NPR News Now: February 12, 2025, 5 PM EST

Host: Jack Speier
Producer: NPR

1. Presidential Communications on Ukraine Conflict

Jack Speier opened the episode by reporting that President Donald Trump has engaged in significant discussions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a statement released on social media, Trump announced, "I had a lengthy and highly productive conversation with President Putin" (00:14). Danielle Kurtzleben provided further insights, detailing that both leaders agreed to visit each other's countries and commence negotiations to end the war. However, Trump did not elaborate on the specifics of these negotiations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth weighed in, expressing skepticism about the feasibility of restoring Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders before Russia's annexation of Crimea. He stated, "It's unrealistic to expect that Ukraine could return to its pre-2014 borders before Russia annexed Crimea. If Ukraine wants a return to those borders, it would prolong the war" (00:37). The White House also indicated that Trump plans to meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia, although a date has yet to be confirmed (01:04).

2. Senate Confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence

The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence, a move that included a notable dissent from GOP Senator Mitch McConnell (01:04). Deidre Walsh reported that Republican leaders praised Gabbard for her plans to "reduce inefficiencies and refocus national intelligence" (01:19). GOP Leader John Barrasso emphasized Gabbard's vision, asserting, "We can trust our intelligence agencies again. We need to take an axe to the weaponization of these very agencies" (01:31).

Some Republican senators had reservations due to Gabbard's past praise for Edward Snowden, the former contractor who leaked classified information. Despite these concerns, they ultimately supported her nomination after she assured them of her commitment to preventing unauthorized disclosures. Conversely, Senate Democrats opposed her appointment, arguing that her experience and judgment were insufficient for leading the agency (01:37).

3. US-Mexico Trade Relations

Jack Speier reported on escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico concerning trade tariffs. NPR's Adri Peralta highlighted that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is pursuing a diplomatic approach instead of implementing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. in response to President Trump's recent imposition of increased tariffs on aluminum and steel.

Sheinbaum stated, "Instead of beginning a trade war by announcing retaliatory measures, I want U.S. and Mexican officials to talk" (02:02). Adri Peralta added that Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente is scheduled to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Mexican government considers the tariffs unjust, particularly because Mexico maintains a trade deficit with the U.S., and is optimistic that the tariffs will not be enforced. Sheinbaum emphasized, "We're ready for coordination and collaboration, but without interference or subordination" (02:12).

4. Severe Weather and Power Outages

A weather system brought heavy wet snow and freezing rain from Washington, D.C., to Kentucky, resulting in hundreds of vehicle crashes and leaving thousands without power (02:52). Jack Speier reported that as the snow begins to melt, there is an increased risk of flooding in the affected areas. Earlier in the day, numerous power outages occurred, including about 1,000 customers losing electricity in Virginia. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, ensuring that those affected will soon be back online.

5. Near-Earth Object: Asteroid 2024 YR4

Astronomers are closely monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, which now has an estimated 1 in 47 chance of impacting Earth in 2032 (03:27). Scott Newman explained that detecting such near-Earth objects requires analyzing numerous grainy photographs for subtle movements. Larry Deneau, co-principal at Atlas from the University of Hawaii, stated, "Detecting these near Earth objects involves examining lots of grainy photographs for faint signs of movement" (03:27). The challenge lies in distinguishing these objects from background noise, as much of the image consists of indistinguishable grains that resemble faint stars (03:52).

If 2024 YR4 were to collide with a populated area, the damage could be catastrophic. Scientists continue to study its trajectory to better assess the potential threat and develop mitigation strategies (04:02).

6. Paul McCartney's Intimate Concert and Oil Prices

In a lighter segment, Jack Speier shared that Paul McCartney delivered a surprise performance at the Bowery Ballroom in New York, drawing a crowd of fewer than 600 attendees. This intimate setting contrasted sharply with his previous concert at MetLife Stadium, where he played to over 82,000 fans. McCartney announced the performance just hours before it began, leading to a rush of fans seeking tickets. He performed a selection of Beatles classics and Wings hits and is also set to appear on this weekend's Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary show (04:12).

On the economic front, crude oil futures saw a decline, dropping nearly $2 per barrel to $71.37 in New York markets (04:12). This dip followed a period of gains and reflects ongoing volatility in the energy sector.

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