NPR News Now: February 8, 2025, 1 PM EST

Host: NPR
Release Date: February 8, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Federal Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s Access to Treasury Systems

Time Stamp: 00:12

Nora Ramm opens the episode with a significant legal development involving technology mogul Elon Musk. A federal judge has issued an order preventing Musk's government efficiency team from accessing critical systems within the Treasury Department. These systems are responsible for processing trillions of dollars in payments and hold sensitive personal and financial information of millions of Americans.

Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York and one of the 19 state attorneys general involved in the lawsuit, voiced strong opposition to the move:

"President Trump does not have the power to give our private information away to whomever he wants. And he does not have the power to cut federal spending that Congress approved, much less to do so by giving the richest man in the world the keys to all Americans' most sensitive information."
[00:39]

The court order is temporarily effective until February 14, when another hearing will take place. Additionally, the order prohibits political appointees and special government employees from being detailed to the Treasury, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.

2. NIH Caps Funding for Medical Research

Time Stamp: 01:01

Transitioning to science and health, Rob Stein reports on a controversial decision by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The agency has announced a cap on indirect costs for medical research grants at 15%. Indirect costs cover expenses such as building maintenance, equipment, and support staff.

"The NIH says the new policy is more in line with what private foundations pay."
[01:27]

This decision represents a substantial shift in NIH funding practices and has sparked backlash from the research community. Many scientists argue that the cap will severely hinder their ability to conduct essential research, potentially crippling scientific advancements. The new policy is set to take effect on Monday, marking a pivotal change in federal support for medical institutions.

3. Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages Amid Ceasefire

Time Stamp: 02:05

In Middle Eastern news, Jerome Sokolowski reports on a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As part of a ceasefire agreement reached last month, Hamas has released three Israeli hostages in exchange for Israel freeing more than 180 Palestinian detainees.

Hostages Eliyahu Sharabi (Levy) and Ohad Ben Ami were seen looking visibly distressed as they were led onto a stage to deliver statements to the public, all while being guarded by heavily armed militants. The event was meticulously staged, complete with Palestinian flags and banners that celebrated national identity and criticized Israel.

"The fact that it went ahead is a signal that last month's ceasefire in Gaza is holding."
[02:21]

The handover was broadcasted live by television networks across Israel and neighboring Arab countries, underscoring the fragile yet enduring nature of the ceasefire. However, tensions remain high as Hamas has expressed anger over President Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to facilitate post-war reconstruction, indicating that negotiations and peace efforts are far from complete.

4. Alaska Legislature Opposes Renaming Denali

Time Stamp: 03:09

Shifting to U.S. domestic affairs, the Alaska state legislature is actively urging President Trump to retract his decision to rename Denali, North America's tallest peak, to Mount McKinley. Eric Stone from Alaska Public Media covers the controversy surrounding this decision.

President Trump had initially renamed the mountain after President William McKinley on his first day back in office, citing McKinley's role as a "natural businessman" who enriched the country through tariffs.

State Senator Scott Kawasaki, a Fairbanks Democrat, strongly opposes the change:

"Alaskans and travelers from around the world have known it to be Denali. The Athabaskan people have lived in the interior for thousands of years and have embraced Denali as its proper name."
[03:39]

Alaska had previously renamed the landmark Denali in 1975 and formally requested the federal government to recognize this name in 2015 under the Obama administration, which was approved despite opposition from Ohio's delegation. The current resolution to maintain the name Denali has enjoyed bipartisan support, reflecting its deep roots in Alaska's history and indigenous culture.

5. Tragic Commuter Plane Crash in Alaska

Time Stamp: 04:10

In a heartbreaking update, Nora Ramm reports on a commuter plane crash in western Alaska. The aircraft went down in the Bering Sea on Thursday afternoon during a flight to Nome. The Coast Guard discovered the wreckage the following day. Tragically, all ten individuals on board, including nine passengers and the pilot, lost their lives.

Among the victims was Senator Lisa Murkowski, who expressed profound sorrow over the incident:

"State really can't express the loss that we're all feeling at this point in time. We are all connected."
[04:31]

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, but high winds and snowfall have hindered the retrieval process. Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway, as authorities work to uncover the factors that led to this devastating loss.

NPR News Now provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing issues, ensuring listeners stay informed with accurate and timely information.