NPR News Now: February 14, 2025, 6 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest news in five minutes, providing concise and comprehensive updates on current events. In the February 14, 2025, episode, NPR covers significant developments across various domains, including governmental turmoil, aviation safety, international relations, economic indicators, human interest stories, and local news. Below is a detailed summary of the episode's key segments.

1. Turmoil at the U.S. Justice Department

[00:16] Host Jack Spear introduces a critical report by NPR's Kerry Johnson on escalating conflicts within the U.S. Justice Department. The spotlight is on the contentious handling of a major corruption case involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Kerry Johnson reports that Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten resigned from his Manhattan post, citing ethical objections to what he perceives as the misuse of prosecutorial power. Scotten, a decorated military veteran with two Bronze Stars and a former clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts, authored a letter asserting, “prosecutors cannot use their vast power to lean on elected officials.” He expressed confidence that senior Justice Department leaders might eventually find someone willing to dismiss the corruption case against Mayor Adams, but he emphasized, “It was never going to be me.”

The resignation raises serious questions about potential political pressure within the department. The matter now rests with Judge Dale Ho, who must decide whether to formally dismiss the case. Johnson highlights the possibility of a hearing to examine the alleged pressure exerted by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bovey on prosecutors, signaling deeper unrest within the Justice Department’s ranks.

2. NTSB Investigates Deadly Mid-Air Collision

[01:18] Jack Spear transitions to aviation safety, reporting on the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) first on-camera briefing concerning the tragic mid-air collision that occurred on January 29th. The incident involved a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy provided details, stating that the collision occurred at an altitude of 278 feet above the Potomac River. Notably, the helicopter was supposed to maintain a maximum altitude of 200 feet. Homendy expressed uncertainty regarding whether the helicopter’s altimeters were accurately reflecting the pilots' true altitude, leaving the cause of the collision under investigation. The disaster resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft, prompting urgent questions about flight safety protocols and equipment reliability.

3. U.S.-Mexico Tensions Over Cartel Designations and Gunmaker Lawsuits

[01:45] The episode shifts to international relations, focusing on escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico over the designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Nita Kravinsky of KGZZ reports that following President Trump’s directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to classify Mexican cartels alongside groups like Al Qaeda and Boko Haram. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to intensify legal actions against U.S. gun manufacturers. Sheinbaum emphasized that “more than 70% of the guns used by cartels come from the U.S.,” and indicated that Mexico would leverage existing lawsuits to hold American gunmakers accountable.

The issue is set to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments early next month to determine whether the lawsuit against gun manufacturers can proceed. This legal battle highlights the complex interplay between international policy decisions and domestic judicial processes, with significant implications for both countries' legal and political landscapes.

4. Economic Indicators: Retail Sales and Stock Market Fluctuations

[02:17] Economic news follows, with updates on retail sales and stock market performance. Colder than usual weather across the country in January adversely affected consumer behavior, leading to a 0.9% decline in retail sales compared to the previous month, according to the Commerce Department.

The financial markets reflected a mixed response. Jack Spear notes that the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 165 points, while the Nasdaq Composite Index experienced a modest gain of 81 points. These movements suggest investor uncertainty amidst challenging economic conditions, potentially influenced by seasonal factors and broader economic trends.

5. Human Interest: Celebrating Moss at Lewis & Clark College

[03:31] Shifting to a lighter subject, Dina Pritchett reports on Oregon’s Lewis & Clark College hosting its seventh annual Moss Appreciation Week. The event aims to foster a deeper appreciation for moss, often overlooked despite its ecological significance.

Kenji Yamamoto, a student organizer, shares his insights: “Moss is something that we kind of take for granted,” highlighting the plant’s resilience and historical importance in oxygen production. The week featured activities such as moss walks, moss talks, moss valentines, and even a moss petting zoo. Yamamoto emphasizes the importance of slowing down and appreciating the “little things,” suggesting that such mindfulness can lead to a more profound connection with nature. Though the event may seem whimsical, it underscores the broader message of environmental stewardship and the beauty found in simplicity.

6. Local News: Opossum's Unfortunate Cake Incident in Nebraska

[04:16] Concluding with a humorous local story, Jack Spear recounts how an opossum in Gretna, Nebraska, devoured a Costco tuxedo cake left out on a back porch. Resident Kim Doggett discovered the aftermath when she found the opossum amidst her patio furniture. An animal control officer safely removed the creature, which was briefly rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.

Doggett reflects on the incident, noting, “Too much of a good thing can be trouble,” adding a light-hearted conclusion to the episode. This story serves as a charming reminder of the unpredictable interactions between humans and wildlife.

NPR News Now continues to provide listeners with timely and varied news coverage, ensuring that audiences stay informed on pressing national and global issues, economic developments, and even the whimsical events that add color to everyday life.