Summary of NPR News Now – Episode: NPR News: 03-11-2025 9PM EDT

1. Trump Administration Targets Department of Education for Major Workforce Cuts

At the start of the episode, Jack Spear reports on a significant development within the Trump administration concerning the U.S. Department of Education. The administration is moving forward with its pledge to eliminate the department, aiming to downsize its workforce by nearly 50%. NPR's Janaki Mehta elaborates on this announcement at [00:36], stating, “Affected staff will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21.” The upcoming layoffs will impact all divisions within the agency, though the Education Department assures the continuation of essential programs protected by law. These include student loans, Pell grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grant-making initiatives. The statement reveals that a total of 1,950 positions will be cut, which includes 600 employees who have already accepted voluntary resignations over the past two months. The specifics regarding which positions will be eliminated remain undisclosed, leaving many within the department uncertain about their futures.

2. White House Mandates Science Agencies to Propose Workforce Reductions Amid Democratic Concerns

Shifting focus to science agencies, Jack Spear introduces the next segment at [01:14], highlighting a directive from the White House requiring major science agencies to submit plans for significant workforce reductions by the upcoming Thursday. NPR's Jonathan Lambert provides further insight at [01:25], explaining that Democrats on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology have sent letters to five key science agencies, including the National Science Foundation and NASA. “We are extremely concerned that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency will seek to slash and burn core functions of agencies,” Lambert quotes a committee member. The Democrats express anxiety that these proposed cuts could impair congressionally mandated missions, citing disruptions already caused by mass firings of probationary employees. These disruptions have affected critical government operations, such as nuclear safety protocols and the monitoring of bird flu outbreaks. The committee urges agency leaders to ensure that any future layoffs do not compromise the agencies' core missions or public safety, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to workforce reduction.

3. Government Shutdown Averted as House Republicans Pass Funding Measure; Stock Market Reacts to Tariff Policies

In a significant political development, Jack Spear reports at [02:14] that House Republicans have successfully voted to avert a partial government shutdown by passing a resolution to keep the government funded through September. This resolution now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Concurrently, tensions surrounding ongoing tariff disputes have taken a toll on the stock market. Maria Ashman discusses at [02:34] how the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down by 478 points, marking a second consecutive day of decline, while the NASDAQ, heavily weighted with tech stocks, has begun to show signs of recovery. President Trump, who has historically lauded the stock market’s performance, appears to be prioritizing the strategic leverage offered by tariffs over maintaining stock market stability. This shift in focus has unsettled investors, especially after Trump declined to rule out the possibility of a recession within the year. The White House, however, downplays the stock market's reaction, asserting that the nation is undergoing a period of economic transition and that the long-term outlook remains positive despite short-term fluctuations.

4. Early Elections in Greenland Highlight Strategic Interests Amid U.S. Political Moves

At [03:13], Jack Spear brings attention to the early elections taking place in Greenland, a self-governing region of Denmark with a population of approximately 56,000 indigenous Inuit people. These elections occur against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's expressed interest in bringing Greenland under U.S. control. Trump has publicly stated his willingness to welcome Greenland as part of the United States, citing its strategic North American location and abundant rare earth minerals that are increasingly vital to the global economy. The region's mineral wealth makes it a point of strategic interest, especially as global demand for such resources continues to rise. Despite Trump's overtures, Greenland proceeds with its electoral process, maintaining its current status while navigating the complexities of international political interests.

5. Trump’s Tariffs Push Craft Brewers to Face Increased Production Costs

The episode further explores the economic repercussions of President Trump’s tariff policies on American industries, specifically focusing on the craft brewing sector. Sarah Mulholland reports at [03:52] that impending tariffs on steel and aluminum are set to raise production costs for craft brewers across the nation. Dave Thibodeau, president of Ska Brewery in Durango, Colorado, shares his concerns at [04:08]: “Cans are a lot cheaper than bottles. So it’s kind of crazy. I feel like as far as looking at alternatives like something other than an aluminum can, I don’t know that we can get anything less expensive.” The tariffs on essential materials such as deal kegs and barley imported from Canada exacerbate the financial strain on brewers, many of whom rely heavily on aluminum cans for packaging due to their cost-effectiveness. The looming increase in production costs threatens to drive up the prices of craft beers, potentially affecting both producers and consumers in the market.

6. Active Volcano Erupts in Guatemala, Prompting Evacuations and Raising Safety Concerns

Concluding the episode, Jack Spear provides an update on a natural disaster unfolding in Central America. At [04:32], he reports that a volcano in Guatemala, described as a "volcano of fire," has erupted, leading authorities to evacuate nearly 300 families in the affected area. Additionally, there is a warning that another 30,000 people could be at risk due to the ongoing eruption. The volcano, standing at 12,300 feet, is among Central America's most active, with its most recent significant eruption in 2018 resulting in the deaths of 194 individuals and leaving over 200 people missing. As the current eruption begins overnight, there are no immediate reports of casualties, but the situation remains precarious given the volcano’s history and its potential for widespread impact.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Thibodeau on tariff impacts: “Cans are a lot cheaper than bottles. So it’s kind of crazy. I feel like as far as looking at alternatives like something other than an aluminum can, I don’t know that we can get anything less expensive.” ([04:08])
• Education Department statement on program continuance: “Student loans, Pell grants, funding for special needs students and competitive grant making.” ([00:36])

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant political, economic, and environmental developments, offering listeners a detailed insight into issues ranging from governmental restructuring and economic policies to natural disasters and international political maneuvers.