NPR News Now: April 11, 2025, 1PM EDT

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

U.S. Markets Recover Amidst Tariff Uncertainty

Market Fluctuations and Economic Concerns

The U.S. stock markets showed signs of recovery, rebounding some losses from the previous day's sell-off. This volatility highlights the ongoing global uncertainty, particularly stemming from President Donald Trump's fluctuating tariff policies. Lakshmi Singh reported, "[U.S. markets] are recovering some losses a day after their sell off, the volatility underscoring global uncertainty and anxiety over President Trump's on again, off again tariffs" (00:25).

Congressional Scrutiny Over Stock Transactions

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has raised concerns regarding potential improprieties among Congress members who might have exploited the current market turmoil for stock purchases. Scott Horsley added, "There are several members of Congress who will be aggressively demanding answers and transparency, particularly as it relates to stock purchase decisions that may have occurred over the last few days" (00:50). This development suggests a heightened demand for accountability and transparency within legislative financial activities.

Trade War with China Dampens Consumer Confidence

Tariff Escalations and Retaliations

President Trump has maintained a hard stance against China by imposing hefty tariffs of 145%, even as he temporarily relaxed tariffs for most other countries. In response, China retaliated with its own tariffs set at 125%. Lakshmi Singh highlighted, "President Trump's trade war is taking a toll on consumer sentiment" (01:10).

Declining Consumer Sentiment Indicators

A recent survey by the University of Michigan indicates a sharp decline in American consumer confidence, with sentiment falling for the fourth consecutive month. Charles Maynes detailed, "Consumer sentiment fell in April for the fourth month in a row and has now dropped by 30% since the end of last year" (01:36). The survey revealed increased worries about the job market, personal finances, and inflation, with unemployment fears reaching heights not seen since 2009.

White House Envoy’s Unexpected Visit to Russia

Steve Witkoff Meets with President Putin

In a move that caught many by surprise, White House envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Russia unannounced to meet with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Scott Horsley reported, "According to Flight Tracker data, Witkov's plane touched down in Russia's second city of St. Petersburg, where Putin is currently spending the day on a work trip" (02:30). This marks Witkov's third meeting with Putin in the past two months, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Implications for Ukraine Negotiations

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of President Trump's frustration with Moscow's slow progress in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has threatened secondary tariffs and sanctions on Russian oil exports, a critical sector of the Russian economy, should the Kremlin fail to advance the talks effectively. Charles Maynes emphasized, "Witkoff's arrival comes as President Trump has expressed growing frustration with Moscow's lack of progress and talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine" (02:30).

Georgetown University Addresses Campus Safety Concerns

Intersection of Religious Observances and Campus Activism

This weekend is significant for both Jewish and Christian communities, with Passover coinciding with Palm Sunday. Amidst this, Georgetown University encountered internal tensions as over 130 Jewish students and staff signed a letter opposing the detention of Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral scholar and professor.

Condemnation of Trump’s Policies and Anti-Semitism Concerns

Sarah Ventri reported, "The letter reads in part, 'President Trump is weaponizing Jewish identity, faith and fears of anti-Semitism as a smokescreen for his authoritarian agenda'" (03:46). The signatories argue that such policies exacerbate anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and pose safety threats to Jews on campus. Emma Pinto, a law student and signatory, stated, "Making Jews the face of policies that include arresting and detaining people feeds anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and is dangerous for Jews" (03:46). The letter, published by Georgetown's newspaper The Hoya, reflects a unified stance across diverse opinions regarding Israel and Palestine, all advocating for Suri's release.

President Trump Advocates for Ending Daylight Saving Time

Push to Abolish Time Changes

President Trump has expressed strong support for ending the practice of setting clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall. Addressing the issue on his social media platform, Truth Social, Lakshmi Singh noted, "He's siding with lawmakers who want to put an end to the practice of setting clocks in most of the country an hour forward in the spring and then an hour back in the fall" (04:31).

Legislative Efforts and Market Response

Trump urged both the House and Senate to push for more evening daylight, aligning with his broader agenda to standardize time across the nation. This announcement followed a Senate panel meeting on the topic. Concurrently, U.S. stocks were trading higher, with major indices like The Dow up 476 points (over 1%), the S&P up by 1.4%, and Nasdaq by 1.5% (04:31), indicating a positive market response to the news.

Market Overview

As of the episode's release, U.S. stock markets are performing positively with significant gains across major indices:

• The Dow: Up 476 points (+1%)
• S&P 500: Up 1.4%
• Nasdaq: Up 1.5%

These movements reflect ongoing investor reactions to political and economic developments, including tariff policies and legislative changes.

Conclusion

The April 11, 2025, episode of NPR News Now delved into critical issues impacting the United States and global landscape. From volatile stock markets influenced by tariff uncertainties and congressional scrutiny to the declining consumer confidence amid an escalating trade war with China, each topic underscores the intricate interplay between politics and economics. Additionally, diplomatic endeavors with Russia, campus activism at Georgetown University, and debates over daylight saving time highlight the diverse challenges and discussions shaping the nation's current affairs.

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essential discussions and insights presented by NPR News Now, providing a comprehensive understanding of the day's major news stories.