NPR News: 03-11-2025 8PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: March 11, 2025, 8 PM EDT Summary

Host: Jack Speer
Reporter: Rebecca Rossman, Michael Copley, Elizabeth Blair

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1. International Efforts to Secure Ukraine

Timestamp: [00:19]

Military leaders from over 30 countries convened in Paris to deliberate the formation of an international security force aimed at securing Ukraine. The primary objectives of this coalition are to establish a potential ceasefire and deter further aggression from Russia.

Rebecca Rossman reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer referred to the efforts as a “coalition of the willing,” emphasizing a joint European and NATO force to support Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron, present at the talks, underscored the necessity for Europe to take the lead in Ukraine's security, particularly in light of uncertain U.S. support.

Quote:

“Europe must take charge of Ukraine's security,” – Emmanuel Macron [00:37]

Notably, the United States was not invited to these discussions. The talks centered on NATO-backed security guarantees and the feasibility of deploying European troops away from active frontlines to enforce peace agreements. Plans are set to advance as five top European defense ministers are scheduled to meet in Paris the following day.

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2. U.S. Energy Policy and Climate Change Debate

Timestamp: [01:20]

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright addressed a panel of energy executives in Houston, critiquing the Biden administration’s focus on climate change. Wright described climate initiatives as “a side effect of economic development,” arguing that they are short-sighted and detrimental to consumers.

Michael Copley elaborated that Wright emphasized the United States requires significantly more energy to sustain economic growth, including the expansion of data centers essential for artificial intelligence. He highlighted the increasing electricity demand and advocated for the continued use of natural gas, while downplaying renewable sources like wind and solar.

Quote:

“The U.S. needs a lot more energy to support economic growth,” – Chris Wright [01:20]

However, industry analysts and executives countered Wright’s stance, advocating that clean energy is vital to meet the rising power demand. They pointed out that renewable energy and battery storage solutions are not only quicker to deploy but also offer relatively inexpensive electricity. Additionally, they noted delays in the development of natural gas plants due to a backlog of gas turbines.

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3. Impact of Trump Tariffs on California's Almond Industry

Timestamp: [02:07]

California, the world’s largest almond producer, is grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's tariff policies. Almond growers are concerned that fluctuating tariffs may influence their export destinations, as over three-quarters of the state's almond crop is destined for international markets.

Jack Speer reported that President Donald Trump is defending the administration’s tariff strategy, asserting that tariffs are designed to bolster the U.S. economy. The current tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum are set to escalate to 25%, effective the following day.

Quote:

“The tariffs are having a tremendously positive impact. … we have car companies that are not building in Mexico now they're building in the United States,” – Donald Trump [02:49]

While Trump claims the tariffs will create more jobs and revenue, economists and the stock market reflect skepticism. Predictions of a possible U.S. recession are on the rise, and despite the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 478 points, there has been a sharp decline in the broader stock market.

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4. President Trump Buys a Tesla Amid Economic Shifts

Timestamp: [03:00]

In a gesture of support for Elon Musk, President Trump announced his purchase of a Tesla electric vehicle. This move comes at a challenging time for Tesla, as the company has experienced a significant decline in its stock value—down approximately 40% this year—and instances of vehicle vandalism following Musk's efforts to reduce the federal government’s size.

Despite these challenges, Tesla saw a minor uptick in its stock following Trump's announcement.

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5. Billy Joel Postpones Concert Tour Due to Health Issues

Timestamp: [03:49]

Elizabeth Blair reported that legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel is delaying his current tour for four months to recover from recent surgery and undergo physical therapy. The postponement affects multiple dates across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., with rescheduled shows set to resume in Pittsburgh in July.

Quote:

“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” – Billy Joel [04:16]

Joel expressed his eagerness to return to the stage and reconnect with his fans once he has fully recovered.

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6. Southwest Airlines Alters Baggage Policy

Timestamp: [04:31]

Jack Speer highlighted a significant policy change from Southwest Airlines. Starting May 28, the airline will implement fees for most checked bags, a departure from their longstanding policy of allowing two free checked bags per passenger. Exceptions will be made for passengers in the upper tiers of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program, those who purchase business class tickets, and holders of Southwest credit cards.

