NPR News Now: February 11, 2025, 11 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: February 11, 2025

1. Federal Judge Orders Restoration of Frozen Federal Funds

Timestamp: [00:12]
Reporter: Elena Moore

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration has failed to comply with a court order to release federal funds that were frozen by President Trump last week. This legal battle stems from lawsuits filed by Democratic attorneys general aiming to restore payments for grants and other federal programs.

Key Points:

• Court Order: The judge mandated an immediate cessation of the federal funding pause, citing evidence that some funds were still inaccessible to states.
• Administration's Stance: The Trump administration is appealing the decision, arguing that it acted "in good faith to interpret the scope of the court's temporary restraining order" ([00:30]).
• Background: The legal challenge originates from a memo by the Office of Management and Budget, which was later rescinded. However, the White House maintains that reviewing federal funding remains necessary.

Quote:
Elena Moore reported, "Directs the Trump administration to immediately end any federal funding pause, pointing to information from states that details how some funding has remained inaccessible" ([00:30]).

2. Trump Implements Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports

Timestamp: [01:04]
Reporter: Korva Coleman

President Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the United States, a move that will impact U.S. allies, including members of the European Union.

Key Points:

• Economic Impact: The tariffs are expected to act as taxes, harming businesses and consumers alike by increasing costs and fueling inflation.
• European Reaction: Marfos Shefjevic, the European Commission's Chief for Trade and Economic Security, criticized the tariffs, stating they "won't work the way President Trump says they will" ([01:30]).
• Domestic Concerns: Economists warn that U.S. industries reliant on steel and aluminum, such as automakers, home builders, and defense contractors, may face higher costs, potentially leading to layoffs to mitigate expenses.

Quote:
Marfos Shefjevic stated, "Tariffs are taxes, bad for businesses, worse for consumers. And by imposing tariffs, the US will be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for its own business and fueling inflation" ([01:30]).

3. Justice Department Advises Dropping Charges Against New York Mayor Eric Adams

Timestamp: [01:44]
Reporter: Ryan Lucas

The Justice Department is recommending that federal prosecutors drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Key Points:

• Directive: Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bovey instructed U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to dismiss the charges, contingent upon a review after the upcoming mayoral election ([02:11]).
• Reasoning: The memorandum stated that the indictment was too close to the election and suggested that prosecuting Adams could impede his role in Trump's immigration crackdown.
• Background: Mayor Adams had previously visited President Trump in Florida and attended his inauguration, which may have influenced the Justice Department's decision.

Quote:
Ryan Lucas explained, "The memo says the directive is not based on an assessment of the strength of the case. Instead, it says the indictment last year came too close in time to the mayoral election this upcoming November" ([02:11]).

4. Trump Pardons Former Illinois Governor Ron Blagojevich

Timestamp: [02:53]
Reporter: Korva Coleman

President Trump has issued a pardon to former Illinois Democratic Governor Ron Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption charges.

Key Points:

• Charges: Blagojevich was found guilty of attempting to sell former President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat and pressuring individuals for financial gain.
• Trump's Statement: The President labeled Blagojevich's sentence as an "injustice," justifying the pardon despite the nature of the crimes.

5. Elon Musk Alleges Widespread Fraud in Federal Entitlements

Timestamp: [02:53]
Reporter: Korva Coleman

Elon Musk, a prominent ally of President Trump and head of the Doge entity, has claimed that there is extensive fraud occurring within federal entitlement programs such as Social Security.

Key Points:

• Claims: Musk asserts that fraud in these programs is more significant than the public realizes.
• Actions: He has already cut several federal programs but has not provided evidence to support his claims.
• Uncertainty: Musk has not indicated whether his actions will extend to other vital programs like Medicare or disability benefits.

Note: Musk's statements have sparked concern due to the lack of evidence and the potential impact on essential services.

6. Egg Shortages Spark Rationing Across Grocery Stores

Timestamp: [03:48]
Reporter: Giles Snyder

A severe bird flu outbreak has led to the slaughter of billions of egg-laying hens, resulting in significant egg shortages and soaring prices.

Key Points:

• Store Responses: Major grocery chains, including Trader Joe's, Costco, and Aldi, are limiting egg purchases to manage scarcity.
• Price Surge: The average price per dozen eggs reached $4.15 in December, with the Agriculture Department projecting a further 20% increase this year.
• Industry Impact: Restaurants are contributing to the shortage by imposing surcharges on eggs, as seen with Waffle House adding a 50-cent fee per egg ([03:48]).
• Consumer Experience: Trader Joe's has implemented a limit of one dozen eggs per customer daily to ensure availability.

Quote:
Giles Snyder reported, "Trader Joe says it's now limiting customers to one dozen eggs daily, saying the move is intended to ensure eggs remain available for as many shoppers as possible" ([03:48]).

7. New Strain of Bird Flu Detected in Nevada Dairy Worker

Timestamp: [04:28]
Reporter: Korva Coleman

Federal health officials have identified a new strain of bird flu in a dairy worker in Nevada, marking the first instance of this type of flu being traced to a cow.

Key Points:

• Health Impact: The affected worker exhibited mild symptoms and has since recovered.
• CDC Statement: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that this strain differs from the one recently circulating in U.S. dairy herds.
• Public Health Response: Ongoing monitoring and research are being conducted to understand the implications of this new strain on both animal and human health.

Quote:
Korva Coleman reported, "The CDC says it's the first time this type of bird flu has been traced to a cow" ([04:28]).

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant national and international developments, including legal battles involving federal funding, economic policies impacting trade and domestic markets, high-profile legal cases, public health alerts, and notable actions by influential figures like President Trump and Elon Musk. The discussions highlighted the interconnectedness of political decisions, economic stability, and public health, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the current landscape.