NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-08-2025 5AM EST

Episode Date: February 8, 2025

NPR News: 02-08-2025 5AM ESTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Giles Snyder. A fifth swamp of hostages for prisoners is underway as part of the ceasefire deal in Gaza. Three men held by Hamas since the October 7th attack that sparked the war were handed over to the Red Cross, and Israel confirmed a short time ago that they are now with the Israeli military. In exchange, Israel is to release dozens of Palestinian prisoners. A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to

dismantle USAID, the Agency for International Development. A judge granted what he called a very limited restraining order. It halts a plan that was to begin last night to put some 2,200 workers on paid leave. It also stops a 30-day deadline for thousands of staffers to return to the U.S. The order is to remain in place through February 14th. President Trump met at the White House with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two announced that Japan's Nippon Steel

would be making an investment in U.S. Steel, though details were sketchy, as NPR's Danielle Kurchlaven reports. Nippon had attempted to purchase U.S. Steel, though details were sketchy, as NPR's Danielle Kertschleben reports. Danielle Kertschleben-Nippon had attempted to purchase US Steel, but the Biden administration blocked the purchase. Trump had likewise opposed the deal. Standing alongside Ishiba at the White House, President Trump said he didn't like the idea of an iconic company being sold. Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States

of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States of America, President of the United States world for 15 years, many years ago, 80 years ago. And we didn't want to see that leave. And it wouldn't actually leave, but the concept, psychologically, not good. The White House did not give details on what the investment might look like, but Trump said he'd be meeting with the head of Nippon Steel next week. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News, The White House.

President Trump revoking former President Joe Biden's security clearances. NPR's Franco Ordonia reports that allowing presidents to retain their clearances after leaving office used to be a customary courtesy, but Biden changed that. In a post on his social media website, Trump says there's no need for Biden to receive classified information. He writes, quote, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden's security clearances and stopping his daily intelligence briefings. He added in capital letters, Joe, you're fired. Trump blamed Biden for setting such precedent, pointing out that in 2021, Biden revoked his

security clearances the first time a former president's security clearances were revoked. Trump added that Biden could quote, not be trusted with sensitive information and cited a special counsel report that described Biden last year as a well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory. A Biden spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment. Franco Ordonez and Piano's West Palm Beach. The Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia disconnected from the Russian power grid today.

They plan to join the European Union's grid tomorrow when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will speak at a ceremony to mark the switch. This is NPR. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski says she's grieving along with the Western Alaska community. She spoke at a press conference last night after authorities confirmed they had found the wreckage of a small commuter plane. Words really can't express the loss that we're all feeling at this point in time. We all, we're all connected. Crews are working against time to recover the plane. It crashed on sea ice off

Nome while it was on its way there. All 10 people on board were killed. Crews are working against time to recover the plane. It crashed on sea ice off Nome while it was on its way there. All 10 people on board were killed. Crews are working to recover the plane and the remains of those killed on unstable and slushy ice before bad weather moves in. The burglary of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burroughs' mansion back in December is part of a wave that authorities

are now calling crime tourism, as Imperial Bill Chample reports. Several Chilean nationals are facing federal charges over the break-in at Joe Burroughs' house where around $300,000 worth of jewelry and luxury items were stolen. The FBI says the burglaries of homes belonging to the quarterback and other high-profile athletes fit a pattern with criminals traveling from South America to target affluent houses in the US. And in New York, prosecutors say the team that Rob Burroughs' house was in contact with a man who is now charged with running a

fencing operation out of a Manhattan pawn shop. The store allegedly gave several international burglary crews an outlet to sell stolen goods. Bill Chappell, NPR News. More than 300 year old Stradivarius violin has been sold at auction in New York for more than $11 million. The instrument was sold by the New England Conservatory in Boston, which says it will use the proceeds to fund student scholarships. This is NPR News. If you love NPR podcasts, you don't need me to tell you the value of public media in your life. To support our mission and get perks like sponsor-free podcast listening across more than 20 NPR podcasts and exclusive bonus episodes, sign up for the NPR Plus bundle at plus.npr.org.