NPR News: 02-03-2025 6AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: February 3, 2025, 6 AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

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U.S. Implements Sweeping Tariffs, Faces International Retaliation

Windsor Johnston opens the episode by reporting significant developments in international trade as the United States imposes extensive tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. These tariffs are part of President Donald Trump's strategy to curb immigration, combat drug trafficking, and bolster domestic industries.

President Donald Trump articulated the administration's rationale behind the tariffs, stating at [00:37] “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.” This declaration underscores the administration's focus on reducing trade deficits and protecting American economic interests.

However, global markets have responded with apprehension. Economists express concerns that these tariffs might hamper economic growth and potentially reignite inflationary pressures. The broader financial community is closely monitoring these developments, wary of the long-term implications for global economic stability.

Elon Musk Leads Shutdown of USAID Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, has taken the helm of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Under his leadership, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is slated for shutdown. This move was confirmed during a public conversation with Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Mike Lee of Utah on [00:52] Musk's social media platform, X.

Elon Musk explained at [01:14] “USAID was first established in 1961 when Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 2023. It managed more than $40 billion in federal spending on humanitarian development and assistance in more than 100 countries.” This highlights the extensive role USAID has played in international aid and development.

An unnamed government official provided further insight at [01:23], stating, “Usaid, and USAID is a ball of worms. There is no apple, and when there is no apple, you've just got to basically get rid of the whole thing.” This blunt assessment reflects internal frustrations and the perceived inefficacies within the agency.

Musk affirmed that the shutdown enjoys presidential support, saying at [01:34] “Musk says President Trump backs the effort.” The State Department has yet to issue a statement on this significant policy shift.

Pacific Palisades Remains Closed After Devastating Wildfires

Windsor Johnston transitions to local news in Southern California, where the Pacific Palisades remains closed nearly a month following a series of deadly wildfires. Originally slated to reopen, the decision was reversed by the Mayor of Los Angeles due to rising concerns over potential crime in the area.

Evan Jacoby reports from the scene, featuring insights from Sean Lennon, a resident just north of the LA city boundary. At [02:34], Lennon shares his mixed feelings: “I would love for everything to be opened up again. A lot of businesses are going to suffer right now because of the closure, but I know the utility workers and the people doing all the cleanup have a lot of work to do. That added traffic doesn't help them.” This statement captures the delicate balance between economic recovery and ensuring public safety.

Lennon also expressed hope that reopening would facilitate the restoration of essential services, mentioning his prolonged absence of electricity and gas. However, he remains vigilant against potential looting, actively guarding his neighbors' homes to maintain community safety.

Asian Stock Markets Plunge Amid Economic Uncertainty

The financial landscape in Asia is experiencing turbulence, with stock markets closing sharply lower today. Notably, Japan's Nikkei average plummeted by more than 1,000 points, signaling investor unease over the latest U.S. trade policies and their broader economic impact. This significant drop reflects mounting concerns about the stability and future growth of Asian economies in the face of escalating trade tensions.

Tight Security Measures Announced for Upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans

In light of a recent attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, officials have heightened security protocols for the upcoming Super Bowl set to take place next week. Windsor Johnston reports that thousands of law enforcement officers will be deployed around the venue where the Philadelphia Eagles are scheduled to compete against the Kansas City Chiefs. This preemptive strategy aims to prevent security lapses and ensure the safety of attendees, underscoring the administration's commitment to protecting major public events.

Beyoncé Achieves Historic Grammy Success

In entertainment news, Beyoncé has made history by winning her first Grammy for Album of the Year, further cementing her status as the most awarded artist in Grammy history. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento details her triumph at [03:48], highlighting that Beyoncé secured three awards at the 67th Grammy Awards, including Best Country Album, Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and Album of the Year.

An unnamed commentator humorously remarked at [03:57] “Year, this Ain’t Texas,” referencing Beyoncé's foray into country music, a genre traditionally dominated by male artists.

Beyoncé dedicated her Album of the Year win to country music pioneer Linda Martell, acknowledging her influence and contribution to the genre.

Kendrick Lamar Dominates Grammy Stage Amidst Musical Feud

Rapper Kendrick Lamar delivered a remarkable performance, winning five awards for his diss track "Not Like Us". The song is widely regarded as a decisive statement in Lamar's ongoing feud with Canadian rapper Drake. It clinched the following categories: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. Lamar's aggressive and poignant lyrics resonate with critics and fans alike, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop.

