NPR News Now: February 22, 2025, 7PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Release Date: February 23, 2025

1. Federal Workforce Downsizing Under Elon Musk's Leadership

At the outset of the episode, Windsor Johnston reports on a significant move targeting federal government employees. Musk, leading an expansive initiative to reduce the federal workforce, has directed a stern directive via email to workers. The message essentially demands that employees justify their recent work activities or face termination. According to Johnston, the emails were dispatched shortly after Elon Musk publicly stated on social media, “Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.” NPR has verified the authenticity of these communications, highlighting a strategic downsizing effort spearheaded by Musk.

2. Trump Administration’s Controversial UN Resolution on Ukraine

The Trump administration has opted out of supporting the UN General Assembly’s resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they are proposing an alternative text devoid of any criticism towards Russia. Michelle Kellerman provides an in-depth analysis of this development, noting that the proposed US text merely “acknowledges tragic losses” without attributing the initiation of the conflict to Russia or demanding their withdrawal (00:55).

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration's stance, describing the resolution as “a simple historic resolution to support a path to peace” and urging the UN to recognize the conflict’s severity and aid in its resolution (00:55). Contrastingly, the original draft by Ukraine and European nations explicitly accused Russia of violating the UN Charter and called for the return of forcibly deported civilians, including children.

Despite the administration's efforts, Russia’s ambassador to the UN lauded the Trump administration's proposed text as a positive step, aligning with Moscow's interests by omitting any direct blame (00:55).

A vote on this resolution is scheduled for Monday, with widespread implications for international relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

3. Pentagon Staffing Cuts and Military Leadership Overhaul

Johnston reports a stern development from the Pentagon, which has announced a hiring freeze effective next week alongside the termination of over 5,000 probationary workers (01:41). In a decisive move reflecting broader administrative changes, President Trump dismissed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last Friday and is in the process of appointing a new Chief of Naval Operations.

These actions indicate a significant reshuffling within the Pentagon, potentially affecting military operations and strategic planning. The administration defends these cuts by asserting a commitment to “make better use of taxpayer dollars” (04:28).

4. Pope Francis’ Critical Health Condition

Shifting to international news, Jason DeRose reports from the Vatican that Pope Francis, the 88-year-old pontiff, remains in critical condition following a severe respiratory crisis earlier in the day (01:41). The Holy See press office detailed that the pope suffered an “asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity” on Saturday morning, necessitating high-flow oxygen treatment.

Further complications arose as blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia, a condition linked to anemia, leading to a blood transfusion. Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis remains alert and spent Saturday in an armchair, albeit in increased discomfort. The Vatican maintains that his prognosis is still guarded. Pope Francis has been serving since March 2013, and his current health status is a matter of international concern.

5. Leonardo da Vinci Museum to Open in Pueblo, Colorado

In cultural news, Chloe Veltman reports the upcoming inauguration of the first and only Leonardo da Vinci museum in the United States, set to open this fall in Pueblo, Colorado (02:57). Approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America will showcase life-sized replicas of da Vinci’s machines, alongside science-related exhibitions and interactive displays. A café will also be part of the museum’s amenities.

Craig Elliot Chisney, Vice President of the museum's board, addressed skepticism regarding the museum’s location choice, stating, “A lot of people say why Pueblo? And we say why not Pueblo?” (03:46). This decision marks a strategic shift for Pueblo, a city historically reliant on the steel industry, as it endeavors to diversify and enhance its cultural landscape.

The establishment of this museum positions Pueblo as a new hub for art and science enthusiasts, despite Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy being primarily associated with Florence, Italy, and major cities like Paris and London (03:49).

6. National Park Service Layoffs Spark Conservation Concerns

Johnston returns to discuss the Trump administration’s recent layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees within the National Park Service (03:59). Among those laid off is Andrea Townsend, a researcher dedicated to endangered species at Yosemite National Park.

Townsend expressed deep concern over the implications of these cuts, stating, “What does this mean for the state of national parks? What does this mean for wildlife conservation? It's really scary. It's a really uncertain time for those of us who care about conservation and public lands. So I am definitely worried for the future” (04:14).

The White House justifies the layoffs as part of President Trump’s broader initiative to optimize federal spending and better utilize taxpayer dollars (04:28). However, conservationists fear that reduced staffing could hinder efforts to protect and maintain national parks and endangered species, posing long-term challenges for environmental preservation.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Windsor Johnston, delves into pivotal national and international issues ranging from significant federal workforce reductions and contentious international resolutions to urgent health updates of global religious leaders and cultural advancements in the arts. Additionally, it highlights the environmental sector's apprehensions amid governmental austerity measures. Each segment provides insightful perspectives and firsthand accounts, painting a comprehensive picture of the current socio-political and cultural landscape.