NPR News Now: March 4, 2025, 12 PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter: Danielle Kurtzleben, Nina Totenberg, Rob Stein

1. President Trump to Address Congress

[00:13] Jeanine Herbst:
President Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress today. While the address resembles a State of the Union, it is technically not one, marking the first speech of his new term.

[00:34] Danielle Kurtzleben:
Trump's upcoming speech coincides with the implementation of new tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, are intended to protect U.S. businesses but may lead to higher consumer prices. Additionally, the U.S. has suspended military aid to Ukraine following a contentious Oval Office meeting between Vice President Pence and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During his speech, Trump is expected to request Congress to approve funding for border security and possibly extend existing tax cuts.

2. Trade Tensions with Canada, China, and Mexico

[01:09] Jeanine Herbst:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to President Trump's tariffs, declaring a trade war and announcing retaliatory measures against U.S. goods.

[01:19] Justin Trudeau:
"Canada will be implementing 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion of American products in 21 days time."

[01:40] Jeanine Herbst:
In addition to Canada, China has imposed tariffs on U.S. farm products and is expanding restrictions on business dealings with key American companies. Mexico has also announced plans to introduce retaliatory tariffs, set to be revealed on Sunday.

[01:50] Jeanine Herbst:
On the international front, Ukraine's President Zelensky expressed readiness to finalize a minerals deal with the U.S. He also noted frustrations following his recent meeting with President Trump: "No one wants an endless war, and my meeting with Trump at the White House Friday didn't go the way it was supposed to and that was regrettable."

3. Supreme Court Case: Mexico vs. American Gun Manufacturers

[02:15] Nina Totenberg:
The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments in a significant case where Mexico is suing Smith & Wesson and other U.S. gun manufacturers for $10 billion in damages. Mexico alleges that these manufacturers are complicit in the illegal trafficking of high-powered weapons into Mexico for use by cartels.

[02:27] Jonathan Lowey (Co-Counsel for Mexico):
"90% of gun dealers act legally, but the rest do not."

[02:38] Danielle Kurtzleben:
Lowey emphasized that the illicit dealers are directly supplying weapons to cartel traffickers through bulk sales.

[02:45] Lawrence Keene (Firearms Industry Trade Association Counsel):
"The manufacturers can't be held accountable for the actions of dealers."

[03:00] Nina Totenberg:
A decision on this landmark case is anticipated by the summer.

4. California Governor's Executive Order on Office Attendance

[03:06] Jeanine Herbst:
Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 663 points at the time of reporting. In state news, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order requiring state employees to return to the office. Starting July 1st, employees must work at least four days a week in person, a shift from the remote work policies adopted during the pandemic. Governor Newsom stated, "This will help with communication and collaboration and allow better services for Californians."

5. Scientific Advances: Resurrection of the Woolly Mammoth

[03:40] Rob Stein:
At Colossal Biosciences in Dallas, scientists have developed "woolly mice"—genetically engineered mice exhibiting traits akin to woolly mammoths, such as long, shaggy coats. The team aims to apply this technology to Asian elephants, the mammoth's closest living relatives, with the ultimate goal of releasing herds of mammoth-like elephants into the Arctic. However, this initiative faces criticism over potential unintended ecological consequences.

6. Pope Francis' Health Update

[04:27] Jeanine Herbst:
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has stabilized sufficiently to reduce his reliance on a ventilation mask, transitioning to a nasal tube for oxygen support. The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling double pneumonia and has been hospitalized for nearly three weeks.

7. Stock Market Overview

[03:06] Jeanine Herbst:
The stock market showed a downturn with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down by 1.5%, the Nasdaq decreased approximately 0.9%, and the S&P 500 fell by 1.3%.

Conclusion:
Today's NPR News Now episode covered significant political developments, including President Trump's impending Congress address amidst escalating trade tensions with Canada, China, and Mexico. The judiciary is addressing critical issues in the case against U.S. gun manufacturers, while California enforces new workplace mandates. In scientific news, advancements toward resurrecting the woolly mammoth raise ecological concerns, and international attention remains focused on Pope Francis' health. The economic backdrop is marked by a notable decline in major U.S. stock indices.

For those who haven't tuned into the podcast, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed, enriched with direct quotes and timestamps for reference.