NPR News Now: February 17, 2025, 1 PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Producer: NPR

1. White House Seeks Supreme Court Intervention Over Firing of Whistleblower Office Head

Reporter: Kerry Johnson
Timestamp: [00:18 – 01:14]

The White House has formally requested the Supreme Court to intervene in a legal battle concerning President Donald Trump's attempt to dismiss Hampton Dellinger, the head of the federal government's Office for Whistleblowers. This case marks a significant test of presidential executive power and the separation of powers within the U.S. government.

Key Points:

• Presidential Authority vs. Federal Law: President Trump initiated the firing of Dellinger earlier in the month. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked this move, citing the President's limited authority under federal law. Specifically, the law permits the removal of the special counsel only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance," none of which were cited in the dismissal.

• Administration's Stance: In their court filing, the Trump administration described the judicial intervention as an "unprecedented assault on the separation of powers." They argued that the delay hampers the President's ability to effectively manage the executive branch.

Notable Quote:

"The president has the power to remove government officers, and the delay hurts his ability to manage the executive branch."
– Kerry Johnson, [00:37]

2. Trump’s Envoy Advances Phase Two of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Reporter: Hadil Al Shalchi
Timestamp: [01:14 – 02:35]

Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, has announced the progression into phase two of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This development follows recent discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Key Points:

• Productive Dialogues: Witkoff described his conversation with Netanyahu as "very productive and constructive" ([01:39]). He affirmed that phase two of the ceasefire is set to "absolutely begin," aiming to stabilize the region further.

• Israeli Plans Under U.S. Ownership: Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed intentions to displace Palestinians from Gaza and initiate reconstruction efforts under U.S. oversight. An Israeli delegation is currently in Cairo to negotiate the specific conditions required for the second phase of the deal.

• Role of Steve Witkoff: As a billionaire and real estate mogul, Witkoff has been instrumental in brokering the initial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The first phase is scheduled to conclude in two weeks, increasing the urgency and complexity of phase two negotiations.

Notable Quote:

"Phase two of the ceasefire was, absolutely, going to begin."
– Steve Witkoff, [01:39]

3. Rocky Mountains Drought Raises Concerns Over Western Water Supply

Reporter: Alex Hager
Timestamp: [02:20 – 03:07]

The Rocky Mountains are experiencing an atypical dry spell for this time of year, leading to significant concerns about water levels in reservoirs that are critical for both agricultural and urban areas across the Western United States.

Key Points:

• Snowpack Decline: Approximately two-thirds of the Colorado River's flow originates from mountain snowmelt in Colorado. Unfortunately, snowfall totals have consistently fallen below average this season, exacerbating water scarcity.

• Insufficient Storm Relief: Although recent storms provided some respite, Colorado Climate Center Director Rush Schumacher remarked that these events have only "helped slightly" ([02:35]). The outlook for spring indicates a continued trend towards diminished water supply and prolonged drought conditions.

• Interstate Water Sharing Tensions: States reliant on Colorado River water are currently embroiled in disputes over allocation. With dry conditions persisting, negotiations are expected to become even more contentious, potentially impeding cooperative water management efforts.

Notable Quote:

"The odds are tilted towards the not great outcomes in terms of water supply and drought."
– Rush Schumacher, Colorado Climate Center Director, [02:35]

4. Saturday Night Live Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Star-Studded Special

Reporter: Elizabeth Blair
Timestamp: [03:07 – 04:31]

Saturday Night Live (SNL) marked its 50th anniversary with a celebratory special that featured appearances from former cast members, including Tina Fey and Bill Murray. The live broadcast revisited classic sketches and showcased performances by musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard.

Key Points:

• Reuniting the Cast: Legendary comedians Eddie Murphy, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and Kenan Thompson participated in the iconic "Black Jeopardy" sketch, delighting long-time fans and new viewers alike.

• Tributes to Late Cast Members: The special paid homage to beloved former cast members John Belushi and Chris Farley, honoring their contributions to the show's enduring legacy.

• Mixed Critical Reception: While some praised the special for celebrating SNL’s rich history, others felt it struggled to balance nostalgia with relevance to younger audiences. An instance reflecting this sentiment was when pop star Sabrina Carpenter noted, "neither she nor her mom were born when SNL debuted 50 years ago," highlighting the generational divide ([03:50]).

Notable Quote:

"Welcome to Black Jeopardy, the only Jeopardy where every single viewer fully understood Kendrick's halftime performance."
– Various SNL Cast Members, [03:50]

5. 'Conclave' Triumphs at 78th British Academy Film Awards

Reporter: Elizabeth Blair
Timestamp: [04:31 – 04:58]

The film "Conclave" achieved significant success at the 78th British Academy Film Awards, securing multiple top honors and affirming its critical acclaim.

Key Points:

• Best Film: "Conclave" was named Best Film, further solidifying its status within the British and international film community.

• Acting Accolades: Adrien Brody received the Best Actor award for his role in "The Brutalist," while Mikey Madison was honored as Best Actress for her performance in "Honora." Additionally, American actress Zoe Saldana took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in "Emilia Perez."

• Best British Film: "Conclave" also earned the title of Best British Film, highlighting its impact and resonance within the UK’s cinematic landscape.

Notable Quote:

"Adrien Brody was named best actor for the 'Brutalist' and Mikey Madison won best actress for 'Honora'."
– Elizabeth Blair, [04:31]

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and other non-content sections to provide a focused and comprehensive overview of the key news topics discussed in the NPR News Now podcast episode released on February 17, 2025.