NPR News Now: April 12, 2025
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Justice Department Faces Scrutiny Over Mistaken Deportation
[00:21] Dale Willman opens the episode with a report by Jasmine Garsd on a high-stakes legal situation involving Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was erroneously deported to a prison in El Salvador last month.
During a tense hearing, federal Judge Paula Zini reprimanded Justice Department lawyers, emphasizing the gravity of the mistake. Jasmine Garsd reports, “The mood was tense on Friday as federal Judge Paula Zini chastised Justice Department lawyers” [00:39]. This hearing followed the Supreme Court's decision to largely uphold Judge Zini's original order to repatriate Abrego Garcia. The Trump administration has requested additional time, stating it needs “a meaningful opportunity to review the Supreme Court's decision” [00:39]. Judge Zini has mandated daily updates from the Justice Department on their efforts to secure Abrego Garcia's return, underscoring that the initial deportation to El Salvador was prohibited.
Trump Secures Deals with Major Law Firms Amid Executive Order Controversies
[01:25] Dale Willman introduces Ryan Lucas who delves into President Trump's recent strategic agreements with five prominent U.S. law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins. According to Ryan Lucas, “Trump says they have all together agreed to provide more than $500 million in free legal work on issues that he and the firm support” [01:41]. These deals are part of a broader arrangement where firms offer pro bono services to avoid punitive measures against Trump’s executive orders. To date, nine firms have entered similar agreements. However, three notable firms have chosen to oppose the administration's actions, initiating lawsuits that have led federal judges to deem Trump’s actions “likely unconstitutional” and have resulted in temporary blocks on enforcement [01:41].
Measles Outbreak Escalates in Texas
[02:18] Dale Willman brings attention to a concerning public health issue with Gabriela Alcorta Solorio reporting on the Texas Department of State Health Services’ confirmation of 36 new measles cases since Tuesday, bringing the total to 554 since January [02:36]. Gabriela Alcorta Solorio states, “The measles cases in West Texas are not slowing down” [02:36]. The outbreak has resulted in 56 hospitalizations and two deaths of unvaccinated school-aged children. Additionally, a related death occurred in New Mexico. Vaccine efficacy appears significant, with only seven cases in individuals who received two doses of the MMR vaccine and four with one dose; the majority remain unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown [02:36].
Israel Threatens to Fire Reservists Criticizing Gaza War
[03:15] Dale Willman reports on a significant development within the Israeli military, where Israel's military officials have declared intentions to dismiss Air Force reservists who signed a letter condemning the war in Gaza. The officials argue that the actions of nearly 1,000 reservists and retirees undermine military unity, asserting that their behavior constitutes a “breach of trust between commanders and subordinates” [03:15]. The letter, published recently, called for the immediate release of hostages in Gaza, positioning the signatories against the prevailing military stance.
Study Reveals Crows’ Remarkable Geometric Intuition
[03:49] Nell Greenfield Boyce presents fascinating research on avian intelligence, highlighting that crows possess an innate ability to recognize basic geometric shapes. Published in Science Advances, the German research team trained crows to engage with a computer game, where the birds successfully distinguished between shapes like squares and rectangles [03:49]. Nell Greenfield Boyce explains, “Researchers say they clearly had a sense of right angles, parallel lines, and symmetry” [03:49]. This marks the first scientific evidence of such geometric intuition in animals, showcasing the cognitive complexity of crows.
Masters Golf Tournament Updates
[04:33] Dale Willman provides the latest standings from the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Justin Rose maintains a narrow lead after two rounds, shooting a 71 to stay one stroke ahead of Bryson DeChambeau. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy delivered a bogey-free 66, moving back into contention and positioning himself two shots off the pace [04:33]. Notably, Bernard Langer and Fred Couples both missed the cut. This year marks Langer's 41st participation in the tournament, and he has announced that this will be his final year competing [04:33].
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