NPR News Now: Episode Summary – February 22, 2025
NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth reporting in just five minutes. In the February 22, 2025, episode hosted by Dale Willman, a range of critical national and international issues are covered, from Supreme Court decisions to significant policy changes and notable obituaries. Below is a detailed summary of the episode's key topics, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Trump Administration's Request
Speaker: Dale Willman & Stephen Fowler
Timestamp: [00:01 – 00:50]
The episode begins with Dale Willman reporting that the Supreme Court has declined to consider the Trump administration's appeal to uphold the dismissal of an independent ethics watchdog. This procedural decision means the higher court did not evaluate the substantive arguments presented by President Trump.
Stephen Fowler elaborates:
"This was a procedural question that does not address the administration's larger legal argument that the president has complete power to determine who runs executive agencies, even independent ones."
— Stephen Fowler, [00:17]
The request aimed to block a February 12 court order that temporarily reinstated the head of the Office of Special Counsel. Despite the short validity of the ruling, Trump's legal team sought to challenge it after the D.C. Court of Appeals denied their exception.
Trump Administration’s Proposed Cuts to Homelessness Programs
Speaker: Dale Willman, Jennifer Ludden, Ann Oliva
Timestamp: [00:50 – 01:44]
Dale Willman reports on the Trump administration's plans to significantly reduce funding for federal homelessness programs. These cuts come at a time when homelessness numbers are at an unprecedented high.
Jennifer Ludden provides details:
"Trump's efficiency Team Doge wants to cut staff at the federal housing agency by half, but the office that funds homelessness would lose more, 84%, according to a document NPR has seen."
— Jennifer Ludden, [01:03]
Ann Oliva, from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, responds:
"We are talking about staff who directly support their communities in field offices all over the country."
— Ann Oliva, [01:22]
Despite these proposed cuts, a spokesperson for the housing agency assures that critical functions will continue. Local nonprofits are poised to receive several billion dollars aimed at providing rent and other support to prevent people from becoming homeless.
Concerns Over Election Security Measures
Speaker: Dale Willman, Ashley Lopez
Timestamp: [01:44 – 02:36]
Dale Willman highlights a growing concern among election officials nationwide regarding potential cuts to services that ensure the security of elections against foreign interference.
Ashley Lopez reports:
"The Association of Secretaries of State... wrote that they want to continue to be able to voluntarily coordinate with DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, also known as CISA. These partnerships, they say, have helped them defend their infrastructure against national security threats."
— Ashley Lopez, [01:57]
The Trump administration has placed various election security advisors at CISA on administrative leave, heightening fears about the integrity and safety of American elections, which are primarily managed by state and local authorities.
Firing of Los Angeles Fire Chief Amid Wildfire Aftermath
Speaker: Dale Willman
Timestamp: [02:36]
Six weeks following widespread wildfires around Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has dismissed Fire Chief Kristen Crowley. The decision stems from perceived missteps in wildfire preparedness, notably the failure to have 1,000 firefighters on duty when the fires erupted, resulting in them being sent home instead.
Extreme Heat Forces School Closures in South Sudan
Speaker: Dale Willman
Timestamp: [02:36]
Schools across South Sudan are temporarily closing for two weeks due to an intense heatwave. The extreme temperatures have led to approximately twelve students collapsing each day in Juba, the capital. Factors contributing to this crisis include the lack of electricity for air conditioning and construction of schools with materials like mud, bricks, and iron sheets, which exacerbate the heat conditions.
In Memoriam: R&B Legend Jerry Butler
Speaker: Noel Jennings & Jerry Butler
Timestamp: [03:42 – 04:03]
NPR News Now mourns the passing of Jerry Butler, a revered R&B legend, at the age of 85. Known as "Iceman," Butler gained fame in the 1950s with Curtis Mayfield as part of the doo-wop group The Impressions before embarking on a successful solo career.
Noah Jennings reflects:
"In a 2004 interview with WBEZ, Butler said it was the church that inspired his musical career."
— Noah Jennings, [03:42]
Jerry Butler shares:
"The first place mother usually takes a young son is to church. And no matter how off key or out of key that young person sings, somebody's going to say amen. And so you get this encouragement out of the church."
— Jerry Butler, [03:49]
Butler's career was marked by 38 songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Impressions in 1991.
New York Yankees Lift 49-Year-Old Beard Ban
Speaker: Dale Willman
Timestamp: [04:19]
In a surprising move, the New York Yankees have ended their longstanding ban on players sporting beards, a policy that had been in place for 49 years under former owner George Steinbrenner. Hal Steinbrenner, now managing the team, stated:
"It's now the appropriate time to move beyond the former policy and allow beards."
— Hal Steinbrenner, statement quoted by Dale Willman, [04:19]
This change reflects a shift in team culture and modernizes the Yankees' image, allowing players more personal expression.
This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues, policy changes, community impacts, and significant cultural moments, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments.