NPR News: 02-14-2025 11AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on February 14, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman | Source: NPR News Now

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1. Federal Prosecutor Resignation Sparks Concerns Over DOJ Politics

Reporter: Carrie Johnson
Timestamp: [00:16 - 01:18]

In a significant development from Washington, Korva Coleman reports that several federal lawmakers are scrutinizing the actions of a federal prosecutor in New York who recently resigned. Carrie Johnson details the circumstances surrounding the resignation, highlighting that Danielle Sassoon chose to step down rather than comply with orders to drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Key Points:

• Danielle Sassoon and five other lawyers involved in public corruption cases resigned, citing interference from the Justice Department (DOJ).
• Congressman Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, commended the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan for standing up for the rule of law, stating, “[Sassoon] raised disturbing concerns about a quid pro quo and cover up inside the Justice Department” ([00:38]).
• Sassoon’s resignation letter expressed strong opposition to dismissing the bribery case against Mayor Adams and mentioned that prosecutors were considering adding a new charge of obstruction against him.
• Raskin is urging potential whistleblowers to come forward to the Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, emphasizing the need for transparency within the DOJ.

This episode underscores growing apprehensions about political influence within federal agencies and the implications for justice and accountability.

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2. Russia Acknowledges Ukraine's Role in Peace Negotiations with the U.S.

Reporter: Charles Maines
Timestamp: [01:18 - 02:18]

Korva Coleman transitions to international affairs, reporting that Russia is recognizing Ukraine’s involvement in ongoing peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Charles Maines elaborates on this development, noting its significance against the backdrop of previous U.S. negotiations that sidelined Kyiv.

Key Points:

• Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on state TV that Ukraine will participate in negotiations either directly or indirectly with the U.S. ([01:37]).
• Peskov revealed that Russia expects a two-track negotiation approach: one directly with the U.S. and another involving Ukraine, marking a shift from earlier positions that minimized Ukraine's role.
• Historically, Russian propagandists have portrayed Ukraine and Europe as subservient to U.S. interests, asserting that only the White House could facilitate lasting peace.
• The report references former President Trump’s direct negotiations with Vladimir Putin, which were previously lauded by Russian officials despite controversies over concessions related to NATO expansion and territorial disputes.

This acknowledgment by Russia may signal a potential shift in negotiation dynamics, though the exact impact on the peace process remains to be seen.

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3. Americans Deeply Divided Over President Trump's Immigration Policies

Reporter: Joel Rose
Timestamp: [02:18 - 03:05]

Korva Coleman introduces a significant public opinion survey conducted by NPR and Ipsos, revealing the stark divisions among Americans regarding President Trump's latest immigration initiatives. Joel Rose provides an in-depth analysis of the poll findings.

Key Points:

• The poll indicates a growing support for more restrictive immigration measures among the American populace.
• Democrats overwhelmingly oppose nearly all of Trump’s immigration policies, particularly his efforts to revoke the constitutional right to birthright citizenship.
• Republicans exhibit strong backing for the president’s immigration crackdown. Rose cites specific statistics: “4 out of 5 Republicans support deporting all immigrants without legal status and 3 out of 4 back denying federal funding to sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with immigration authorities” ([02:44]).
• A significant majority of Republicans believe the U.S. is experiencing an “invasion at the southern border,” reinforcing the partisan divide on immigration issues.

The poll underscores the polarized political landscape in the U.S., especially on contentious issues like immigration policy.

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4. Additional News Briefs

a. Wall Street Updates

Timestamp: [03:05]

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a slight decline, dropping nearly 30 points.
• Conversely, the Nasdaq saw an increase, rising more than 40 points.

These fluctuations reflect the volatile nature of the stock market amid ongoing economic and political developments.

b. New York Governor Refuses to Extradite Doctor to Louisiana

Timestamp: [03:05]

• New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declined Louisiana’s request to extradite a doctor accused of supplying abortion medication online to a Louisiana resident.
• Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry states that such actions are illegal in Louisiana. However, New York’s shield law protects providers who dispense abortion medication to patients in other states, highlighting the complex interplay between state laws on abortion.

This decision underscores the ongoing national debate over abortion rights and interstate legal protections for healthcare providers.

c. Update on Deadly Aircraft Collision

Reporter: David Shaper
Timestamp: [03:05 - 04:32]

Korva Coleman provides an update on the tragic aircraft collision in Washington, D.C., with further details from David Shaper.

Key Points:

• A Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet during the latter’s approach to Reagan National Airport, plunging both aircraft into the Potomac River. All 67 individuals aboard perished.
• Preliminary investigations reveal that the helicopter was flying approximately 300 feet above its designated altitude, leading to the collision.
• It's currently unclear whether the airplane's pilots were aware of the helicopter's proximity. Investigations are ongoing, with flight data and cockpit voice recorders expected to provide more insights.
• David Shaper mentions that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) anticipates a thorough investigation process, likely extending over a year or more before determining the probable cause.

