NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-08-2025 3PM EST

Episode Date: February 8, 2025

NPR News: 02-08-2025 3PM ESTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Public media counts on your support to ensure that the reporting and programs you depend on thrive. Make a recurring donation today to get special access to more than 20 NPR podcasts, perks like sponsor-free listening, bonus episodes, early access, and more. So start supporting what you love today at plus.npr.org. Live from NPR News in washington i'm norah rom a federal judge has blocked the law in musk steam the department of government efficiency or doge from accessing sensitive personal data

on millions of americans kept at the u s treasury department the order also bars political appointees or special government employees detail to treasury the designation given to Musk's allies. NPR's Julianna Kim reports. The emergency order was issued early Saturday. It prohibited the DOJ entity from accessing personal data kept at the Treasury Department's payment system. That includes Social Security benefits and bank account information for millions of Americans. President Trump tapped Elon Musk to find and cut wasteful government funding.

The ruling is the latest development in a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration by Democratic Attorneys General from 19 states. They argue that Elon Musk and Doge don't have the authority to access Treasury records and are hoping to stop Musk's team for good. Juliana Kim, NPR News. Meanwhile, another federal judge has blocked, for now, Trump's efforts to drastically scale back the U.S. Agency for International Development that manages most of the nation's foreign aid programs.

NPR's Fatma Tanis has more. Last night, a federal judge issued a temporary pause on the administration's foreign aid programs. NPR's Fatma Tennis has more. Last night a federal judge issued a temporary pause on the administration's move to put 2200 people on administrative leave. Now those are union foreign service officers who filed the suit. The judge also reinstated 500 people who were already put on leave.

And he paused the accelerated return of overseas staff that was supposed to happen this weekend. This was all pushed back until next Friday. And in the meantime, there will be a hearing next week on the legality of the administration's overall moves to dismantle the agency. NPR's Fatma Tanis, she says many USAID employees have lost access to their government accounts and that many, including those in conflict zones, feel completely abandoned by their government. More than 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were freed from Israeli

jails today in exchange for three more Israeli hostages released by Hamas. NPR's Kat Lonsdorf reports from Tel Aviv. Seven of the Palestinians freed into the Israeli-occupied West Bank were rushed to the hospital upon release, according to the Red Crescent. One had injuries from what a Red Crescent spokesperson described as a severe beating, while others were treated for malnourishment and fatigue. Earlier, Israel condemned the condition of the three Israeli hostages released today, who appeared frail and malnourished.

This weekend's hostage for prisoner exchange is the first since President Trump floated a plan to have the U.S. take over Gaza and relocate the nearly two million Palestinians there elsewhere. A plan Palestinians, as well as many regional and world leaders, rejected. Talks for the next phase of the ceasefire are set to begin this weekend. Kat Lonsdorf, NPR News, Tel Aviv. This is NPR News. Lebanon formed a new government today, the country's first full-fledged government in two years. Tel Aviv. This is NPR News. Lebanon formed a new government today, the country's first full-fledged government in

two years. The new prime minister is an Awaf Zalam. His cabinet is split evenly between Christian and Muslim sects. Lebanon's trying to rebuild after the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group that ended in November. Protests continue this weekend in Munich in advance of Germany's general election later this month. Police estimate more than 200,000 people showed up today.

They're opposed to the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, which is in second place in recent polls. Super Bowl fans are arriving in New Orleans ahead of the big game tomorrow. More than 100,000 people are expected in town this weekend. Matt Bloom with member station WWNO reports, many are noticing beefed up security.

On Bourbon Street, the state has installed new metal barricades to block cars at every intersection. No coolers or large bags are allowed. It's a step up from the usual measures here, but fans like Denae Moreno from Philadelphia appreciate it. It definitely seems like there's more of a presence and I think because it looks a little more than I saw in Vegas or even Arizona because we happened to go to both the last couple years.

Security upgrades came after a driver intentionally plowed into a Bourbon Street crowd early New Year's Day, killing 14 people and injuring dozens. More than 2,000 officers from various agencies are deployed. They're visible on almost every street corner. For NPR News, I'm Matt Bloom in New Orleans. And I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News in Washington.