NPR News Now: March 13, 2025, 10 AM EDT

Presented by NPR, hosted by Korva Coleman

Stock Market Reacts to Escalating Trade Tensions

Korva Coleman opens the episode by highlighting the negative impact of President Trump's latest remarks on the stock market. As Trump intensifies the trade war, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped approximately 170 points in early trading.

Scott Horsley reports on Trump's aggressive stance toward the European Union, noting, "In a social media post, President Trump threatened to impose a 200, 200% tariff on European wines and spirits" (00:29). This move is a direct retaliation following the EU's decision to tax American products, including Kentucky bourbon, starting April 1st, in response to Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs. Despite being a teetotaler, Trump asserts that these measures will benefit domestic winemakers.

Moreover, Horsley addresses economic claims made by Trump, highlighting a discrepancy: "In another social media post, Trump claimed the price of eggs has come down since he took office. In fact, new inflation data out this week shows egg prices jumped more than 10% in February" (00:29). He further explains that wholesale inflation experienced a slight cooling, with prices up 3.2% over the past year.

Administration Shake-Ups and Federal Downsizing Efforts

Korva Coleman transitions to domestic policy, revealing that the Trump administration has withdrawn its nomination for the next head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Senate panel canceled today's hearing for Dr. David Welden, a former Florida congressman, who was expected to face intense scrutiny over his vaccine positions. A source familiar with the decision stated, "it was clear he did not have the votes in the Senate" (01:08).

Stephen Fowler delves into the administration's plan to downsize the federal government. According to Fowler, today marks the deadline for federal agencies to submit their plans for layoffs, part of President Trump's broader strategy to reduce government size. Phase one of this plan requires agencies to identify essential jobs and obligations, encouraging widespread cuts. For instance, the Department of Education has announced significant employee reductions effective in the coming months. Phase two, due by mid-April, seeks additional cost-cutting measures such as relocating offices out of Washington, D.C., and eliminating various regulations (01:45).

International Relations: Iran Rejects New Nuclear Deal Talks

Shifting focus to international affairs, Korva Coleman reports on rising temperatures in southern Texas, with forecasts predicting up to 90 degrees in San Antonio today before a weekend cooldown.

Turning to foreign policy, Coleman discusses Iran's rejection of President Trump's proposal to resume talks over a nuclear deal. NPR's Aya Batrawi explains, "They say it's because Trump overturned a different nuclear deal with Iran in his last administration" (02:16). This rejection underscores the strained relations stemming from the U.S.'s withdrawal from the 2018 nuclear agreement.

In a comprehensive overview, Batrawi adds that since the deal's cancellation, Iran has been amassing enriched uranium, despite international efforts from countries like the UK, France, and Germany to negotiate continued talks. Additionally, China, Russia, and Iran are scheduled to meet in Beijing to discuss Iran's nuclear program and the ongoing economic sanctions that continue to impact its economy (02:45).

Potential Government Shutdown Looms Amid Budget Stalemate

Back in the United States, Korva Coleman reports that Senate Democratic leaders are refusing to support a government spending bill drafted by Republicans, heightening the likelihood of a partial federal government shutdown. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is advocating to postpone the budget deadline by a month to facilitate bipartisan negotiations on funding (03:10).

Alarming Declines in U.S. Bird Populations

Environmental concerns take center stage as Jonathan Lambert presents a new report from conservation groups indicating significant declines in bird populations across nearly every U.S. habitat. The study reveals that approximately one-third of all bird species are at high or moderate levels of conservation concern. Reflecting on past data, Lambert notes, "In 2019, a comprehensive study reported that North America had lost 3 billion birds in 50 years" (03:10). The latest analysis, which covers over 240 species, confirms that these declines persist, particularly among grassland and desert birds affected by habitat loss, drought, and invasive species.

Lambert highlights that while duck populations had previously been stable, the loss of wetland habitats has led to recent declines. However, there are positive signs where conservation efforts have made an impact, such as the improvement in populations of species like the American oystercatcher in the Great Plains. Nonetheless, he warns that recent actions by the Trump administration, including the weakening of protections for migratory birds, may hinder future conservation successes (03:48).

Mount Spur Volcano Shows Increased Activity

Concluding the episode, Korva Coleman brings attention to geological developments in Alaska. The Alaska Volcano Observatory has detected heightened gas emissions from Mount Spur, located about 80 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Researchers warn that the volcano could potentially erupt within the next few weeks or months, urging residents and authorities to stay informed and prepared (04:35).

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