NPR News Now: March 11, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Host: Jack Spier | Release Date: March 11, 2025

1. International Affairs

Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Proposal

At [00:13], Jack Spier reported on President Donald Trump's announcement regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Trump stated that Ukraine is open to a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, contingent upon the U.S. lifting its suspension of military-aided intelligence sharing with Kyiv Supply. Speaking from the White House, Trump emphasized that “the ball is now in Russia's court” ([00:13]).

Trump’s Call for Ceasefire

Trump elaborated on the potential agreement at [00:32]:
"Ukraine has agreed to it and hopefully Russia will agree to it. We're going to meet with them later on today and tomorrow and hopefully we'll be able to wipe out a deal. But I think the ceasefire is very important. If we can get Russia to do it, that'll be great. If we can't, we just keep going on and people are going to get killed. Lots of people."
This proposal comes a week after intensified efforts to encourage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in peace talks, aiming to resolve the conflict that has persisted for over three years following Russia's invasion.

2. Domestic Government Updates

US Department of Education Security Measures

At [00:50], Jack Spier transitioned to a surprising development within the U.S. Department of Education. An unusual email was sent to employees, instructing them to vacate all department offices by 6 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday and to work from home subsequently. NPR's Cory Turner provided further details at [01:14]:

"Staff were instructed by the department's Office of Security to leave their offices by 6pm Eastern Time and they were told to work from home Wednesday. The email included little explanation saying offices would be closed for security reasons and would reopen Thursday."
Employees, fearing potential sweeping staff cuts, shared the email with NPR without naming names due to concerns over retribution. Additionally, agency heads are expected to submit restructuring plans on Thursday to achieve significant reductions in force, heightening anxieties among department staff.

3. Transportation Safety

Collision Investigation Near Reagan National Airport

At [01:55], Jack Spier reported on the federal investigation into a January collision between a passenger jet and an army helicopter near Washington's Reagan National Airport. Preliminary findings indicate a serious safety issue, with recommendations including a potential FAA ban on certain helicopter flights. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that over a 13-month period, there were at least one close call per month between commercial planes and helicopters, underscoring persistent safety concerns.

4. Financial Markets and Trade

Stock Market Declines Amid Trade Tensions

Jack Spier detailed significant declines in the stock market at [02:26], noting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 1%, closing down by 478 points. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 also experienced drops of 32 and 42 points, respectively.

Trump's Tariff Announcements and Economic Impact

Scott Horsley provided context on the market movements, explaining that President Trump was preparing to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting Wednesday. This move threatens to increase prices across various sectors, from automobiles to consumer goods. Trump initially threatened to double tariffs on imports from Canada, a major U.S. supplier of these materials, but later reconsidered after Ontario agreed to drop its export tax on electricity to the U.S.
"The escalating trade war has rattled the stock market in recent days. Small business owners are also feeling the headwinds," Horsley reported, adding that the NFIB’s uncertainty index reached its second-highest level on record.

5. Public Health

Measles Outbreak in the Southwest

At [03:03], Jack Spier addressed a growing public health concern: a measles outbreak in the Southwest United States. Officials reported over 250 cases, with at least two unvaccinated individuals having died. The majority of cases are concentrated in West Texas and New Mexico, with Oklahoma also recording two probable cases. Measles, once considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000 due to effective vaccination programs, remains preventable but poses a resurgence threat amid declining vaccination rates.

6. Business Leadership Changes

Nissan's CEO Replacement Amid Financial Struggles

Jack Spier introduced a significant corporate development at [03:03], highlighting that Japan's third-largest automaker, Nissan, is replacing its CEO in response to mounting financial losses. NPR’s Anthony Kuhn reported at [03:47]:

"Nissan said in an announcement that five of its 11 executive committee members, including CEO Makoto Uchida, will step down. Chief Product Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa will take over from Uchida on April 1."
Nissan has faced challenges, including a slow rollout of hybrid models and being outpaced by competitors in crucial markets like the U.S. The company's profits plummeted by 90% in the last nine months of the previous year, prompting a restructuring plan to cut global production by 20%. The failed merger talks with Honda, due to disagreements over Nissan’s potential status as a subsidiary, have intensified scrutiny over Nissan's leadership changes.

7. Natural Disasters

Volcano Eruption in Guatemala

At [04:33], Jack Spier reported on a natural disaster unfolding in Guatemala. Authorities announced that nearly 300 families have been evacuated due to the eruption of a 12,300-foot-high volcano, one of the most active in Central America. A total of 30,000 individuals in the surrounding areas have been warned of potential risks. Reflecting on past events, Spier noted that a 2018 eruption resulted in 194 fatalities, highlighting the serious threat posed by such volcanic activity.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical global and domestic issues, ranging from international conflict resolutions and government restructurings to public health crises and significant shifts in the business landscape. Notable quotes from key figures like President Trump and detailed reports from NPR correspondents offered listeners in-depth insights into the events shaping the world on March 11, 2025.