This incident highlights critical concerns regarding aviation safety and the coordination between different aircraft in busy airspaces.

d. Igloo Company Recalls Coolers Due to Safety Hazards

Timestamp: [04:32]

• Igloo, a well-known cooler manufacturer, is issuing a recall for approximately one million of its 90-quart flip and tow rolling coolers.
• The recall is prompted by safety issues with the cooler handles, which have been known to pinch users' fingertips, leading to amputations in rare cases.
• Consumers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately and seek replacements or refunds as per Igloo’s instructions.

This recall emphasizes the importance of product safety and the responsibilities of manufacturers to protect consumers from potential hazards.

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Notable Quotes

• Danielle Sassoon: "There’s no good reason to dismiss the bribery case against Eric Adams. In fact, prosecutors were considering adding a new charge of obstruction." ([00:38])
• Congressman Jamie Raskin: "[Danielle] raised disturbing concerns about a quid pro quo and cover up inside the Justice Department." ([00:38])
• Joel Rose on GOP Support: "4 out of 5 support deporting all immigrants without legal status. 3 out of 4 support denying federal funding to sanctuary cities that limit their cooperation with immigration authorities." ([02:44])

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, ranging from federal judicial integrity and international peace negotiations to domestic political divisions and significant safety recalls. Through detailed reporting and insightful analysis, listeners are kept informed about the multifaceted developments shaping the current landscape.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. Some federal lawmakers are appraising a federal prosecutor in New York. She resigned rather than drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. A top Justice Department official had ordered prosecutors to dismiss the case. NPR's Carrie Johnson reports. The episode is amplifying concerns about politics in the agency.

[Carrie Johnson]

Congressman Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, says the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan took an eloquent stand for the rule of law. Danielle Sassoon quit her job and so did five other lawyers who work on public corruption cases in Washington, D.C. sassoon wrote a letter to DOJ saying there's no good reason to dismiss the bribery case against Eric Adams. In fact, she wrote, prosecutors were considering adding a new charge of obstruction against him. Congressman Raskin says she raised disturbing concerns about a quid pro quo and cover up inside the Justice Department. He's asking whistleblowers to come forward to Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. Carrie Johnson, NPR News, Washington.

[Korva Coleman]

Russia is acknowledging some role for Ukraine as it pursues peace negotiations with the U.S. these negotiations are aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. This comes amid concern that the White House was sidelining Kyiv in negotiations with Russia over Ukraine's future. NPR's Charles Maines reports.

[Charles Maines]

Speaking on state television, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine would be participating in negotiations one way or another. Peskov said Russia anticipated a two track approach to talks, one directly with the US and another connected to Ukraine's involvement. Kremlin propagandists have long painted Ukraine and Europe as subservient to the US and insisted only the White House could deliver lasting peace. Those same voices have also celebrated President Trump's announcement he would negotiate directly with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the war, particularly after Trump appeared to concede to key Russian demands over NATO expansion and Ukraine forfeiting land. Charles Manes, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

A new poll from NPR and Ipsos finds that Americans remain deeply divided over President Trump's new immigration efforts. The poll shows growing support for more restrictions on immigration, but Democrats oppose nearly all of Trump's immigration policies, including his efforts to overturn the constitutional right to birthright citizenship. NPR's Joel Rose says Republicans are strongly backing the president.

[Joel Rose]

This NPR Ipsos poll shows that Republicans, for the most part, are very united in support of the president's crackdown. 4 out of 5 support deporting all immigrants without legal status. 3 out of 4 support denying federal funding to sanctuary cities that limit their cooperation with immigration authorities. And a big majority of Republicans say the U.S. has been experiencing an invasion at the southern border.

[Korva Coleman]

NPR's Joel Rose reporting. On Wall street, the Dow is down nearly 30 points. The Nasdaq is up more than 40. This is NPR. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is refusing to send a doctor from her state to Louisiana to face charges. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says the doctor is accused of providing abortion medication online to a Louisiana resident. That's illegal in Louisiana, but not in New York. New York also has a shield law protecting providers who supply patients in other states abortion medication online. The National Transportation Safety Board is scheduled to offer an update today on last month's deadly aircraft crash in Washington, D.C. 67 people died when a military helicopter and a passenger jet collided. David Shaper reports.

[David Shaper]

The Army Black Hawk helicopter slammed into an American Airlines regional jet as the regional plane was coming in for a landing at Reagan National Airport. Both aircraft plunged into the frigid Potomac River. There were no survivors. Investigators have already determined that the helicopter was flying higher than it should have been and was at about 300ft when it collided with the plane. But it's not yet known if the pilots of the plane knew that the helicopter was close by. New information could come from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders and investigators interviews with air traffic controllers. But a it will likely take a year or longer before the NTSB determines a probable cause. For NPR News, I'm David Shaper.

[Korva Coleman]

The Igloo company is recalling about a million of its coolers. That's because the handles are a danger and they can pinch people using them. A small number of people have had their fingertips amputated. The recalled Items are Igloo's 90 quart flip and tow rolling coolers. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News.

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