NPR News Now: March 5, 2025, 7 AM EST

President Trump Addresses Congress

In his joint session of Congress last night, President Donald Trump outlined his plans to significantly overhaul the federal government. He emphasized his commitment to reducing illegal immigration, asserting that border crossings have reached unprecedented lows. Korva Coleman reports:

Korva Coleman [00:16]: "President Trump gave his address to a joint session of Congress last night. He told lawmakers he will accelerate his efforts to dramatically reshape the federal government. Trump also pointed to his work to stop illegal immigration into the U.S."

NPR's Ximena Bustillo adds context to Trump's claims:

Ximena Bustillo [00:38]: "Posts on social media by the president suggest the administration believes it's on track to report about 8,500 arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border in the month of February. This could be the lowest number of crossings since Homeland Security started reporting the data in 2000."

Democratic Response and Protests

Democratic leaders swiftly responded to Trump's address. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin delivered the English response, while New York Congressman Adriana Espaillant provided the Spanish version. However, tensions escalated when Texas Congressman Al Green interrupted the speech:

Al Green [01:40]: "We won the popular vote by big numbers and won counties in our country."

Green's outburst challenged Trump's assertion of having a mandate following the 2024 election. This led to an unprecedented reaction:

Elena Moore [01:47]: "Green responded by saying Trump didn't have a mandate but was escorted out after refusing to take his seat following a warning from House Speaker Mike Johnson. Other lawmakers led quieter protests, with some Democrats walking out wearing 'Resist' shirts."

Office of Personnel Management Revises Memo on Probationary Employees

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has updated a January memorandum concerning the termination of probationary federal employees. Following a court ruling that deemed mass firings illegal, OPM's revised memo shifts decision-making power back to individual agencies. Andrea Hsu reports:

Andrea Hsu [02:07]: "The new language in the memo states that OPM is not directing agencies to take any specific performance-based actions regarding probationary employees and that agencies have ultimate decision-making authority for such actions."

Despite the memo's revisions, the directive to reinstate the thousands of previously terminated probationary employees remains absent. The American Federal Federation of Government Employees is urging agencies to reverse the terminations, with the National Science Foundation already reinstating 86 employees.

Arab Leaders Propose Plan to Rebuild Gaza

Arab leaders convening in Cairo have unveiled a proposal aimed at reconstructing Gaza. Unlike President Trump's alternative plan, which suggested transforming Gaza into a U.S.-controlled tourist destination and removing Palestinians, the Arab nations' plan envisions Gaza remaining a Palestinian enclave integrated into a future Palestinian state. This initiative does not have the backing of either President Trump or Israel, highlighting regional divisions over the approach to Gaza's future.

Declining Water Levels in the Great Lakes

An International Commission of U.S. and Canadian Officials has reported a significant drop in water levels across the Great Lakes, reaching their lowest point in a decade. Theresa Homsy from WCMU provides the details:

Theresa Homsy [03:54]: "Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior are all about 8 inches lower than the historical average spanning the last hundred years. Low water levels can cause shipping vessels to run aground, limit recreational access, and increase erosion."

Climate change is identified as a contributing factor to these fluctuations. University of Michigan Professor Ricky Rood explains:

Ricky Rood [04:18]: "Climate change has the potential to amplify the flood and the drought cycle."

While water levels are anticipated to rise during the spring thaw, the current situation underscores ongoing environmental challenges.

Major Winter Storm Impacts Central United States

A formidable winter storm is currently affecting much of the central United States, extending its reach eastward. The storm has created blizzard conditions from northern Missouri to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is bringing strong, damaging winds to southern regions. Tragically, the storm has already claimed at least two lives in Mississippi. Korva Coleman reports:

Korva Coleman [04:32]: "A major winter storm is hammering much of the central US and it is sweeping to the east. There are blizzard conditions from northern Missouri to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The storm is also bringing damaging winds to the south. At least two people were killed yesterday in Mississippi."

The ongoing storm highlights the severe weather patterns impacting the nation, with authorities urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

This summary provides an overview of the key news topics covered in the NPR News Now episode released on March 5, 2025. For full details and live updates, please refer to the original podcast.