NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of March 13, 2025 Episode

Released on March 13, 2025

1. Federal Probationary Workers Reinstated by California Judge

In a significant ruling, a U.S. district judge in California has mandated the Trump administration to reinstate probationary workers who were terminated last month across six federal agencies. The affected departments include Veterans Affairs, Defense, Agriculture, Energy, Treasury, and the Interior.

During today's hearing, U.S. District Judge William Alsop declared the firings unlawful, stating that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and its acting director, Charles Ezell, lacked the authority to order these terminations. Lakshmi Singh reported at [00:16]:

“This is in addition to a temporary restraining order he issued earlier this month that halted the administration’s firing of probationary employees,”

The Trump administration contends that agency heads authorized the dismissals in accordance with established laws. However, Judge Alsop's decision reinforces the legal boundaries of agency directives regarding employment actions.

2. Trump Administration Cuts NIH Research Grants

The Trump administration continues its effort to overhaul research funding priorities by eliminating grants deemed misaligned with the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) objectives. Specifically, over 40 grants focusing on vaccine hesitancy and immunization improvements have been canceled, as reported by Will Stone at [01:11].

These cuts stem from executive orders targeting gender and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Brittany Charlton, a Harvard researcher, highlighted at [01:37]:

“This goes beyond research on LGBTQ health and includes studies working to understand health issues affecting a wide range of other vulnerable communities.”

Additionally, NIH is reviewing research on mRNA vaccines, raising concerns among scientists that further valuable studies could face termination. This shift in funding priorities has sparked debate over the administration's impact on public health research.

3. U.S. Envoy Engages in Moscow Talks with Putin

Today, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin emphasized the necessity for any peace plan to address the fundamental issues underlying the crisis, stating at [02:00]:

“Any peace plan with Ukraine should remove the root causes of the crisis.”

This meeting marks a continued effort to resolve the decade-long tensions following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the subsequent full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

4. Fifth Anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s Killing Highlights Incomplete Police Reforms

Marking the fifth anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s tragic death, Roberta Roldan reports from Louisville, Kentucky, that promised reforms within the Louisville Police Department remain unfinished. Congressman Morgan McGarvey commemorated the day on the House floor at [02:42]:

“While we will never forget how Breonna Taylor died, we get to choose to remember how she lived. Breonna was a sister, a daughter, a girlfriend. Breonna was a caregiver working at UofL's emergency room to save lives.”

Taylor's death ignited nationwide protests against police brutality and spurred initiatives to ban no-knock warrants. Although local officials in Louisville enacted such a ban in 2020, the Kentucky Legislature did not pursue a comprehensive prohibition, leaving some reforms unaddressed.

5. Ongoing Search for Missing College Student Siddiq Shokonaki in Dominican Republic

The search continues for Siddiq Shokonaki, a college student from Virginia who disappeared a week ago while on spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Last seen at a local resort, Shokonaki's family reports that her personal belongings, including her wallet and phone, were left with friends, raising concerns about her safety and whereabouts. Authorities are actively investigating the case to locate her.

6. Decline in Bird Populations Across the United States

A new report from conservation groups reveals a troubling decline in bird populations across nearly every U.S. habitat. Jonathan Lambert shares insights at [03:45]:

“Roughly a third of all species are at high or moderate levels of conservation concern.”

This decline continues a troubling trend noted in a 2019 study, which documented the loss of 3 billion birds in North America over 50 years. The latest analysis covers over 240 species, indicating ongoing losses primarily due to habitat destruction, drought, and invasive species. Notably, grassland and desert birds are experiencing the fastest declines.

Efforts to protect certain species, such as the American oystercatcher, have shown positive results, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted environmental policies. However, recent actions by the Trump administration, including the weakening of protections for migratory birds, threaten to reverse these conservation gains.

Recap of the Top Story

To summarize, a U.S. district judge in California has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate probationary workers who were dismissed last month across six federal agencies, including Veterans Affairs, Defense, Agriculture, Energy, Treasury, and the Interior. This ruling underscores ongoing legal challenges facing administrative decisions affecting federal employment.

For those looking to stay informed, NPR News Now provides the latest updates in a concise five-minute format, updated hourly.