NPR News Now: March 11, 2025, 9AM EDT

Hosted by Korva Coleman, NPR News Now delivers the latest updates in five minutes. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the March 11, 2025, episode.

1. U.S. Diplomacy Efforts to End the Ukraine War

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporters: Korva Coleman, Aya Petroui

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaged in high-stakes diplomacy in Saudi Arabia, meeting with Ukrainian officials to strategize the cessation of the ongoing war with Russia. This meeting follows a tense interaction between former President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office just over a week prior.

Key Points:

• Rubio's Emphasis: Rubio stressed the importance of Ukraine's preparedness to undertake "difficult things," suggesting that Russian counterparts would also need to make significant concessions to achieve peace. (Aya Petroui, 00:34)

• Previous Discussions: Last month, Rubio and senior White House officials held extensive talks with Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia, exploring avenues to terminate the conflict.

• Zelensky's Diplomatic Moves: Although not directly involved in Rubio's meeting, President Zelensky visited Jeddah to negotiate with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, advocating for robust U.S. security assurances to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. (Aya Petroui, 00:34)

• Trump's Stance: Former President Trump is advocating for an immediate ceasefire and has proposed increasing military aid to Ukraine while seeking U.S. access to Ukraine's critical mineral resources.

2. Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Columbia Graduate Student

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Ryland Barton

A significant legal development emerged when a federal judge in New York halted the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate from Columbia University. Khalil, known for leading protests against the Gaza war and urging Columbia University to divest from Israel, faces accusations from the government linking him to terrorist activities.

Key Points:

• Arrest Details: Khalil was apprehended in the lobby of his New York apartment and subsequently placed in a federal detention center in Louisiana. (Ryland Barton, 01:15)

• Legal Controversy: Despite government allegations associating Khalil with Hamas, no substantial evidence has been presented to confirm any ties between him and the terrorist group. (Ryland Barton, 01:54)

• Immigration Status Confusion: Khalil's lawyers argue that the immigration officers incorrectly informed him about the cancellation of his student visa, clarifying that he holds a green card. Eventually, authorities claimed his lawful permanent residence was revoked without valid justification.

• Political Implications: Critics, including opponents of the Trump administration, argue that this move is part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices. Meanwhile, President Trump has pledged to continue deporting more individuals deemed undesirable. (Ryland Barton, 01:54)

3. Senate Confirms Lori Chavez D. Rimmer as Labor Secretary

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Don Gonyea

The U.S. Senate has successfully confirmed Lori Chavez D. Rimmer as the Labor Secretary in a vote tally of 67 to 32. Her nomination faced opposition primarily from within her own Republican party.

Key Points:

• Senate Vote: The confirmation saw a bipartisan vote with 17 Democrats joining the majority Republicans in support, while three Republicans, including Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul from Kentucky, voted against her appointment. (Don Gonyea, 01:54)

• Controversial Legislation: Senator Rand Paul and others expressed concerns over Rimmer’s previous support for the PRO Act (Protect Our Right to Organize Act), a significant legislative priority for labor organizations. (Don Gonyea, 02:22)

• Rimmer’s Stance: During her Senate hearing, Rimmer moderated her position on the PRO Act, indicating willingness to consider it as a starting point for legislative negotiations. (Don Gonyea, 02:22)

• Support from Labor Unions: Prominent unions, including the Teamsters, endorsed her nomination, highlighting her favorable standing among labor groups. (Don Gonyea, 02:22)

4. Critical Vote on Government Spending Bill in the House of Representatives

Host: Korva Coleman

The U.S. House of Representatives is on the brink of a decisive vote regarding a government spending bill backed by Republicans. This vote is crucial to prevent a partial government shutdown.

Key Points:

• Legislative Deadline: Congress must pass the spending bill by Friday to avert a partial shutdown of federal services.

• GOP Majority Fragility: With a narrow Republican majority, the GOP can afford to lose only a single vote. Any additional defections could result in the bill's failure. (Korva Coleman, 03:10)

• Democratic Opposition: House Minority leaders are strongly opposing the bill, creating a high-stakes environment for lawmakers who must navigate a delicate balance to secure the necessary votes.

5. Challenges in Addressing Marijuana-Impaired Driving

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Meg Anderson

As more U.S. states legalize marijuana, law enforcement agencies are struggling to develop effective methods to detect and prevent impaired driving due to THC consumption.

Key Points:

• Impairment Detection Issues: THC can remain detectable in the body for extended periods, complicating efforts to determine if a driver is currently under the influence during a traffic stop. (Meg Anderson, 03:10)

• Potential Solutions: Police are experimenting with various tools, including:

  • THC Breathalyzers: Similar to alcohol breathalyzers but specifically targeting THC molecules.
  • Saliva Tests: Non-invasive tests to detect THC levels.
  • Pupil Measurement Goggles: Devices that assess changes in pupil size related to THC impairment. (Meg Anderson, 03:47)

• Public Responsibility: Jordan Wellington, a marijuana policy consultant, emphasizes the role of public self-regulation in addressing impaired driving. "If people wouldn't get on the road when they're impaired and unable to drive a car, we wouldn't be as worried about how to assess them." (Don Gonyea, 04:24)

6. British Coast Guard Battles North Sea Ship Collision Incident

Host: Korva Coleman

A maritime accident off Britain's east coast has prompted an ongoing response by the British Coast Guard. Two ships collided in the North Sea, resulting in environmental and safety concerns.

Key Points:

• Fire and Fuel Leakage: One of the collided vessels, an oil tanker carrying jet fuel, sustained a significant breach allowing fuel to leak, which has ignited and continues to burn. (Korva Coleman, 04:34)

• Toxic Chemicals Risk: The other ship involved was transporting toxic chemicals, raising fears of hazardous material exposure and environmental contamination. (Korva Coleman, 04:34)

• Current Status: Efforts to extinguish the fire and contain the fuel leak are ongoing, with responses coordinated by the British Coast Guard to mitigate the incident's impact. (Korva Coleman, 04:34)

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