NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-05-2025 2AM EST

Episode Date: February 5, 2025

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It's a new year, and according to Pew, 79% of resolutions are about one thing, health. But there are so many fads around how to keep ourselves healthy. On It's Been A Minute, I'm helping you understand why some of today's biggest wellness trends are, well, trending. Like why is there protein in everything? Join me as we uncover what's healthy and what's not on the It's Been A Minute podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shae Stevens.

President Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Tuesday and suggested a US takeover of the Gaza Strip. More from NPR's Lexi Schepitl. In a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump repeated his assertion that the Palestinians displaced in Gaza should be relocated to other countries. He also proposed that the United States should, quote, take over and own Gaza for an indefinite long term period of time. This was not a decision made lightly.

Everybody I've spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent. Trump did not respond to questions about what authority the U.S. has to take over the Palestinian territory. The president also didn't rule out sending U.S. troops to Gaza to support the redevelopment. Lexi Schepittle, NPR News, Washington. The U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, is placing all of its employees

on administrative leave. The agency's overseas personnel are under orders to return to the U.S. within 30 days. The move comes as the Trump administration takes steps to dismantle USAID, which has been responsible for administering humanitarian aid and development overseas. The US Postal Service says it's temporarily stopping accepting package shipments from China and Hong Kong. As NPR's Giles Snyder reports, the move comes as US tariffs on Chinese goods take hold. It's not clear if the suspension is tied to the Trump administration's additional 10% tariff on Chinese products.

But as part of his tariff implementation, President Trump ended what are known as de minimis shipments, packages worth less than $800. The de minimis exemption allows overseas online retailers to send small packages directly to American consumers without paying a tax. NPR's Joel Snyder reporting. The commissioner of the National Football League says the organization remains committed to its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The statement comes as companies nationwide roll back DEI programs.

NPR's Becky Sullivan has more. Speaking to reporters in New Orleans on Monday ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl, Commissioner Roger Goodell said not only is the NFL sticking with DEI, but also that diversity makes the league better. We're not in this because it's a trend to get in it or a trend to get out of it. Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent. In his first term, President Trump clashed with the league over its handling of players

who took a knee during the national anthem as a way to protest racism and police brutality. Back then, Trump urged fans to boycott the NFL. Now the president is planning to attend the biggest game of the year, the Sunday Super Bowl. He'll be the first sitting president to do so. Becky Sullivan, NPR News, New Orleans. US futures are lower in after hours trading on Wall Street following Tuesday's slight gains.

This is NPR News. The Waffle House chain is imposing a temporary 50-cent surcharge on each egg order. This in response to the biggest bird flu outbreak in a decade. The outbreak has forced farmers to slaughter billions of chickens, causing a shortage of eggs at grocery stores and restaurants. Maryland leaders say they've unveiled a new design for the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The span collapsed last spring after a massive container ship struck it, killing six people. From member station WYPR, Wambui Kumau has the story. The new cable-stayed bridge will be wider and

taller, allowing space for larger vessels. It will also feature enhanced pier protection. Governor Wes Moore called the Key Bridge, which marks the Port of Baltimore, a national asset. We get cars from Michigan out to market. We bring sugars and spices to Louisiana. We haul farm equipment from the East Coast deep into the farmland.

Construction for the new bridge will start in spring. The $1.7 billion project, fully funded by Congress, is expected to open by the fall of 2028. For NPR News, I'm Wambui Kamau in Baltimore. Portland's Oregon Zoo has welcomed a new baby elephant. After 20 months of pregnancy, Asian elephant Rose 2 gave birth to what appeared to be a 200-pound calf last weekend. Officials at the zoo say they're giving mother and child time to bond before taking any steps to confirm the calf's weight and gender.

On Asian market, shares are mostly lower this hour. This is NPR News. This is Tanya Mosley, co-host of Fresh Air, and I just talked to Pamela Anderson about her big career comeback after years in the tabloids and not being taken seriously. She's entered a new era on stage and screen. Suzanne Somers had a great line. She said, you can't play a dumb blonde and be a dumb blonde. Find this interview with Pamela Anderson wherever you listen to Fresh Air.