NPR News Now: February 2, 2025, 8 PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst

1. President Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China

Summary:
President Donald Trump signed executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on goods from China, effective Tuesday. The tariffs aim to address the illegal flow of drugs and immigrants across the U.S. borders. These measures are expected to raise prices for American consumers on various products, including fruits, vegetables, flat-screen TVs, and auto parts. Canada and Mexico, being the United States' three biggest trading partners, have pledged retaliation against these tariffs.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeanine Herbst (00:19): "President Trump signed executive orders today imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on goods from China."

2. Democrats Criticize Purge of DOJ and FBI Personnel Handling Trump and Capitol Riot Cases

Summary:
Congressional Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the recent dismissals of FBI agents and prosecutors involved in cases against President Trump and the January 6th Capitol riot. Senator Richard Durbin labeled the personnel moves as "a brazen assault on the rule of law." To date, more than two dozen prosecutors have been fired, with potential further dismissals pending. These actions are seen as undermining the integrity and safety of the country's legal system.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Richard Durbin (01:18): "The personnel moves are a brazen assault on the rule of law."
• Jeanine Herbst (01:18): "Dozens of prosecutors have already been fired, and more dismissals could come soon."

3. President Trump Authorizes Precision Strikes on ISIS in Somalia

Summary:
President Trump announced precision military strikes targeting ISIS positions in Somalia, asserting that these operations successfully eliminated numerous terrorists without causing civilian casualties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to combating threats against the nation and its allies.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeanine Herbst (02:03): "President Trump today says he ordered precision military strikes on ISIS positions in Somalia."
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (02:03): "The US always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the US and our allies."

4. Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires Fully Contained

Summary:
The destructive Palisades and Eaton wildfires that erupted on January 7 in Los Angeles have been fully contained. Fueled by wind gusts of nearly 100 mph, the fires rapidly spread, causing extensive damage to Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Over 37,000 acres were burned, more than 16,000 structures were destroyed, and 29 deaths have been reported. The economic losses are estimated to exceed $250 billion.

Notable Quotes:

• Alexander Gospodinov (02:51): "It's like war zone. It's a disaster. It looks like the end of the world."
• Steve Futterman (02:55): "Between the two fires, more than 37,000 acres had been burned. More than 16,000 structures destroyed."

5. Estate of Superman’s Creator Sues DC Comics Over Character Rights

Summary:
The estate of Joseph Shuster, one of Superman's original creators, has filed a lawsuit against DC Comics and its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. The lawsuit seeks to block the use of the Superman character in several international markets, including the UK, Australia, Ireland, and Canada. The claim is based on the assertion that the rights to Superman's story under copyright law in these countries expired 25 years after Shuster's death in 1992. Warner Bros. has stated its disagreement with the lawsuit and intends to defend its rights vigorously.

Notable Quotes:

• Chloe Veltman (03:13): "The complaint claims the rights to the Superman story under copyright law in those countries automatically terminated 25 years after Shuster's death."
• Warner Brothers Spokesperson (03:36): "We fundamentally disagree with the merits of the lawsuit and will vigorously defend our rights."

6. Costco and Teamsters Union Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Summary:
Costco and the Teamsters union have announced a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting a potential strike. While specific details of the contract have not been disclosed, the union emphasized its desire for the agreement to reflect Costco's recent sales and profit growth. The company's revenue increased by 5% to $254 billion in the fiscal year ending September 1. The agreement now awaits approval from Teamsters union members.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeanine Herbst (03:13): "Costco and the Teamsters union reached a tentative contract agreement, avoiding a strike."
• Jeanine Herbst (03:36): "The union said it wanted a contract reflecting Costco's sales and profit growth."

Conclusion:
In this episode of NPR News Now, listeners were briefed on significant economic policies enacted by President Trump, internal political disputes within the U.S. Department of Justice, military actions against terrorist organizations, the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, legal battles over iconic cultural figures, and labor negotiations between major corporations and unions. Each topic underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of current events shaping the national and international landscape.