NPR News Now Summary Episode: NPR News: 02-25-2025 7PM EST | Release Date: February 26, 2025

1. Federal Judge Blocks President Trump's Suspension of U.S. Refugee Admissions

[00:19]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
A federal judge in Seattle is blocking President Trump's efforts to suspend the U.S. refugee program. NPR's Sergio Martinez Balchan reports.

[00:36]
Sergio Martinez Balchan, NPR Reporter:
"In his ruling, US District Judge Jamal Whitehead said Trump has discretion to suspend refugee admissions, but, quote, that authority is not limitless." Martinez Balchan detailed that the lawsuit was filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project on behalf of major aid groups. These groups argue that the suspension hampers their ability to provide essential services to refugees. The Trump administration had initially paused refugee admissions indefinitely, intending to align entries with national interests. This suspension left thousands of refugees stranded globally, despite many having scheduled travel plans to the U.S. With an appeal expected, Judge Whitehead's ruling mandates that admissions and funding for refugee support groups must resume for the time being.

2. Resignations from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency

[01:17]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
A group of civil service employees involved with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency are resigning rather than use their expertise to dismantle critical public services. NPR's Windsor Johnston provides more.

[01:17]
Windsor Johnston, NPR Reporter:
Staffers from what was formerly known as the United States Digital Service issued a joint resignation letter. They stated, "We swore to serve the American people and uphold our oath to the Constitution across presidential administrations, but that is no longer possible." The resigning employees refuse to participate in efforts that may undermine vital public services. Elon Musk responded by claiming that those individuals "would have been fired had they not resigned" and dismissed their actions as "fake news."

3. Proposed Trump Administration Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican Imports

[01:17]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
President Trump's proposed tariffs could lead to increased costs for consumers on groceries and other goods. NPR's Windsor Johnston elaborates.

[02:00]
Windsor Johnston, NPR Reporter:
The U.S. government is planning to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico as early as next month. Consumers may see price hikes on products such as Canadian beef, pork, Mexican avocados, tequila, maple syrup, and fresh tomatoes. Popular snack brands like Oreos and Slim Jims are preparing for these potential new tariffs. Mexico, a major exporter of fresh produce to the U.S., supplies a substantial portion of fruits and vegetables, especially during winter months. Canada plays a significant role in providing meat and dairy products. With existing inflation driving up supermarket prices, these tariffs could force consumers to cut back on spending further, potentially leading to broader economic ramifications.

[04:43]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
The global oil market is also feeling the impact of the proposed tariffs. Crude oil futures prices have settled down to $68.93 a barrel amid the uncertainty.

4. Decline in Cryptocurrencies and Stock Markets

[02:44]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, experienced a significant drop today, erasing some of their gains since the Trump administration took office. Bitcoin fell below $90,000, a stark contrast to its value of approximately $1 million when Trump was inaugurated.

The broader market on Wall Street also saw declines, with the S&P 500 dropping 28 points and the Nasdaq falling by 260 points. This downturn is attributed to waning consumer confidence and concerns among small businesses regarding the future of the U.S. economy.

5. Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to Eliminate Diversity Programs

[Unspecified Timestamp]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
Shareholders at Apple have rejected a proposal to eliminate the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The proposal, drafted by the National Center for Public Policy Research—a conservative think tank—urged Apple to follow other companies withdrawing from DEI initiatives.

After a brief presentation and subsequent vote, the proposal was decisively shot down. This decision counters the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives within government sectors. Apple's stance underscores the company's commitment to maintaining its diversity programs despite external political pressures.

6. MSNBC Undergoes Significant Programming Changes

[03:00]
David Folkenflick, NPR Reporter:
MSNBC has initiated a series of programming changes that have sparked criticism from liberal viewers and sparked support from MAGA loyalists. Contrary to some perceptions, these moves are less ideological than anticipated.

Alex Wagner's primetime show is being replaced by Jen Psaki, President Joe Biden's press secretary, taking over the 7 PM slot previously held by Joy Reid's daily show. Viewers will also see a trio of other MSNBC hosts who are not known Trump supporters. Additionally, two weekend hosts are receiving new extended shows, while a third remains as a correspondent.

Rebecca Cutler, MSNBC chief, is navigating the network's split from parent company NBC, now part of different corporations. She is working to reshape the lineup without relying on the previous reporters or infrastructure, aiming to align the network's offerings with its strategic vision.

7. Impact of Tariffs on Oil Prices

[04:43]
Jack Spear, NPR News:
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the proposed tariffs, global oil prices have shown fluctuations. Crude oil futures have settled at $68.93 a barrel, reflecting the ongoing impact of the tariffs on international markets.

This summary provides an overview of the key topics discussed in the February 26, 2025 episode of NPR News Now. For detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.