NPR News Now – Detailed Summary

Episode: NPR News: 03-11-2025 4PM EDT
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Source: NPR

1. U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Ease Over Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

[00:13] Lakshmi Singh introduced the episode by highlighting a significant development in U.S.-Canada trade relations. Ontario has withdrawn its 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. This reversal comes in response to President Donald Trump's threat to escalate U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. The initial double levy was slated to take effect the following morning, coinciding with broader steel and aluminum tariffs, thereby creating turbulence in the U.S. market.

[00:43] Maria Aspen provided further analysis, noting that Trump, who has historically sought Wall Street's favor by touting stock market gains and promoting pro-business policies, is now seemingly prioritizing tariff leverage over economic stability. Aspen remarked, "Trump appears to be prioritizing the leverage power of tariffs above all else, including the stock market and the pain that a trade war would cause the US Economy" ([00:43]). Additionally, she mentioned Trump's recent comments that failed to rule out a recession, which unsettled investors. The White House, however, dismissed concerns, describing the current phase as a "period of economic transition."

2. Progress Towards Peace in Ukraine with U.S. Involvement

[01:21] Lakshmi Singh updated listeners on diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace in Ukraine. Both U.S. and Ukrainian officials have reportedly made strides towards durable peace, with the U.S. announcing the resumption of intelligence sharing and security assistance.

[01:36] Michelle Kellerman detailed the progress made during talks in Saudi Arabia, which helped mend the previously strained relationship between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky expressed "strong gratitude" towards Trump for facilitating meaningful peace progress and indicated Ukraine's readiness for a 30-day ceasefire proposal. [02:00] Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, "And we hope that they'll say yes, that they'll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court" ([02:00]). Following these developments, the U.S. is lifting a pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine, signaling renewed support.

3. Safety Concerns at Reagan National Airport and Duterte’s Arrest

[02:11] Lakshmi Singh reported on the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) concerns regarding flight patterns around Reagan National Airport. The NTSB chair has voiced that the current proximity of helicopter and commercial plane operations poses an "intolerable risk," especially after the tragic mid-air collision in January that resulted in 67 fatalities.

In international news, [02:44] Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, was arrested and transferred to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity. Duterte, aged 79, was detained upon his return from Hong Kong. [02:50] Duterte was quoted, "Apparently, I was brought here not of my own" ([02:44]). A video of his arrest was circulated online by his daughter, Veronica. The International Criminal Court had issued a warrant for Duterte in connection with alleged extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs that commenced in 2016.

4. U.S. Department of Education Employees Directed to Work From Home

Late in the episode, [Lakshmi Singh] covered a concerning development within the U.S. Department of Education. Employees received an urgent email instructing them to vacate all department offices by 6 PM Eastern on the day of the broadcast and to work from home the following day, potentially returning on Thursday. The directive, issued by the department's Office of Finance and Operations, has left employees anxious about possible reprisals, leading some to share the email with NPR anonymously.

This move is part of a broader pattern of "sweeping cost-cutting measures" implemented by the administration across various federal agencies, including mass layoffs of federal workers. Neither the White House nor the Department of Education responded to NPR's inquiries for comments on this matter.

5. Billy Joel Postpones Tour Due to Health Issues

[04:02] Elizabeth Blair reported that legendary musician Billy Joel has postponed his ongoing tour, citing an undisclosed medical condition. The postponement spans four months, necessitated by recent surgery and the need for physical therapy. Joel communicated his decision via an Instagram statement, expressing regret over the inconvenience: "While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first" ([04:02]).

The updated tour schedule anticipates resuming in Pittsburgh in July, with affected performances across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Ticket holders are assured that their purchases will be valid for the rescheduled dates. In a poignant moment, Joel sang, "Sing us a song. You're the piano man. Sing us a song" ([04:29]), underscoring his dedication to his craft and his fans. He concluded his statement by expressing eagerness to return to the stage, sharing the "joy of live music."

6. U.S. Stock Market Declines Amid Economic Uncertainties

Concluding the episode, [Lakshmi Singh] reported a downturn in the U.S. stock market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by over 1%, equivalent to 478 points ([04:45]). This decline reflects ongoing investor anxieties amidst the administration's trade policies and broader economic transitions.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates critical developments in international trade, diplomatic efforts in conflict zones, safety and accountability in aviation, internal government operations, cultural updates, and economic indicators, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's pivotal news.