NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-08-2025 2PM EST

Episode Date: February 8, 2025

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Noor Rahm Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Noor Rahm. A federal judge in New York overnight blocked most members of the Trump administration from accessing sensitive Treasury data for at least a week. NPR's Amy Held reports it comes as Elon Musk's cost-cutting team moves to radically remake much of the federal government. Amy Held Hours after 19 attorneys generals sued, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmeier restricted access

to Treasury data to civil servants who have passed all background checks, security clearances, and information security training. Two people connected to Musk's government efficiency team had access to Treasury's payment system, which handles Americans' Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and more. They were called special government employees.

In his ruling, Engelmeier specifically bars anyone with that designation from accessing the system, at least temporarily until a hearing set for Friday. Engelmeier cites the risk of sensitive data being disclosed or the system being hacked. Amy Held and PR News. Russell Vogt, the new director of the Office of Management and Budget, is now also in charge of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Vogt was an architect of Project 2025, a blueprint to overhaul the government. Top House Republicans are working this weekend on a plan to try to implement some of President Trump's legislative priorities, such as tax

cuts and cuts to spending programs. House Republicans want this accomplished in one piece of legislation, but the Senate disagrees. NPR's Barbara Sprunt has more. Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's

Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR's Barbara Sprunt, NPR other on tax cuts. They're concerned that a tax bill could be too complicated to pass quickly and instead they want to move forward with things that they think they can pass relatively soon and then return later this year for that second package. But top House Republicans want to tackle the agenda with one bill that encompasses everything. They're worried if they delay the tax element, it could be jeopardized altogether. NPR's Barbara Sprund. Several local governments are suing the Trump administration over its

crackdown on those that limit cooperation with immigration authorities. Juan Carlos Lava of member station KQED has more. Trump has threatened to withhold funding from local governments with these sanctuary policies, and has asked federal law enforcement to investigate officials who don't assist in immigration enforcement. San Francisco City Attorney David Chu says these moves violate the Constitution's 10th Amendment, which gives states any powers not reserved for the federal government. The Trump administration is asserting a right it does not have. They are trying to tell us how to use our resources and to commandeer our local law

enforcement. San Clara County, California, Portland, Oregon, New Haven, Connecticut, and King County, Washington are also joining the lawsuit. For NPR News, I'm Juan Carlos Lada in San Francisco. This is NPR. Hamas and Israel are conducting another hostage prisoner exchangeisoner exchange today under the ceasefire deal that began last month. Hamas released three men who had been held hostage since the war began.

Israel released more than 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Springfield, Ohio is suing a neo-Nazi group for its alleged role in harassing, intimidating, and inciting violence against the city and its residents in the months before the presidential election. NPR's Odette Youssef reports. Odette Youssef, NPR News Anchor The civil lawsuit against the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe was brought by Springfield's mayor, three city commissioners, and four residents who were public in their support of Haitian immigrants.

It claims the group interfered with plaintiffs' federal civil rights, that it created a public nuisance, and that it incited violence. The suit alleges, among other things, that the neo-Nazis instigated dozens of bomb threats and that they instructed strangers to enter some plaintiffs' homes at night without knocking to demand drugs and sex. None of the plaintiffs themselves are Haitian residents of Springfield. Instead, the complaint paints a picture of a city terrorized by a campaign of hate. The Blood Tribe has not publicly posted a response. Odette Youssef and PR News. Sony's PlayStation Network went dark last night, affecting gamers around the world who

couldn't access online services, stores, and multimedia apps. The company says it's aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. Users are still able to play offline games but can't access the online aspects of games such as Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. I'm Noor Rahm, NPR News in Washington.