NPR News Now: February 2, 2025, 11 PM EST Summary

Released February 3, 2025

1. U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China

Host: Dale Willman

In a significant move affecting global trade, President Donald Trump announced the implementation of tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. The tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday, leading to immediate repercussions in financial markets.

Market Reaction:

• Stock Futures Decline: Following the announcement, stock futures experienced a downturn. Japan's Nikkei index notably dropped by nearly 2.5%, reflecting international investor concerns.

President Trump's Statement ([00:42]):

"We may have short term some little pain, and people understand that, but long term, the United States has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world. We have deficits with almost every country, not every country, but almost."

International Responses:

• Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by announcing a 25% tariff on over $150 billion worth of U.S. imports. He urged the U.S. to reconsider its tariff plans but indicated that Canada would proceed if the U.S. did not back down.

  Justin Trudeau ([01:15]):

  "Canada says it will place a 25% tariff of its own on more than $150 billion worth of U.S. imports."

• Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed reluctance for confrontation but committed to responding with tariffs and other measures.

• China: Officials from China's Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry condemned the U.S. tariffs, pledging "corresponding countermeasures" without specifying details.

2. National Science Foundation Resumes Funding Amid Legal Orders

Host: Dale Willman

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the resumption of payments to researchers after a brief freeze imposed by the Trump administration. The freeze, initiated on Tuesday, halted disbursements as the NSF reviewed grant compliance with new executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Court Intervention ([02:25]): A temporary restraining order mandated the NSF and other federal agencies to resume funding. In compliance, the NSF has restarted payments while continuing its review process.

Jonathan Lambert, NPR News:

"The NSF clarified that it cannot stop payments because of this review."

3. NASA and JPL to Launch Spherex Telescope

Host: Dale Willman

NASA, in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is preparing to launch a new space telescope named Spherex. The mission aims to delve into the origins and structure of the universe and to search for life's building blocks within the Milky Way.

Mission Details ([03:32]):

• Design: The telescope resembles a giant funnel and weighs less than a grand piano.

• Capabilities: Equipped with an infrared mapping instrument, Spherex will survey the entire celestial sky over six months.

  Ari Daniel, NPR News:

  "SphereX will answer a set of fundamental questions about the cosmos. Why does our universe look the way it does? How did galaxies form and evolve? And it'll peer inside dust clouds between stars in search of essential molecules of life."

• Launch Plans: Scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Project Outlook: James Fanson, the project manager, anticipates groundbreaking discoveries, stating, "Expect the unexpected to come out of the data for this mission as well."

4. New Orleans Prepares for Upcoming Super Bowl Security

Host: Dale Willman

With the Super Bowl scheduled for next week in New Orleans, city officials are taking extensive measures to ensure the event's security. This comes in the wake of a security breach during a New Year's Day attack, heightening vigilance.

Security Measures:

• Personnel: Thousands of armed law enforcement agents will be present at the Superdome.
• Additional Precautions: Deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs and other security technologies to safeguard attendees and infrastructure.

5. Rory McIlroy Wins Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Host: Dale Willman

In sports news, Rory McIlroy triumphed at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament held in California. Demonstrating exceptional skill, McIlroy secured victory with a final score of 66, achieving two birdies and an eagle on the back nine.

Tournament Highlights:

• Performance: McIlroy finished two strokes ahead of runner-up Shane Lowry.
• Career Milestone: This win marks McIlroy's 27th victory on the PGA Tour, further cementing his status as one of golf's elite players.

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