NPR News Now: February 21, 2025

NPR News Now delivers the latest news updates every five minutes. In the February 21, 2025, episode hosted by Shea Stevens, a diverse array of pressing national and international issues were discussed. This summary encapsulates the key topics, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.

1. Legal Battle Over Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans

Timestamp: [00:01 - 00:57]

Shea Stevens opens the episode with a report on a significant legal challenge faced by the Trump administration concerning immigration policy. Federal courts are currently being petitioned to halt the administration's efforts to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans residing in the United States.

Greg Allen from NPR elaborates:

"An immigrant advocacy group, CASA, says DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to terminate temporary protective status for Venezuelans is illegal. Federal law sets a timetable and conditions under which TPS can be ended, which the group says were not followed." ([00:19])

The lawsuit argues that the termination is not only unlawful but also racially motivated. CASA highlights the administration's use of derogatory language, citing President Trump and Secretary Noem referring to Venezuelans as "dirtbags," "criminals," and "animals." This, according to the lawsuit, violates existing protections against ethnic and racial discrimination.

2. Potential Deportations of Haitian TPS Holders

Timestamp: [00:57 - 01:19]

Shea Stevens transitions to the plight of Haitian TPS holders, noting that half a million individuals could face deportation from the U.S. this summer. This stems from Homeland Security Secretary Chris's decision to revoke the TPS extension previously granted to Haitians.

3. Department of Energy's Response to Federal Layoffs

Timestamp: [01:19 - 01:52]

Addressing internal federal agency matters, NPR's Jeff Brumfiel reports on comments from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright regarding recent layoffs. In an interview with Scripps News, Wright admits:

"I probably moved a little too quickly there. And when we made mistakes on layoffs in NNSA, we reversed them immediately, less than 24 hours." ([01:27])

The layoffs affected over 100 federal workers at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), an agency responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear stockpile and combating nuclear terrorism. Ultimately, fewer than 50 workers were terminated, as stated by the Department of Energy.

4. Federal Court Rejects Unions' Injunction Request

Timestamp: [01:52 - 02:34]

Shea Stevens reports on a recent court decision where a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by five unions. The unions sought an injunction to block mass layoffs at federal agencies. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the plaintiffs should have pursued their grievances through the Federal Labor Relations Authority rather than the federal court system. This decision has left Trump administration officials feeling frustrated.

5. U.S. Frustration with Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

Timestamp: [01:52 - 02:57]

The episode shifts focus to international relations, highlighting tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. The Trump administration is reportedly dissatisfied with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's stance on a potential ceasefire. The U.S. demands that Ukraine:

• Hold elections
• Remain outside of NATO
• Share its rare earth minerals

These demands are seen as a reflection of the substantial military aid Ukraine has received over the past three years.

Joanna Kakissis from NPR provides further insight:

"Ukraine wants very strong security guarantees to protect itself from Russia to avoid more invasions in the future. And Zelensky says he will not give up Ukraine's push for NATO membership or its wish to get back territory occupied by Russia and Ukrainians. They also want Russia to be held accountable for war crimes." ([02:34])

The negotiations remain strained, with Zelensky advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty and security without conceding to the administration's conditions.

6. Israeli Military Operations in the West Bank Following Explosions

Timestamp: [02:57 - 03:40]

Shea Stevens reports on escalating tensions in the Middle East as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders military operations in the West Bank. This action follows a series of explosions on three empty buses in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, which fortunately resulted in no injuries.

Israeli media has attributed these attacks to armed groups, prompting a swift security response with parts of the West Bank being sealed off to prevent further incidents.

7. Innovative Fog Collection Study in Chile's Atacama Desert

Timestamp: [03:40 - 04:21]

Shifting to environmental innovation, NPR's Regina Barber discusses a groundbreaking study on fog collection as a sustainable water source. Geographer Virginia Carter led research in Alto Hospicio, Chile, situated in the Atacama Desert, an ideal location for fog harvesting at elevations of around 2,000 feet.

Carter explains:

"That's geographer Virginia Carter. She led a study that gathered data at various fog collection sites around the city for a year. In the past, fog collection has only been studied and used in small villages. But for the first time, Carter and her team used computer modeling to map how much water could be collected from fog all over the region. They found that fog could supply hundreds of thousands of liters of drinking water per week, enough to supplement the water demands of under-resourced parts of the city." ([03:52])

This study marks a significant advancement in renewable water sources, potentially benefiting millions in arid regions.

8. US Senate's Legislative Efforts on Republican Budget and Tax Cuts

Timestamp: [04:21 - End]

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens touches upon the intense legislative activity in the U.S. Senate. Senators are working overnight to pass amendments to a Republican budget resolution, aligning with President Trump's legislative priorities. Notably, Trump has endorsed a widespread House proposal aimed at extending the 2017 tax cuts, indicating a push for significant fiscal policy changes.

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a concise yet comprehensive update on critical issues ranging from immigration and federal employment to international relations and environmental sustainability. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, the episode offers a clear picture of the current socio-political landscape both domestically and globally.