NPR News Now: February 13, 2025, 2 PM EST

FBI Director Nomination Advances Amid Political Tensions

Timestamp: 00:13

NPR's Ryan Lucas reports on the progress of President Trump's nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Patel's nomination with a narrow 12-10 vote along party lines.

Ryan Lucas explains, "Committee Republicans were united behind Patel. They say he will root out what they claim is political bias against Republicans at the FBI, which is a historically conservative institution. Democrats, meanwhile, were in lockstep in opposition. They say Patel's a Trump loyalist, and they note that he has previously threatened to go after Trump's perceived political enemies."

The advancement of Patel's nomination sets the stage for a confirmation vote in the full Senate next week, where Republicans hold the majority.

EU Criticizes Trump's Dialogue with Putin Over Ukraine

Timestamp: 01:15

Lakshmi Singh reports on tensions surrounding President Trump's recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The European Union's chief diplomat, Kayakala, has voiced strong criticism, emphasizing the importance of European involvement in any negotiations regarding Ukraine's future.

Kayakala stated, "We shouldn't take anything off the table before the negotiations have even started because it plays to Russia's court and it is what they want. Why are we giving them everything that they want even before the negotiations have been started? It's appeasement. It has never worked."

This statement underscores the EU's stance that all potential avenues must remain open to ensure a fair and effective negotiation process.

NATO Summit Highlights Disagreements on Ukraine's Future

Timestamp: 01:48

At the recent NATO summit, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the contentious issue of Ukraine's borders. He remarked that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders, prior to Russia's annexation of Crimea, is unrealistic.

Pete Hegseth commented, "A return to Ukraine's borders before 2014 is unrealistic."

Furthermore, Ukraine has opposed any proposals that would require them to cede additional territory to Russian forces. Additionally, Hexev ruled out Ukraine's membership in NATO, highlighting the complexities of Ukraine's geopolitical status.

Egg Supply Crisis Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

Timestamp: 02:30

A nationwide bird flu outbreak since 2022 has devastated egg production, leading to significant supply shortages and increased prices. NPR's Iyana Archie reports that major retailers are now limiting egg purchases to manage the scarcity.

Iyana Archie detailed, "At Trader Joe's, customers can only buy one or two dozen a day. The limit is in effect at all locations so that the company can, quote, ensure that as many of our customers who need eggs are able to purchase them."

Kroger has also implemented similar restrictions in some divisions, although details remain unspecified. Food economics experts suggest that retailers are rationing supplies to prevent empty shelves and further price hikes, aiming to maintain affordability for consumers.

Brooke Rollins Confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture Amid Tariff Concerns

Timestamp: 03:08

Lakshmi Singh announces the confirmation of Brooke Rollins as the new Secretary of Agriculture. Her appointment comes at a time when the Trump administration is enacting higher tariffs that analysts predict will impact U.S. businesses and consumers significantly.

California Faces Financial Strain from Wildfires and Insurance Claims

Timestamp: 03:08

An atmospheric river storm is set to hit the Los Angeles area, bringing heavy rainfall to a region already suffering from extended dry spells. The rains pose the risk of mud and debris flows, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires.

Danielle Venton of KQED reports that California's Fair Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, is seeking assistance to cover customer claims from last month's Southern California fires. State regulators have approved a $1 billion collection from private insurance companies to support the Fair Plan.

Danielle Venton explained, "Insurance companies will be able to pass on half those costs to their policyholders. The Fair Plan is a not-for-profit insurer, offering coverage to those who can't get it through normal insurance companies."

Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute added, "Nobody should be surprised that this happened. It's unfortunate similar fees have been charged in California following bad hurricanes. If split evenly among California households, fees would be about $60 each."

Stock Market Updates

Timestamp: 04:47

The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 248 points, reflecting positive momentum in the stock market.

This summary provides an overview of the key news topics covered in the February 13, 2025, 2 PM EST episode of NPR News Now. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.