This shift marks a notable change in Southwest’s customer service approach, potentially affecting its competitive edge in the airline industry.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing international security discussions regarding Ukraine, debated U.S. energy policies, the economic implications of Trump-era tariffs on agriculture, notable political endorsements amidst market fluctuations, celebrity health updates, and significant changes in airline policies. Each segment offered insightful perspectives and direct quotes, ensuring listeners stayed informed on diverse and impactful topics.

Transcript

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[Jack Speer]

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Speer. Military chiefs from over 30 countries met in Paris today to discuss forming an international security force for Ukraine. The goal force a potential ceasefire and deter further Russian aggression. Rebecca Rossman has more from Paris.

[Rebecca Rossman]

Military leaders are working on what British Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls a coalition of the willing, a joint European and NATO force to secure Ukraine and counter Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended today's talks, stressed that Europe must take charge of Ukraine's security, especially as US Support grows uncertain. Notably, the US Was not invited. Discussions focused on NATO backed security guarantees and the possibility of European troop deployments away from frontlines to enforce a peace deal. Five top European defense ministers will meet in Paris on Wednesday to move plans forward. Rebecca Rossman, NPR News, Paris.

[Jack Speer]

U.S. energy Secretary Chris Wright told a gathering of energy executives Monday the Biden administration's focus on climate change was short sighted and hurt consumers. NPR's Michael Copley reports. Wright called climate change a side effect.

[Michael Copley]

Of economic development at an energy conference in Houston. Wright said the US Needs a lot more energy to support economic growth, including data centers for artificial intelligence. With electricity demand rising, Wright touted the importance of natural gas while downplaying the role of renewables like wind and solar. But industry analysts and executives say clean energy is crucial for meeting growing power demand. They say renewable energy and battery plants are quick to build and generate electricity that's relatively cheap. Meanwhile, a backlog of gas turbines is holding up development of natural gas plants. Michael Copley, NPR News.

[Jack Speer]

California's almond growers are used to dealing with vagaries in terms of the weather and water supplies. Now they have something else to add to the list. The Trump tariffs effects on global markets. The uncertainty of the administration's tariff policy may well play a role in where farmers shipped their crops. The state is the world's largest producer of almonds. More than three quarters of California's almond crop is headed for export. President Trump is defending his administration's policy on putting tariffs in place against other countries as a way of boosting the US Economy while backing off from a threat to impose even larger tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. 25% tariffs are still set to take effect tomorrow. Speaking at the White House today, Trump said the tariffs will bring the nation more money and jobs.

[Donald Trump]

The tariffs are having a tremendously positive impact. They will have and they are having we have car companies that are not building in Mexico now they're building in the United States.

[Jack Speer]

But the stock market and many economists appear to disagree with the president's assessment. Some economists are upping their estimates of a possible US Recession sharply. The stock market was at record highs just a month ago, has fallen sharply also. The dow was up 478 points. This is NPR. President Trump in a show of support for his appointed government cost cutter Elon Musk, announced today he's buying one of Musk's Tesla electric cars. The announcement by Trump comes at a time Tesla has seen its stock hammered. At least some of the company's vehicles have been vandalized since Musk has dedicated himself to downsizing the federal government. Tesla shares are down about 40% this year, though they do see a bit of a bump today. Billy Joel is postponing his current tour. As NPR's Elizabeth Blair reports, the Grammy winning singer and songwriter will take four months off due to an undisclosed medical condition.

[Elizabeth Blair]

The statement on Billy Joel's Instagram says the singer will postpone his tour so he can recover from recent surgery and undergo physical therapy. The singer says, quote, while I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. The statement says the tour will resume in Pittsburgh in July. Shows that will be rescheduled include dates in the U.S. canada and the U.K. the statement says purchased tickets will be valid for the rescheduled shows.

[Billy Joel]

Sing us a song. You're the piano man.

[Rebecca Rossman]

Sing us the song.

[Elizabeth Blair]

Tonight, Jaw Raids. He looks forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with his fans. Elizabeth Blair, NPR News.

[Jack Speer]

Another of the hallmarks differentiating Southwest from other airlines is apparently going away. Two free checked bags. Southwest says starting May 28, most passengers will have to pay for checked bags. Those who have reached the upper tiers of the carrier's Rapid Rewards loyalty program, purchased a business class ticket or have a Southwest credit card will get a break on that. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.

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