks of this president of this White House, we are in a period of economic transition.”
— Caroline Levitt, [01:18]
Assessing Trump's Economic Legacy
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Source: FactCheck.org
Trump has criticized his predecessor for leaving an economic "mess." However, FactCheck.org reported in February 2024 that since the start of the Biden administration, the U.S. economy has added nearly 14.8 million jobs. Despite this job growth, consumer prices have continued to rise, with the Federal Reserve's efforts to curb inflation achieving only a modest reduction to around 3% from higher rates.
Government Funding and Potential Shutdown
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a continuing resolution intended to keep federal agencies funded through September 30th, thereby averting a partial government shutdown. The GOP majority faces a Friday deadline to pass the bill, but Democratic leaders have signaled strong opposition, raising concerns about the potential for a shutdown if an agreement isn't reached.
Southwest Airlines Alters Baggage Policies
Reporter: Katherine Hobbs (KERA)
Southwest Airlines is making significant changes to its baggage policy, ending its long-standing tradition of offering free checked bags to most customers, effective May 28. The new policy restricts free checked bags to top-tier Rapid Rewards members, those purchasing Business Select tickets, and passengers with Southwest credit cards. Additionally, the airline is introducing a basic economy fare, modifying its Rapid Rewards program, and ending its open seating policy later this year.
“The new bag policy allows only top tier rapid rewards, a list preferred members and those purchasing Business select tickets to check two free bags...”
— Katherine Hobbs, [02:21]
Experts warn that these changes could negatively impact customer loyalty. The decision comes as Southwest faces pressure from an activist investor to improve performance in the post-pandemic landscape, especially after experiencing a major operational meltdown during the 2022 holiday season, which resulted in thousands of flight cancellations.
Market Movements and Brief News Highlights
Host: Lakshmi Singh
The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a significant drop, falling by 530 points (1.2%) to 41,381. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also saw declines of 47 and 54 points, respectively.
In other news:
-
Art Custody Battle: The 16th-century Antonio Solerio painting, "The Madonna and Child," remains at the center of a prolonged legal dispute. Stolen over half a century ago from a museum in northern Italy, the artwork was later acquired by a baron and relocated to his residence in eastern England. The baron's widow is currently contesting ownership, seeking to retain the valuable piece.
-
Lincoln Center's Historic Donation: Philanthropists Lynn and Richard Pascalano have donated $50 million to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, marking the largest gift in the institution's history. This generous contribution aims to transform contemporary dance programming by supporting global dance performances and nurturing the next generation of dance artists.
“The $50 million donation comes from philanthropists Lynn and Richard Pascalano. The goal? Transform Lincoln center contemporary dance programming.”
— Elizabeth Blair, [03:41]
Lincoln Center, home to prestigious institutions like Juilliard and the New York City Ballet, acknowledges the significance of this donation, especially as the contemporary dance community continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Trump Acquires a Tesla
Reporter: Caroline Levitt
In a lighter segment, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt announced that President Trump is acquiring a Tesla vehicle. While Tesla is led by Elon Musk, a key figure in Trump's new cost-cutting government entity, Doge, it remains uncertain whether the President intends to personally drive the new electric vehicle.
This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates the latest developments in U.S. politics, economic policies, corporate changes, and cultural news, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of significant events shaping the current landscape.