At [04:13], Lamar passionately declares, “They Not Like Us,” underscoring the competitive tension that fueled the track's creation and ensuing acclaim.

"Dogman" Earns Record-Breaking Box Office Debut

Concluding the episode, Windsor Johnston highlights the success of the film "Dogman", which garnered $36 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. This marks the movie as the biggest debut of the year so far. Adapted from a graphic novel by Dan Pilkey, the action-comedy has nearly offset its production costs of $40 million, signaling strong audience engagement and promising prospects for its continued performance in theaters.

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This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to provide a focused overview of the key topics covered in the NPR News Now episode.

Transcript

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[Windsor Johnston]

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The United States is facing retaliation from Canada, Mexico and China after President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on the countries over the weekend. Trump says the taxes are needed to curb immigration, drug trafficking and boost domestic industries.

[Donald Trump]

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.

[Windsor Johnston]

Global markets are reflecting concerns that the tariffs could undermine economic growth and reignite inflation. The White house says the U.S. agency for International Development is shutting down. NPR's Lou Garrett reports. That's according to tech billionaire Elon Musk, who's leading the Department of Government Efficiency.

[Elon Musk]

Or doge, during a public conversation with Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Mike Lee of Utah on his social media platform X. Musk says he's closing down.

[Unnamed Government Official]

Usaid, and USAID is a ball of worms. There is no apple, and when there is no apple, you've just got to basically get rid of the whole thing.

[Elon Musk]

Musk says President Trump backs the effort.

[Unnamed Government Official]

Actually checked with him a few times. Are you sure? Like, yes. So we're shutting it down.

[Elon Musk]

USAID was first established in 1961 when Congress passed the Foreign Assistance act in 2023. It managed more than $40 billion in federal spending on humanitarian development and assistance in in more than 100 countries. The state Department has yet to comment. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Windsor Johnston]

Pacific Palisades in Southern California remains closed nearly a month after a series of deadly wildfires devastated the area. Evan Jacoby from the LAS reports. The mayor of Los Angeles had announced that the community would reopen to the public, but reversed the decision, citing concerns about crime.

[Evan Jacoby]

Sean Lennon lives just north of the LA city boundary. He came back to his home weeks ago as firefighters still battled flames across the street. He says he has mixed feelings about the reopening.

[Sean Lennon]

I would love for everything to be opened up again. A lot of businesses are going to suffer right now because of the closure, but I know the utility workers and the people doing all the cleanup have a lot of work to do. That added traffic doesn't help them.

[Evan Jacoby]

Lenin says he hopes the reopening will bring his utilities back online. He's been without electricity and gas for weeks but he's also concerned about looting and says he's been keeping watch over his neighbors homes as well. For NPR News, I'm Evan Jacoby. In the Palisades.

[Windsor Johnston]

Stocks across Asia closed sharply lower today. Japan's Nikkei average fell more than 1,000 points. This is NPR News. Officials say security will be tight at the super bowl in New Orleans next week. An attack in the city on New Year's Day has raised concerns about security lapses. Officials have announced that thousands of law enforcement officers will be in place around the venue where the Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Beyonce has won her first Grammy for Album of the year. NPR's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento reports. The singer is now the most awarded artist in Grammy history.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

Beyonce won three awards at the 67th Grammy Awards Best country Album, best country duo group Performance and album of the.

[Unnamed Commentator]

Year, this Ain't Texas.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

She dedicated her first album of the year win to country music pioneer Linda Martell. In another remarkable sweep, rapper Kendrick Lamar took home five awards for his diss track Not Like Us.

[Kendrick Lamar]

They Not Like Us.

[Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]

The song was considered a mic drop in Lamar's beef with Canadian rapper Drake. It won record of the Year, Song of the Year, best rap performance, best rap Song and best music Video. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR News.

[Windsor Johnston]

The movie Dogman brought in $36 million in ticket sales at the box office this weekend. It was the biggest debut so far this year. The action comedy was adapted from a graphic novel written by Dan Pilkey. The film has nearly surpassed its product costs of $40 million. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.

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