NPR News Now: February 7, 2025, 10 AM EST

Hosted by Jeanine Herbst

House Republicans Race to Unveil New Budget Framework

[00:18] Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with a report by Claudia Grizales on the urgent efforts by House Republicans to present a new budget plan. As part of President Trump's broader legislative agenda, the proposed framework aims to address pivotal issues such as border security and tax reforms.

[00:38] Claudia Grizales details the intense negotiations, highlighting that "House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, met at the White House for about five hours on Thursday in hopes of reaching a final plan." President Trump actively participated in these discussions, dedicating the first hour to urge swift progress. Simultaneously, Senate leaders are preparing their own budget proposal, scheduled for unveiling at a weekend meeting with Trump in Florida.

The anticipated spending plan is comprehensive, encompassing:

• Funding for New Border Projects: A significant portion of the budget is allocated to enhancing infrastructure and security along the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Extension of Tax Breaks: The plan seeks to prolong tax incentives introduced during Trump's first term, aligning with his administration’s economic policies.
• Fulfillment of Campaign Promises: Additional provisions aim to address various campaign commitments, reinforcing the administration's policy priorities.

Claudia Grizales concludes her segment by emphasizing the critical nature of these negotiations within the broader legislative landscape.

Federal Workers' Unions Challenge Dismantling of USAID

[01:19] Jeanine Herbst transitions to a legal battle involving federal workers' unions, who are contesting the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Shannon Bond provides an in-depth report on the unfolding situation.

[01:34] Shannon Bond explains that the unions are litigating against the administration's move to significantly reduce USAID’s operational capacity. "The lawsuit comes as USAID is preparing to put the majority of its staff on leave and terminate most of its contractors starting Friday," Bond reports, referencing internal emails obtained by NPR. The administration plans to retain fewer than 300 essential staff members, drastically cutting down the agency's workforce.

The legal challenge also targets the White House's freeze on foreign aid, arguing that such actions result in "dire consequences to health and safety around the world." The unions assert that "only Congress has the right to shut down the agency, not the president," underscoring the constitutional dispute at the heart of the lawsuit.

Labor Department Reports Slowdown in Hiring Amid Mixed Stock Market Reactions

[02:08] Turning to economic news, Jeanine Herbst reports on the fluctuating stock market influenced by the latest Labor Department figures, with additional insights from Scott Horsley.

[02:19] Scott Horsley elaborates on the job market data, revealing that "U.S. employers added 143,000 jobs in January. That's a slowdown from the two previous months." Although hiring growth decelerated, revised figures indicate stronger performance in November and December than initially reported. The sectors contributing to job gains predominantly include retail, healthcare, and government, while construction and manufacturing experienced minimal growth.

Horsley notes that "Average wages in January were up 4.1% from a year ago," highlighting that wage increases have outpaced inflation for nearly two years. Additionally, the unemployment rate has dipped to a low of 4%, signaling a resilient labor market despite the slower job additions.

In response to these numbers, the stock market exhibited volatility. "After opening higher, the Dow at one point was up 90 points this morning. It's now trading lower, down 30 points," Herbst reports, indicating investor uncertainty.

Search Underway for Missing Bering Air Flight in Alaska

[03:00] Jeanine Herbst shifts focus to a developing story in Alaska, where authorities are actively searching for a missing Bering Air flight carrying 10 people.

The Cessna Caravan disappeared yesterday afternoon while en route from Unalakleet to Nome, traversing the Norton Sound south of the Arctic Circle. Ground crews are meticulously combing the icy coastline, supported by the Nome Volunteer Fire Department. The U.S. Coast Guard has dispatched a C130 aircraft to aid in the extensive search operation.

Authorities have confirmed that the search commenced promptly after the flight was reported missing, with efforts concentrated on the challenging Arctic terrain in hopes of locating the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.

Super Bowl Sparks Concerns Over Gambling Risks

[04:04] As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Jeanine Herbst introduces a report by Windsor Johnston on the surge in gambling activities and the associated health risks.

[04:16] Windsor Johnston interviews Daniel Cotzias, a sports gambling counselor from Oak Park, Michigan, who highlights the modern challenges posed by mobile betting platforms. "They had this constant dopamine on tap on their phones where they could just tap into it whenever they wanted to," Cotzias explains, emphasizing the addictive potential of easy-access gambling through smartphones and tablets.

Cotzias advocates for "a mindful regimen in general to how you use your phone," suggesting practical measures such as "putting your phone in the drawer or leaving it in the car at certain points in the day just to kind of manage those urges." His insights reflect growing concerns among health experts about the normalization and accessibility of gambling, particularly during high-profile events like the Super Bowl.

Further, Johnston cites a survey revealing that "more than 4 in 10 Super Bowl watchers say they plan to bet $100 or more on Sunday's game." The study also found a significant gender disparity, with men being "more than twice as likely as women to place wagers." These statistics underscore the heightened gambling activity anticipated during the event and the corresponding public health implications.

Final Market Update

[04:49] Jeanine Herbst provides a concluding update on the stock market, noting continued declines: "On Wall Street, the Dow is down 77 points, NASDAQ down 127. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from NPR News Now's February 7, 2025 episode, offering a comprehensive overview for listeners seeking to stay informed on the latest developments.