NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-23-2025 9AM EST

Episode Date: February 23, 2025

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Planet Money is there. From California's most expensive fires ever. That was my home home. Yeah. I grew up there. It's ashes. To the potentially largest deportation in U.S. history. They're going to come to the businesses. They're going to come to the restaurants. They're going to come here. Planet Money. We go to the places at the center of the story. The Planet Money podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone. Israel has halted the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees and prisoners meant to be freed Saturday after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages.

Israel says Hamas humiliated hostages in Saturday's release ceremonies in Gaza. NPR's Daniel Estrin has more from Tel Aviv. A masked Hamas videographer spoke to one hostage and then filmed him kissing the heads of masked militants. Hamas also drove a pair of Israeli hostages to a release ceremony and filmed them begging Israel to be released. Israel was about to release around 600 Palestinians from jail but says it's delaying that to ensure no more quote, humiliating ceremonies and to ensure the next release of hostages.

Hamas says it's a ceasefire violation. An official not authorized to speak publicly tells NPR, this is Israel's attempt to extend this phase of the ceasefire before it expires in a week and to free more hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office had no comment. Hamas is meant to return the remains of four hostages later this week. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv. Voters in Germany head to the polls today for national elections that will lead to a

change in government. The outcome in Germany could shape the relationship of the European Union with the U.S. and with Russia, as NPR's Rob Schmitz reports. Today's election was supposed to happen later this year, but in November the government of Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed over a debate on how to revive Europe's biggest economy. Voter Sabina Pagel says this election is a crucial one for Germany. Politicians in the press make a big deal about immigration, said Bagel, but the real issues

are the economy, the gap between the rich and poor, the war in Ukraine, and the fact that the world is splitting apart. Latest polling data shows a center-right Christian Democratic Union Party as the most likely to emerge as a top vote-getter and be in the position of forming a coalition government. Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin. Doctors for Pope Francis say that he is in critical condition with a complex lung infection. The Vatican reports the 88-year-old Pontiff had a peaceful night in the hospital after a very rough day Saturday when his condition deteriorated. We get details from NPR's Sarah Ventry. The Vatican says the Pope slept well but did not say whether he was up or eating breakfast.

The announcement follows an update from Saturday saying Francis's condition continues to be critical after he experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis which required oxygen and a low platelet count which required blood transfusions. This all comes as the Pope is being treated for a double pneumonia following a bout of bronchitis. Francis is 88 years old and had a portion of one lung removed after a pulmonary infection as a young man. Doctors have previously said they expect the pope will be hospitalized for at least the

entirety of the coming week. Sarah Ventry, NPR News. This is NPR. The Trump administration this weekend is notifying hundreds of thousands of federal workers. They must explain what they accomplished in their jobs over the previous week or face being fired. President Trump celebrated the move at CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, and PR's Stephen Fowler has more. During a lengthy keynote that resembled his campaign rally speeches, Trump said in one

month he's already delivered on his campaign promises, including deportations. The illegal alien criminals are being sent home. We're draining the swamp and we're restoring government by the people, for the people. Trump also spoke extensively and supportably about the Doge efforts to cut government spending and shrink the size of the federal government. The theme of this week's CPAC highlighted Trump's influence over the conservative movement at home and abroad with speeches from cabinet secretaries, advisors, and global leaders hyping his achievements.

Stephen Fowler, NPR News, Washington. A hospital shooting yesterday in York County, Pennsylvania ended with a police officer killed and multiple others injured. hospital shooting yesterday in York County, Pennsylvania, ended with a police officer killed and multiple others injured. The York County District Attorney says the suspect was fatally shot by law enforcement after taking hostages and opening fire inside an intensive care unit at UPMC Memorial Hospital.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris last night accepted the NAACP Chairman's Award at the organization's Image Awards in Los Angeles. She told the audience that the story of America continues to be written not by the rich, but by the people. It was her first major public appearance since her failed bid for the presidency. I'm Louise Schiavone, NPR News, Washington.

When she teaches her students how to write a song, musician Scarlett Keys says they need I'm Louise Schiavone, NPR News, Washington.