NPR News Now: February 13, 2025, 5 PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Source: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. President Trump Implements Reciprocal Tariffs

Key Points: President Donald Trump has taken a significant move in international trade by signing a memorandum that initiates reciprocal tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, including longstanding allies. The specifics regarding which tariffs will be imposed, the affected countries, and the targeted products are slated to be determined by Trump administration officials in the upcoming weeks. Notably, Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and Global Trade Representative Jamison Greer are spearheading this initiative, with recommendations expected by April 1.

Notable Quote:

"If you build here, you have no tariffs whatsoever, and I think that's what's going to happen. I think our country is going to be flooded with jobs."
— President Donald Trump [00:32]

Implications: The administration emphasizes that exemptions or waivers are unlikely, a departure from Trump's previous offers. While tariffs may lead to short-term price increases for American consumers due to higher costs for imported goods, Trump asserts confidence that prices will eventually decline as manufacturing shifts back to the U.S., potentially creating a surge in domestic employment.

2. Resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon

Key Points: Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has resigned amidst controversy surrounding a high-profile case. Her departure follows a directive from the Justice Department to drop the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The Trump-era DOJ leadership cited the timing of the charges, coinciding closely with Adams' mayoral campaign, and alleged interference with his cooperation on immigration enforcement as reasons for the dismissal.

Notable Quote:

"The charges were brought too close to the city's mayoral election and that they interfered with Adams' ability to help the Trump administration with immigration enforcement."
— Justice Department Memo [01:11]

Details: Appointed just a month prior, Sassoon's tenure was brief yet impactful. The decision to drop the corruption case against Mayor Adams has raised questions about the motivations behind the DOJ's actions and the future direction of the Southern District of New York's legal proceedings.

3. Collision Involving USS Harry Truman Near Egypt

Key Points: A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Harry Truman, experienced a collision with a merchant vessel flagged to Panama near the port of Said, Egypt, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The incident occurred shortly before midnight local time on a Wednesday.

Details: According to the U.S. Navy, there have been no reports of flooding or injuries resulting from the collision. Additionally, the ship's nuclear propulsion systems remain unaffected and stable. The Truman had departed the United States in September and was part of a mission aimed at safeguarding international shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Notable Quote:

"There are no reports of flooding or injuries, and the Truman's nuclear propulsion plants are unaffected and in safe and stable condition."
— Navy 6th Fleet Spokesperson [02:03]

4. Wall Street Closes Higher

Key Points: Wall Street experienced a robust closing, with significant gains across major indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 342 points, the NASDAQ increased by 295 points, marking a 1.5% uptick, and the S&P 500 climbed by 63 points.

Implications: The positive movement in the stock market reflects investor confidence and could be indicative of optimistic economic projections or favorable corporate earnings reports influencing trading behaviors on that day.

5. Surge in Youth Birdwatching

Key Points: Birdwatching, traditionally dominated by individuals over 40, is witnessing a surge in popularity among younger demographics. This trend gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when increased outdoor activities led to greater engagement with wildlife.

Statistics and Insights: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey highlights a significant increase in teenage participation, rising from approximately 11% almost a decade ago to around 30% today. Maya Thompson, head of youth programs at the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, emphasizes the continuous learning aspect of birding, attracting young enthusiasts like Sophia Hackman, a 15-year-old who has taken an active role in leading owl walks for the Florida Young Birders Club.

Notable Quote:

"You can never stop learning about new birds."
— Maya Thompson [03:42]

Broader Trend: The American Birding Association corroborates this upward trend, noting increased nationwide interest among youth, which bodes well for the future of bird conservation and environmental stewardship.

6. Trial of Rapper Asap Rocky in Los Angeles

Key Points: In Los Angeles, the trial of rapper Asap Rocky has reached its closing arguments stage. Rocky faces two felony charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, accusations stemming from an incident in 2021 where he allegedly fired at a former friend on a Hollywood street corner.

Defense Argument: Rocky's legal team contends that the shots fired were merely blanks from a prop gun used for security purposes, challenging the severity and intent behind the alleged assault.

Potential Consequences: If convicted, Asap Rocky faces a substantial prison term of up to 24 years. The trial has also drawn public attention due to Rocky's high-profile status as a Grammy-nominated artist, fashion influencer, actor, and his relationship with pop superstar Rihanna, who presented their two young sons in court for the first time during the proceedings.

Implications: The outcome of this trial could have significant ramifications for Rocky's career and personal life, as well as set precedents for similar cases involving celebrities and the use of firearms in public incidents.

Conclusion: This episode of NPR News Now covered a diverse range of topics from international trade policies and high-stakes legal battles to maritime incidents, financial markets, youth engagement in birdwatching, and high-profile criminal trials. Each segment provided in-depth insights and updates on current events shaping the national and international landscape.

Note: Advertisements, introductory remarks, and sponsor messages have been excluded to maintain focus on the core news content.