NPR News Now – February 10, 2025

Hosted by Dale Willman

In the February 10, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Dale Willman presents a comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing news stories. The episode delves into the intensifying trade war between the United States and China, scrutinizes Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), examines funding challenges faced by Head Start programs, reports on rescue efforts following a devastating landslide in Sichuan Province, celebrates the Philadelphia Eagles' recent Super Bowl victory, and provides updates on the current box office landscape.

Escalation of the US-China Trade War

Reporter: John Ruich
Timestamp: [00:20 - 00:33]

The trade tensions between the United States and China have reached a new peak. The Chinese government has announced additional counter tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on a variety of American goods, including crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and farm machinery. These tariffs are set to take effect later that day, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing trade war.

Detailed Report:
Reporter: Bobby Allen
Timestamp: [00:33]

Bobby Allen provides further details, explaining that the Chinese tariffs are a direct response to the United States' recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. President Trump has justified the U.S. tariffs as a measure to pressure Beijing into taking more decisive action against the flow of synthetic opioid fentanyl into America, noting, “He imposed that tariff to try to pressure Beijing to do more to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into America.” China, however, maintains that their cooperation on narcotics has been effective and warns that tariffs will only exacerbate the issue.

Furthermore, Allen reports that President Trump is expected to announce additional tariffs this week, potentially including a 25% levy on all steel and aluminum imports, indicating that both nations are steadfast in their positions with little indication of an imminent resolution.

Controversy Surrounding Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)

Reporter: John Ruich
Timestamp: [01:15]

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, colloquially known as Doge, has come under fire for its opaque operations within the federal government. Critics argue that Doge is implementing significant cost-cutting measures without adequate transparency.

Detailed Report:
Reporter: Anya Van Wagtendonk
Timestamp: [01:30 - 02:10]

Anya Van Wagtendonk provides an in-depth look at Doge's activities, revealing that the unit is delving into records across at least half a dozen federal agencies. Doge staffers are proposing severe budget cuts and attempting to streamline agencies extensively, all while operating behind closed doors without holding press conferences or detailing their specific actions.

Unions representing federal employees have expressed serious concerns about the lack of transparency, describing it as “alarming.” Additionally, journalists have discovered that Doge comprises approximately 40 staffers, including loyalists to Musk and a mix of young and experienced software engineers. Despite this, the leadership hierarchy within Doge remains unclear, leaving many questions about who ultimately oversees the unit's operations.

In contrast, the White House defends Doge’s approach, asserting that the initiative’s transparency is demonstrated through publicizing canceled federal contracts and terminated leases of federal buildings. Nonetheless, the debate continues as stakeholders weigh the benefits of cost efficiency against the need for open governmental processes.

Funding Challenges for Head Start Programs

Reporter: John Ruich
Timestamp: [02:10]

Federal funding issues have impacted Head Start programs, which are crucial for providing early childhood education to low-income families. Since last week, these programs have struggled to access necessary payment systems.

Detailed Report:
Reporter: Anya Van Wagtendonk
Timestamp: [02:26 - 02:50]

Anya Van Wagtendonk, citing Executive Director Abby Cruz, reports that Head Start programs in 23 states experienced disruptions in accessing payment portals essential for covering operational costs and paying staff. Cruz states, “Advocates reported that Head Start programs in 23 states couldn't access payment portals needed to cover costs and pay staff.”

In Madison, Wisconsin, Head Start is a vital component of the local early childhood education framework. Cruz mentions that half of the delayed funds have now been received, with the remainder expected on Monday, providing some relief to the programs. However, an unnamed provider expressed ongoing uncertainty, saying, “I feel relieved for today, but I still feel really uncertain about the future.”

The funding delays stemmed from a freeze on federal grant funding ordered by the Trump administration, which was later halted by a federal judge. The Department of Health and Human Services attributes the outage to technical issues that also affected community health centers, complicating the financial stability of these essential services.

Rescue Operations Following Sichuan Landslide

Reporter: John Ruich
Timestamp: [03:10]

A massive landslide in Sichuan Province, China, has led to a dire rescue operation. Rescue crews are actively searching for 28 missing individuals following the disaster.

Detailed Report:

The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall on Saturday, resulted in the loss of at least one life and destroyed over 10 homes within a manufacturing area. The debris field extends more than half a mile, significantly complicating rescue efforts. Authorities are focusing on locating the missing and providing aid to those affected, emphasizing the urgent need for effective disaster response mechanisms in the region.

Philadelphia Eagles Triumph in Super Bowl Rematch

Reporter: John Ruich
Timestamp: [03:47]

In sports news, the Philadelphia Eagles delivered a commanding performance in their Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, securing a 40-22 victory.

Detailed Report:
Reporter: Greg Eklund
Timestamp: [03:47 - 04:11]

Greg Eklund reports from New Orleans, highlighting that this win marks the Eagles' second Super Bowl championship, their first since 2018. The team showcased remarkable resilience, especially after their loss in Super Bowl LVII two years prior in Phoenix.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, achieving “221 passing yards and two touchdowns” along with “72 rushing yards and a score.” At [04:02], Hurts reflected on the team’s strategic focus: “You want to put a high value on finishing, having great focus and finishing. You know, think about the last time we were in this game. We were up 10 at halftime.” His emphasis on maintaining momentum and concentration was pivotal to the Eagles' dominant second-half performance.

Current Box Office Landscape

Reporter: John Ruich
Timestamp: [04:24]

The latest box office numbers indicate a competitive market with shifting audience preferences. The Dreamworks animated film "Dogman" remains at the top, while new releases are making significant impressions.

Detailed Report:

“Dogman” continues to hold the first spot, bringing in $13.7 million in ticket sales across North American theaters during its second week. However, its total revenue has declined by over 60% since its debut weekend. The Valentine’s Day-themed slasher movie "Heart Eyes" debuted in second place, grossing $8.5 million, while the action film "Love Hurts" secured the third position. These figures reflect a diverse range of genres appealing to varying audiences, shaping the current dynamics of the entertainment industry.

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a thorough examination of significant international and domestic issues, blending detailed reporting with insightful commentary to keep the audience well-informed on the day's most important developments.