Summary of NPR News Now - Episode: 02-15-2025 7PM EST

Release Date: February 16, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Source: NPR News Now

European Union’s Call for a Continental Defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Advocates for a European Army

At the Annual Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to establish its own military force to safeguard the continent against Russian aggression. Speaking at [00:16], Zelensky emphasized, “We can no longer be sure of U.S. protection. A European army is necessary because the continent’s future depends only on Europeans.” He highlighted that Ukraine remains steadfast in its fight, declaring, “Ukraine won't accept any deal to end the war with Russia that's reached behind its back.” Zelensky’s remarks underscore the growing sentiment that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.

NPR Analyst Highlights Shifting Alliances

An unnamed NPR analyst provided context at [00:47], stating, “The US, Ukraine’s strongest single ally, is now speaking directly to Russia, the country that invaded Ukraine and continues to attack it.” The analyst noted the potential implications of President Trump’s planned visit to Russia and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s opposition to Ukraine’s goals of joining NATO and reclaiming occupied territories. This development has unsettled many Ukrainians, with sentiments of feeling “betrayed” by the U.S., a nation they admire for its democratic values.

Massive Job Cuts in the U.S. Forest Service

Union Reports 3,400 Employees Fired Post-Deadline

A significant workforce reduction has hit the U.S. Forest Service, with approximately 3,400 employees dismissed shortly after the Federal Workers' deadline. Dennis Lapsewicz from the Forest Service Council stated at [01:33], “Many US Forest Service workers showed up to work only to be fired shortly thereafter.” These cuts affect various roles, including trail and road maintenance, logging, and fire suppression.

Firefighters Concerned Over Job Losses

An unnamed Forest Service employee expressed alarm at [01:51], “We are losing wildland firefighters right and left, and they’re not going to be here come this fire season.” The Department of Agriculture has not confirmed the exact number of layoffs or whether firefighters are specifically targeted. Responding to inquiries, a department spokesperson mentioned support for President Trump’s directive to “optimize government operations,” leaving many workers uncertain about their futures.

Stock Markets Climb Amid Economic Uncertainty

Major Indices Rise Despite Inflation and Retail Slump

Even with persistent inflation and a disappointing retail sales report, U.S. stock markets saw gains this week. Scott Horsley reported at [02:18], “All of the major indices rose by more than half a percent,” with the Dow increasing by over 0.5%, the S&P 500 by 1.5%, and the Nasdaq by more than 2.5%.

Economic Indicators Paint a Mixed Picture

The Labor Department revealed a 3% increase in consumer prices for January at [02:29], indicating stubborn inflation alongside a robust job market. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell remarked, “The Central bank does not have to be in a hurry to cut interest rates,” suggesting a cautious approach to monetary policy. Additionally, retail sales fell by 0.9% last month, while the Trump administration hinted at potential tariffs, which temporarily eased investor concerns as the import taxes have yet to take effect.

Escalating Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Rebel Group M23 Captures Second Major City

Rebels backed by Rwanda, known as M23, have seized Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, marking a significant escalation in the region’s conflict. Emmett Livingstone reported at [03:28], “Rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 have captured Bukavu, a city of about 1 million people in eastern Congo. It’s the second major city that the group has captured in recent weeks, having seized Goma, the region’s main trading hub, in late January.” The takeover occurred with minimal resistance, leading Congo’s army to retreat. President Felix Tshisekedi reaffirmed his stance against negotiating with the M23, labeling them as a “Rwandan proxy,” and warned of potential advances toward the capital, Kinshasa.

Tragic Aviation Collision Near Washington, D.C.

NTSB Investigates Fatal Helicopter-Jet Crash

A catastrophic collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan National Airport resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft. Jeanine Herbst reported at [04:11], “Federal transportation investigators say the crew of the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C. last month may have had inaccurate altitude readings.”

Possible Causes and Investigation Timeline

NTSB Chair Jennifer Hammondy indicated that the helicopter crew might not have received proper instructions from air traffic controllers and that the American Airlines crew may have seen the helicopter moments before the impact. “There’s evidence to suggest the American Airlines crew saw the helicopter right before impact,” Hammondy stated. The investigation is expected to take over a year to determine the full causes of the tragedy.

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of critical global and domestic issues, including Ukraine’s push for European defense autonomy, significant job cuts within the U.S. Forest Service, fluctuating stock markets amidst economic challenges, escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a tragic aviation accident near Washington, D.C. Through in-depth reporting and expert analysis, the episode shed light on the complexities and implications of each headline.