Up First from NPR – February 22, 2025

In today's episode of NPR's Up First, hosted by Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon, three major stories take center stage: significant upheaval within the Pentagon, the release of additional Israeli hostages by Hamas, and widespread protests within New York State prisons. This comprehensive summary delves into each of these topics, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from experts and those directly affected.

1. Pentagon Upheaval

President Trump's Dismissals and Restructuring

The episode opens with startling news from the Pentagon. President Donald Trump has initiated a sweeping dismissal of top military leadership, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., marking him as the second African American to hold this prestigious position. Alongside General Brown, over 5,000 personnel, including top military lawyers, have been released from their roles.

Nomination of Gen. Dan Kaine

In place of General Brown, Trump has nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Kaine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Kaine is a seasoned F-16 pilot who previously served at the CIA and worked closely with Trump during his time in Baghdad in 2018-2019. However, his nomination requires promotion to a four-star rank and Senate approval.

Insights from Tom Bowman

NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman provides an in-depth analysis of these developments:

“There’s been talk for weeks that General Brown would be fired, and a lot of this comes down to a sense the general was chosen for the post because of the color of his skin, not his ability. [Tom Bowman, 02:25]”

Bowman elaborates on the contentious reasons behind Brown's dismissal, citing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's criticisms in his book War and Warriors, where he questions Brown's qualifications, suggesting that diversity initiatives influenced his appointment more than merit. Bowman defends General Brown's extensive experience and strategy, notably his role in defeating ISIS by targeting its infrastructure and financial systems—a strategy not highlighted by Trump.

Regarding Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to hold her position in the Navy, Bowman explains:

“She was seen as a diversity hire, as woke... these admirals and generals follow policy set by civilians and are now paying the price.” [Tom Bowman, 04:55]

Wider Implications

The upheaval extends beyond high-ranking officers. Approximately 5,400 civilian probationary workers are being let go from the Department of Defense, with plans to reduce this number by up to 55,000. The budget cuts from these dismissals are intended to fund the development of more submarines, drones, and missile defense systems.

2. Hamas Releases More Hostages

Details of the Recent Releases

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, Hamas has released additional Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. NPR's Kat Lonsdorf provides detailed coverage of these releases:

“The hostages released today include four men captured during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel and two long-term captives held in Gaza for about a decade.” [Kat Lonsdorf, 06:30]

Case of Shiri Bebus

A particularly poignant moment occurred when Hamas attempted to return the body of Shiri Bebus, an Israeli mother, along with her two young sons. Initially, Hamas released a different unidentified woman's body, leading to confusion and distress. Later, they correctly identified and returned Shiri’s body:

“The forensic examiner in Israel found that all three—Shiri and her two sons—had been murdered, but did not provide further details.” [Kat Lonsdorf, 08:20]

Largest Prisoner Exchange

Alongside the hostage releases, Israel has agreed to release over 600 Palestinians from Israeli jails, marking the largest release of Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire. These prisoners include individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks, as well as many held without charges, including women and minors.

Public Sentiment and Future Negotiations

Public sentiment in Israel remains divided. While far-right members of the government advocate for the resumption of conflict, the majority of the Israeli public supports continuing the ceasefire to secure the release of remaining hostages. Liat Ellert, a 43-year-old resident, expressed the public’s collective desire:

“People are doing everything they can in their power to bring those hostages back home.” [Emily Russell, 09:14]

Kat Lonsdorf highlights that although there are plans for additional hostages' bodies to be released, negotiations for the next phase have yet to commence, partly due to political complexities within Israel.

3. New York State Prisons Under Strain

Widespread Strikes by Corrections Officers

Amidst escalating tensions in New York State prisons, corrections officers have initiated strikes across 38 of the state's 42 prisons. These strikes, which began on Monday, are driven by grievances over being overworked, understaffed, and facing unsafe working conditions. A critical demand from the striking officers is the repeal of the HALT Act, which restricts the use of solitary confinement.

Deployment of National Guard Troops

In response to the strikes, Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed 3,500 National Guard troops to assist in securing the prisons. This measure aims to maintain order and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff during this tumultuous period.

Incident Reports and Arrests

The strikes have led to significant disruptions within prisons. Notably, at the Ogdensburg and Malone prisons, guards left their posts, leaving inmates unsupervised for extended periods. Additionally, the state has charged six correctional officers with murder following a December incident where officers fatally beat an inmate, Robert Brooks. All accused officers have pleaded not guilty.

“Inmates say they feel abandoned and unsafe.” [Ayesha Rascoe, 10:35]

Advocacy and Community Impact

Corrections officers argue that their strikes aim to improve prison conditions rather than disrupt the system. Advocates like Thomas Gant, a former inmate and current advocate, emphasize that the focus should shift from punitive measures to rehabilitation:

“The answer is to give programs, to give skills... not just teaching a person how to mop and sweep a floor, but give them more contemporary skills.” [Emily Russell, 12:27]

Governor Hochul's Response

Governor Hochul has taken a firm stance on the issue, stating that corrections officers have been "rightfully charged with murder" in the Brooks case. In addressing the strikes, she has temporarily suspended parts of the HALT Act to grant officers more flexibility in using solitary confinement and has scheduled mediation talks between state officials and the corrections officers' union.

Conclusion

Today's Up First from NPR provides a deep dive into pressing national and international issues, from high-level military dismissals and hostage negotiations to critical labor strikes within the criminal justice system. These stories highlight the complex interplay between politics, security, and human rights, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Bowman on Pentagon Upheaval:
  “There’s been talk for weeks that General Brown would be fired, and a lot of this comes down to a sense the general was chosen for the post because of the color of his skin, not his ability.” ([02:25])

• Kat Lonsdorf on Hostage Releases:
  “The hostages released today include four men captured during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel and two long-term captives held in Gaza for about a decade.” ([06:30])

• Emily Russell on Public Sentiment:
  “People are doing everything they can in their power to bring those hostages back home.” ([09:14])

• Ayesha Rascoe on Prison Conditions:
  “Inmates say they feel abandoned and unsafe.” ([10:35])

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