NPR News Now – Episode: February 10, 2025, 6 PM EST

Release Date: February 10, 2025

In this edition of NPR News Now, listeners are provided with a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news topics. From significant economic policy changes and legal battles to groundbreaking scientific research and environmental conservation efforts, the episode encapsulates essential updates that matter to the public.

1. President Trump's Imposition of New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports

Host Introduction Jack Spear begins the episode by addressing President Donald Trump's latest economic measures, signaling an ongoing trade dispute that has significant implications for various sectors.

Tariffs and Economic Impact At 00:19, Jack Spear introduces the topic, highlighting Trump's decision to impose a 25% tax on all imported steel and aluminum. Scott Horsley elaborates on this move at 00:34, explaining that the tariffs aim to bolster domestic steel and aluminum production. However, this decision is a double-edged sword—it is expected to increase costs for both businesses and consumers. Industries affected range from automakers to beverage companies, potentially leading to higher prices for everyday products like cars, soda, and beer.

Cessation of Penny Minting In the same segment, Scott Horsley reports that President Trump has directed the Treasury Department to cease minting new pennies. The rationale behind this decision is economic inefficiency, as producing a penny now costs more than its face value.

Scott Horsley (00:34): "President Trump says he's directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies. The government's been losing money on the coins, which each cost more than a penny to make."

2. Legal Battle Over Freezing Federal Funds in Rhode Island

Court Ruling Against the Trump Administration Moving to legal affairs, Jack Spear reports at 01:04 that a federal judge in Rhode Island has found the Trump administration in violation of a temporary restraining order by continuing to freeze certain federal funds. Elena Moore provides an in-depth analysis of this development.

Details of the Lawsuit At 01:23, Elena Moore explains that the lawsuit, initiated by 22 states and the District of Columbia, challenges the administration's attempts to pause payments for grants and other federal programs. The court order mandates the immediate cessation of any federal funding freezes, citing evidence that some funds remained inaccessible despite the administration's claims of compliance.

Elena Moore (01:23): "The order directs the Trump administration to immediately end any federal funding pause, pointing to information from states that details how some funding has remained inaccessible."

Administration's Defense Despite the court's ruling, the Trump administration maintains that its actions were made in "good faith" based on the initial temporary restraining order. The memo from the Office of Management and Budget, though rescinded shortly after its release, was argued to necessitate a review of federal funding allocations.

3. Transformation Within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Leadership Changes and Operational Shifts At 01:57, Jack Spear highlights significant changes within the CFPB. President Trump's newly appointed Chief of the CFPB has instructed agency members to work from home and announced the closure of the bureau's Washington, D.C. headquarters. Russell [Last Name Not Provided] assumed leadership of the CFPB on Friday, marking a shift towards a more budget-conscious approach.

Democratic Response and Protest Democrats, particularly Senator Elizabeth Warren, a key figure in the creation of the CFPB, have vocally opposed these changes. At 02:22, Warren participates in a protest in Washington, asserting the importance and independence of the CFPB.

Elizabeth Warren (02:22): "Congress created the CFPB to protect people from getting swindled. Congress built it. And no one other than Congress, not Donald Trump, not Elon Musk, no one can fire the financial cops."

Historical Context of the CFPB Jack Spear provides context by recalling that the CFPB was established under the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law in response to the financial crisis triggered by subprime lending abuses and inadequate regulation.

4. Federal Reserve Oversight and Market Movements

Federal Reserve Scrutiny At 02:41, Jack Spear mentions that Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Board Chair, is preparing for a significant semiannual testimony before Congress. Concurrently, Elon Musk has been vocal on social media, advocating for increased scrutiny of the Federal Reserve and other federal government aspects.

Stock Market Reaction These developments coincide with positive movements in the stock market, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average rises by 167 points, reflecting investor confidence amid regulatory changes.

5. Groundbreaking Research on Alzheimer's Disease Resistance

Unraveling a Medical Mystery Shifting to scientific news, John Hamilton discusses a fascinating study published in Nature Neuroscience at 03:53. The research focuses on a man who, despite having a rare gene mutation that typically leads to the development of Alzheimer's disease in his 30s or 40s, remains mentally sharp at 75.

Insights from Researchers At 04:12, Jorge Gibre of Washington University in St. Louis emphasizes the significance of this case, stating:

Jorge Gibre (04:12): "It's so important, right, because he's telling us that something is going on that is protecting these people."

Potential Protective Mechanisms Further analysis by John Hamilton at 04:17 reveals that the man's brain exhibits high levels of specific proteins associated with stress responses. These proteins may play a crucial role in protecting the brain from the onset of Alzheimer's, offering promising avenues for future research and potential treatments.

6. Conservation Success: Return of the Mexican Long-Nosed Bats

Environmental Update Concluding the episode, Jack Spear reports at 04:32 on environmental conservation efforts leading to the return of the endangered Mexican long-nosed bats in Arizona. These bats have been listed as endangered since 1988.

Innovative Research Methods The resurgence of the bats is partly thanks to collaborative efforts between local residents and researchers. By collecting and analyzing saliva samples from bats visiting hummingbird feeders through DNA testing, scientists were able to accurately monitor and confirm the bats' return without the need for capture.

Closing Remarks This episode of NPR News Now effectively encapsulates a range of critical issues impacting the United States, from economic policies and legal challenges to scientific breakthroughs and environmental conservation. By delivering succinct yet detailed reports, the podcast ensures that listeners are well-informed about the latest developments shaping the nation.