NPR News Now: February 19, 2025, 1PM EST

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

In this episode of NPR News Now, Lakshmi Singh delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events shaping the headlines on February 19, 2025. From significant judicial decisions affecting federal employees to high-stakes political confirmations and international legal battles, the episode covers a range of critical issues. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Judicial Intervention Halts Executive Order Targets

At the onset of the episode, Lakshmi Singh reports on a pivotal judicial decision impacting national intelligence agencies.

Key Highlights:

• Temporary Block on Firings: A federal judge has temporarily blocked the dismissal of nearly a dozen employees from the nation's top intelligence agencies. These firings were purportedly part of President Trump's executive order aimed at terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the government.

  Notable Quote:

  Greg Myre reports, "[U.S. district Judge Anthony Tringa] ordered the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to keep the 11 employees on paid administrative leave for now" (00:33).

• Legal Proceedings: The judge has requested further clarification and scheduled another hearing for the following Monday, keeping the future of the affected employees uncertain.

• Context: This move affects dozens of intelligence community employees who were facing dismissal due to the administration's stance on DEI initiatives.

2. Confirmation Hearing of Secretary of Labor Nominee

The episode transitions to a significant political development involving the confirmation of a new Secretary of Labor.

Key Highlights:

• Nominee Under Scrutiny: Republican former Congresswoman Lori M. Chavez Darimer is undergoing a confirmation hearing for the Secretary of Labor position. Despite some resistance within her own party due to her pro-union stances, she has garnered bipartisan support.

  Notable Quote:

  Bernie Sanders lauded Darimer, stating, "The [nominee's] record is very good. You are one of the few Republican members of Congress who co-sponsored the PRO Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to make it easier for workers to form unions" (01:30).

• Political Dynamics: While facing GOP pushback, Chavez Duramer has assured the Republican Legislative Committee of her commitment to implementing President Trump's policy vision, balancing her pro-union efforts with the administration's objectives.

3. Legal Challenges for Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

International news takes center stage with the indictment of Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro.

Key Highlights:

• Charges Filed: Bolsonaro has been indicted on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government, a case that could result in decades of imprisonment if he is convicted.

  Notable Quote:

  Kerry Khan reports, "Prosecutors say Bolsonaro participated in a vast criminal conspiracy along with 33 others to violate the democratic rule of law and attempt a coup" (01:51).

• Defense Response: Bolsonaro's legal team has vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as a "fanciful narrative" unlikely to succeed in court.

• Supreme Court Involvement: The case now awaits the Supreme Court's decision to sanction Bolsonaro's arrest and proceed to trial.

• Media and Censorship Issues: In response to the prosecution's actions, Bolsonaro's media company has filed a lawsuit in Florida, accusing Brazilian justice systems of illegally censoring conservative posts on social media platforms.

4. Economic Indicators and Weather Alerts in the U.S.

Shifting focus to domestic concerns, the episode touches upon the stock market fluctuations and severe weather warnings.

Key Highlights:

• Stock Market Performance: U.S. stock indices showed mixed results during the hour of the broadcast. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped by 155 points, while the NASDAQ fell by 7 points, and the S&P 500 saw a slight decline.

• Winter Storm Warnings: Millions across the central and eastern United States are under winter storm alerts as an arctic air mass brings frigid temperatures and significant snowfall.

  Notable Quote:

  Lakshmi Singh states, "The National Weather Service says an arctic air mass is plunging into the central and eastern US this week... Forecasters are projecting anywhere from 6 inches to nearly a foot of snow" (03:05).

• Impact Areas: The storm is expected to affect regions from North Carolina up to Delaware, with forecasts indicating heavy snow and ice accumulation.

5. Appointment of Kelly Loeffler to the Small Business Administration

In political appointments news, Kelly Loeffler's confirmation marks a notable addition to President Trump's administration.

Key Highlights:

• Senate Confirmation: The U.S. Senate approved Kelly Loeffler's nomination to lead the Small Business Administration with a vote of 52 to 46.

• Background: Loeffler, a former Georgia lawmaker and co-chair of President Trump's second inaugural committee, also has experience as a former WNBA team owner, bringing a diverse background to the role.

6. Pope Francis' Health Update

Concluding the episode, a significant update on the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church is shared.

Key Highlights:

• Health Diagnosis: Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, raising concerns about his health and capacity to carry out his duties.

  Notable Quote:

  Ruth Sherlock reports, "The Vatican says Pope Francis had a tranquil night, woke up and had breakfast... He’s breathing on his own and is able to move out of bed" (04:05).

• Current Condition: The 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, receiving treatment for a respiratory infection and asthmatic bronchitis, which necessitates the use of cortisone antibiotics.

• Historical Context: Pope Francis has a history of lung issues, having had the upper lobe of his right lung removed as a young man.

• Symbolic Event: A large rainbow appeared over the hospital during his stay, a detail noted by the Vatican, symbolizing hope and unity.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of pressing issues from judicial decisions affecting federal employees and significant political confirmations to international legal battles and updates on public health and economic conditions. With Lakshmi Singh at the helm, listeners are provided with succinct yet comprehensive coverage, enriched with direct quotes and detailed reporting to ensure a thorough understanding of the day's most important news stories.