NPR News Now: January 28, 2025, 6 AM EST

Host: Kristen Wright
Producer: NPR
Release Date: January 28, 2025

1. USAID Officials Placed on Administrative Leave

Timestamp: [00:16]

NPR's Kristen Wright reports a significant shake-up within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). A number of senior career officials have been placed on administrative leave by the acting administrator, Jason Gray. This action follows accusations that these officials failed to comply with President Trump's executive order freezing foreign assistance.

Key Points:

• The executive order targets actions that allegedly circumvent the president's mandate and the directives from the American public.
• An internal memo indicated that "several actions within USAID appear to be designed to circumvent the president's executive order" ([00:39]).
• A USAID staff member, speaking anonymously, expressed shock, stating, "to their knowledge, the stop work order had been closely followed" ([00:39]).
• The memo did not specify the number of officials affected.

2. White House Halts Military Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

Timestamp: [01:25]

The White House has issued an executive order directing the U.S. Military to discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This directive encompasses the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

Key Points:

• President Trump criticizes DEI initiatives as promoting "divisive concepts."
• The order aims to eliminate what the administration views as unnecessary or counterproductive programs within the military framework.

3. Senate Considers Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary

Timestamp: [01:25 - 02:11]

Amid ongoing confirmation hearings, former environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under scrutiny for his nomination as Secretary of Health. Senator Dick Durbin has voiced strong opposition to Kennedy’s appointment.

Key Points:

• Senator Dick Durbin expressed his concerns on the Senate floor:

  "Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is dangerously, dangerously unqualified and entirely irresponsible in his judgment." ([02:03])

• President Trump defends Kennedy, claiming he will "restore gold standard scientific research."
• Kennedy has faced criticism for his skepticism towards vaccines and other controversial stances, raising concerns about his suitability for the role.

4. Whole Foods Workers Vote to Unionize in Philadelphia

Timestamp: [02:11 - 02:59]

In a landmark decision, workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, potentially making it the first unionized Whole Foods store in the nation.

Key Points:

• Vote Outcome: 130 in favor and 100 against joining the UFCW.
• Union Representative Wendell Young acknowledged the challenges faced during the unionization effort:

  "It was an uphill battle." ([02:30])

• Senator Dick Durbin praised the workers' unity and resilience:

  "What I am impressed with and surprised about is how well these workers have stuck together to stand up to the company, a company this powerful and an individual like Jeff Bezos and say, you know, we're not going to take this." ([02:47])

• The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), led by a Trump appointee, must certify the results. Amazon may challenge the vote.
• Kristin Mossbrucker Garza, NPR member station, covers the unfolding situation in Philadelphia.

5. Declining Vaccine Confidence Among Republican Parents

Timestamp: [03:12 - 04:13]

A recent survey conducted by KFF reveals that while overall confidence in childhood vaccines remains high, there is a noticeable decline, particularly among Republican parents.

Key Points:

• Overall Confidence: 82% of parents report keeping their children up to date with recommended vaccines.
• Republican Parents: More than 25% have skipped or delayed vaccinations for their children, a significant increase from two years prior.
• The decline in trust is occurring amidst the Senate's consideration of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary, a position that raises concerns given his controversial views on vaccines.
• Selena Simmons Duffin, NPR, reports on the implications of these findings.

6. CDC Ordered to Cease Collaboration with WHO

Timestamp: [04:13]

In a surprising move, U.S. Public Health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been instructed to immediately stop collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and await further directives.

Key Points:

• The collaboration between the CDC and WHO has been pivotal in addressing health crises such as bird flu outbreaks in the U.S. and Mpox in Africa.
• CDC Officials have expressed surprise at the sudden memo.
• Context: President Trump initiated the withdrawal process of the U.S. from the WHO on Inauguration Day, a procedure that requires one year to complete.
• Kristen Wright provides comprehensive coverage of this development, highlighting its potential impact on international and domestic health efforts.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments from Pemco Mutual Insurance Company and Boland Branch were omitted from this summary as per the guidelines.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a concise yet comprehensive overview of critical national and international issues, ranging from governmental policy shifts and political appointments to labor movements and public health concerns. Notably, the segment addressed the tension within USAID under the Trump administration, the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the significant move by Whole Foods employees towards unionization. Additionally, the declining vaccine confidence among Republican parents and the abrupt halt in CDC-WHO collaboration underscore the complex interplay between politics, public health, and societal attitudes.