NPR News Now: March 5, 2025, 2PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Source: NPR News
Description: The latest news in five minutes, updated hourly.

1. U.S. Auto Tariffs: Reprieve Granted for U.S. Automakers

Timestamp: [00:14 – 00:29]

President Trump has announced a temporary suspension of new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican automotive goods, providing a brief reprieve for U.S. automakers. This decision comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary, explained the specifics during a recent press briefing:

“We are going to give a one month exemption on any autos coming through USMCA. Reciprocal tariffs will still go into effect on April 2nd.”
[00:29]

2. Legislative Battles: Federal Budget and Tax Cuts

Timestamp: [00:41 – 01:16]

In his recent address to a joint session of Congress, President Trump called for patience regarding the administration’s tariff policies and the broader economy. However, the administration faces significant legislative challenges ahead, particularly concerning the federal budget and proposed tax cuts.

Frank Ordonez reports on the internal dynamics within Congress:

“Republicans largely support the tax cuts, but there is concern about Trump's proposal to pass a funding bill to avert a government shutdown. And Trump and House leaders want to avoid a shutdown. But some Republicans, these hardline conservatives, want to have a fight to cut more spending. So it is an issue.”
[00:56]

This division highlights potential hurdles in passing the administration’s fiscal agenda, with hardline conservatives pushing for deeper spending cuts versus the leadership's desire to maintain government operations.

3. CDC Staff Rehiring: Reversal of Job Cuts

Timestamp: [01:18 – 02:12]

In a surprising move, the Trump administration is reversing previous job cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Staff members who were terminated in mid-February have been instructed to return to work.

Will Stone, NPR's reporter, provides insight:

“It's an abrupt reversal. In mid February, at least seven hundred and fifty CDC staff were fired as part of the mass job cuts across the federal government. Now an unknown number of CDC staff have received identical emails telling them to come back to work right away.”
[01:32]

The rehiring includes personnel from two training fellowship programs. However, the notices did not include protections against future workforce reductions, aligning with President Trump’s directive for ongoing federal agency downsizing.

4. ISIS Suspect Arrested for Kabul Airport Bombing

Timestamp: [02:12 – 03:10]

The Justice Department has apprehended Mohammed Sharifullah, a suspected member of the Islamic State Group, who is accused of orchestrating the devastating Kabul airport bombing in 2021. This attack resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. Marines and approximately 160 civilians during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Ryan Lucas, NPR’s correspondent, elaborates:

“The defendant, Mohammed Sharifullah, allegedly had hand in the planning of three terrorist attacks, one at a mall in Russia and two in Afghanistan. That includes the blast at Abbey Gate at the Kabul airport during the US Withdrawal. Court papers say Sharifullah scouted out a route for the suicide bomber, who ultimately carried out the attack.”
[02:31]

Sharifullah has acknowledged his involvement in the Kabul attack during an interview with FBI agents. He has been brought to the United States and is expected to make his first court appearance in Virginia imminently.

5. New Visa Restrictions Announced by State Department

Timestamp: [03:13 – 03:30]

In efforts to curb illegal immigration, the U.S. is implementing stricter visa restrictions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a policy targeting foreign officials in immigration, customs, airport, and port authorities who are believed to facilitate unauthorized entries into the United States.

“The U.S. is imposing more visa restrictions targeting foreign officials who facilitate illegal immigration.”
[03:13]

This policy aims to pressure countries to tighten their immigration enforcement and reduce the flow of undocumented immigrants into the U.S.

6. World's Largest Iceberg Avoids Collision with South Georgia Island

Timestamp: [03:30 – 04:32]

A massive iceberg, identified as A23A, has come to a halt in the South Atlantic Ocean, averting a feared collision with South Georgia Island. This iceberg, spanning approximately 1,300 square miles, is more than four times the size of Manhattan.

Carrie Kahn, NPR’s environment correspondent, provides detailed coverage:

“The iceberg is far enough offshore, about 50 miles, that it may not cause damage and might even enhance nutrients and ocean productivity. Huge icebergs are normal, but scientists warn the world's ice shelves are experiencing massive losses due to global warming.”
[03:49]

Originally calving from the Antarctic shelf decades ago, A23A remained stationary until its drift towards South Georgia Island in 2020 posed potential threats to local wildlife. The iceberg's current position suggests minimal impact on penguin and seal populations, though it underscores the broader implications of climate change on global ice formations.

7. Minnesota National Guard Deployed Amid Storm; Stock Market Update

Timestamp: [04:32 – 04:48]

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has activated the National Guard to support emergency storm operations across the state. Freeborn County officials reported multiple vehicular accidents and stranded motorists, necessitating additional assistance.

In financial news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw significant gains:

“At last check on Wall street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 428 points, or more than 1%.”
[04:32 – 04:48]

This surge reflects positive market sentiment amidst ongoing economic and political developments.

Conclusion:
Today's episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical national and international issues, including trade policies, legislative challenges, public health workforce changes, counterterrorism efforts, immigration controls, environmental events, and emergency responses. Notable quotes and detailed reports offer listeners a thorough understanding of the current news landscape.