NPR News Now – Episode: February 13, 2025, 11 AM EST

NPR’s latest five-minute news update brings listeners up to speed with key national and international developments. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode, highlighting all major topics, discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Education Secretary Nomination: Linda McMahon

The episode opens with Korva Coleman reporting on the Senate panel's confirmation hearing for former WWE executive Linda McMahon, President Trump's nominee for Education Secretary.

• Linda McMahon emphasized her alignment with President Trump's educational vision:

  "He pledged to make American education the best in the world, return education to the states where it belongs, and free American students from the education bureaucracy through school choice. November proved that Americans overwhelmingly support the president's vision, and I am ready to enact it." (00:28)

Despite her lack of direct experience in the education sector, McMahon expressed confidence in implementing the administration's policies, focusing on reducing federal oversight and promoting school choice.

2. Health and Human Services Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Following the education secretary nomination, Korva Coleman updates listeners on Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. being confirmed as the Health and Human Services Secretary after passing a Senate test vote. However, his nomination has faced strong opposition from Democrats due to his history of campaigning against vaccines.

3. U.S.-India Trade Relations and Upcoming Summit

President Trump is set to announce new reciprocal tariffs targeting countries exporting goods to the U.S., aiming to equalize trade imbalances. Korva Coleman highlights economists' warnings that these tariffs might lead to increased prices for American consumers.

As part of his foreign policy agenda, President Trump is preparing to host India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asma Khalid provides insights into their meeting:

• Linda McMahon on Trump’s priorities:

  "Trump's priorities are seeing India's high tariffs lowered on US Goods. That's a number one priority for him." (01:47)

• Asma Khalid elaborates on the multifaceted U.S.-India relationship:

  "Other issues between the countries include immigration to technology and defense. The US Relationship with India has seen strong bipartisan support in recent years, especially as a counter to China's influence in the region." (01:55)

The discussions are expected to focus on reducing tariffs, enhancing technological collaboration, and strengthening defense ties amid regional geopolitical tensions involving China.

4. U.S. and NATO Allies on Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations

Korva Coleman reports tensions between the U.S. and its NATO allies regarding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. President Trump's unilateral approach to negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin and phone discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have caused frustration among European leaders.

• German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius insists:

  "Europe must be involved in any negotiations on Ukraine. Especially, he said, if Europe is to play a central role in keeping the peace." (02:31)

• NATO Secretary General Mark Ritter emphasizes stability:

  "It's crucial that any peace deal on Ukraine endures without another Russian attack." (02:31)

Secretary of Defense Pete Hagseth reiterated that Ukraine should not join NATO, advocating for European self-protection against potential Russian aggression.

5. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resumption

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears to be stabilizing after recent uncertainties. Korva Coleman details that Hamas initially delayed the release of three Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire. Israel, however, denied these accusations and issued warnings about potential resumption of hostilities if the ceasefire terms are breached.

6. Attack During Protest March in Germany

A tragic incident unfolded in Germany where at least 28 people were injured after a man drove into a crowd during a protest march. Officials identified the driver as an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, suggesting the possibility of an attack. Authorities are investigating the motive behind this act of violence.

7. Atmospheric Rivers Causing Severe Weather in California

California is experiencing an intense atmospheric river, bringing substantial rainfall that poses risks of mudslides and flooding. Nigel Borunda and Christine Shields, an atmospheric scientist from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, explain the phenomenon:

• Christine Shields describes atmospheric rivers:

  "Atmospheric rivers are exactly what they sound like, giant ribbons of water vapor flowing through the sky like a river." (04:03)

• Shields further explains the impact:

  "They're a normal part of California weather and can deliver a lot of valuable water to the region, but they often include short and intense bursts of heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding. And in the burned areas around Los Angeles, potential debris flows and mudslides." (04:09)

Residents are urged to monitor emergency alerts closely to stay safe during the storm.

8. Rising Chocolate Prices Ahead of Valentine's Day

In economic news, chocolate prices are on the rise as Valentine's Day approaches. The increase is attributed to depleted cocoa supplies from West African nations, exacerbated by changing climate patterns. This shortage has compelled chocolate manufacturers to raise prices, impacting consumers nationwide.

"The supply of cocoa from the West African nations have been depleted because of changing climate patterns. That's forced chocolate makers to boost prices." (04:42)

NPR News Now continues to provide concise and up-to-date news coverage, ensuring listeners are informed on the most pressing issues of the day.