NPR News Now Summary

Episode: NPR News: 03-12-2025 5PM EDT
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Jack Spear and Jackie Northam

1. Canada Responds to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Canada has announced new tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. goods in retaliation to President Trump's recent imposition of levies on steel and aluminum imports. This move aims to protect Canada’s significant steel and aluminum industries, which are the largest foreign suppliers of these metals to the U.S.

Key Points:

• Dominic LeBlanc, Canadian Finance Minister, highlighted the impact of Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, stating they disrupt the trading partnership and increase costs for consumers on both sides.

  Dominic LeBlanc (00:33): "We will not stand idly by while our iconic steel and aluminum industries are being unfairly targeted."

• The retaliatory tariffs will also affect other sectors, including computers, sporting goods, tools, and cast iron products.

• Canada has signaled potential further retaliation if additional tariffs are imposed by the U.S.

2. Russia Seeks Clarification on U.S.-Negotiated Ceasefire in Ukraine

Russia has expressed interest in understanding more about a 30-day ceasefire proposal negotiated by the U.S. for the Ukraine conflict. The proposal follows intensive discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials held in Saudi Arabia, leading to Kyiv’s agreement in exchange for sustained American military support.

Key Points:

• Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, indicated that Moscow is reviewing the public statements from the negotiations but awaits detailed information from U.S. negotiators before making a formal response.

  Dmitry Peskov (01:31): "Moscow was studying public statements out of the U.S.-Ukrainian talks... but we won't weigh in until we have detailed information."

• The U.S. delegation is expected to visit Moscow shortly, and President Trump plans to discuss the ceasefire directly with President Vladimir Putin.

• Despite diplomatic efforts, nationalist factions within Russia view the ceasefire as a strategic maneuver by Ukraine to mitigate Russian advances.

3. U.S. Consumer Prices Rise Slower Than Expected

February’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows a 2.8% increase in consumer prices compared to the previous year, which is lower than economists had forecasted. This moderation is attributed to declining gasoline prices and stable grocery costs, although egg prices remain significantly high due to avian flu.

Key Points:

• Scott Horsley reports that inflation rose by just 0.2% between January and February, surpassing expectations thanks to reduced gasoline prices.

  Scott Horsley (02:21): "Prices rose just 0.2% between January and February, a smaller increase than the month before and less than forecasters had expected."

• Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, stands at 3.1% over the past year.

• The Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates steady in the upcoming policy meeting, responding to the cooling inflation trend.

4. Stock Market Reacts to Inflation Data

Following the release of favorable inflation figures, the stock market experienced mixed movements. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 82 points, the Nasdaq Composite saw an increase of 212 points, reflecting investor response to the economic data.

5. The Iditarod Trail Faces Climate Challenges

The renowned Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has been extended by over 100 miles due to insufficient snow cover, a consequence of rapidly warming temperatures in Alaska. This adjustment marks the fourth instance in the race’s history where the trail has been altered to accommodate climatic changes.

Key Points:

• Ava White reports that the unusual weather has necessitated a shift in the traditional route, impacting both competitors and the iconic sled dogs.

  Rick Thoman (03:38): "We need these leaner, shorter coated dogs to be able to handle the heat."

• Rick Thoman, a climate specialist at the University of Alaska, emphasizes that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are diminishing snow availability, affecting winter sports and traditional events like the Iditarod.

6. NIH Investigates Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Eating Habits

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a new study to determine whether ultra-processed foods contribute to increased food consumption. This research is critical as such foods constitute over 70% of the U.S. food supply and have been associated with rising obesity and diabetes rates.

Key Points:

• The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which processed foods may influence overeating and contribute to chronic health conditions.
• Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the newly appointed Health Secretary under the Trump administration, underscores the importance of addressing dietary factors in combating obesity and related diseases.

7. Crude Oil Prices Climb Amid Tight Inventories

Crude oil prices have surged by $1.43 per barrel, settling at $67.68 in New York. This increase is driven by reports indicating that oil and fuel inventories are tighter than expected, signaling potential supply constraints in the market.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode covered significant developments in international trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, economic indicators reflecting lower-than-expected inflation, stock market fluctuations, the impact of climate change on traditional events like the Iditarod, health research into processed foods, and rising oil prices.

For comprehensive insights and detailed analysis, listeners are encouraged to explore the full NPR coverage.

This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on March 12, 2025. For more information, visit NPR News Now.