NPR News Now: Episode Summary – February 17, 2025

Release Date: February 17, 2025 | Host: Dale Willman

Middle East Tensions: Netanyahu Endorses Trump’s Gaza Plan

In the latest developments from the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated his support for President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Netanyahu described the plan as “the only viable plan to ensure a different future for the region” (00:11).

Ceasefire Fragility and Hostage Crisis

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains under significant strain. NPR’s Hadil Al Shalchi reports that the first phase of the ceasefire is set to expire at the beginning of March, with no discussions underway for a second phase. An Israeli official familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that neither side has begun talks on phase two, which were expected to commence a week ago (00:40). Additionally, Israel is intensifying efforts to secure the release of more hostages held by Hamas. Currently, 73 hostages are in captivity, with Israel estimating that nearly half may have perished (00:40).

European Leaders Convene Amidst Ukraine Crisis Summit

European leaders are gathering in Paris for an urgent crisis summit addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting responds directly to President Trump’s unilateral initiative to negotiate peace talks with Russia, sidelining European nations and Kyiv—an exclusion that has sparked significant anger and disbelief across Europe.

Breaking Down the Summit’s Dynamics

Andrew Harding from the BBC provides insight into the summit’s atmosphere, noting that French officials are striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy. French Foreign Minister emphasized the need to “keep our cool and not be intimidated” during interactions (01:36). However, underlying sentiments of frustration and confusion are palpable among European leaders, who condemn Washington’s approach to potentially exclude critical stakeholders from the peace process (01:36). NATO and EU officials are also in attendance, underscoring the summit’s importance in formulating a collective European response.

Severe Flooding Devastates the Midwest and Southwest Virginia

The Midwest faced severe flooding over the weekend, with Kentucky experiencing the brunt of the disaster. Tragically, eight lives were lost in Kentucky’s floodwaters. In Southwest Virginia, over 100 residents near the Kentucky state line were rescued from rapidly rising floodwaters.

Heroic Rescues and Community Response

Roxy Todd from member station Radio IQ recounts the harrowing rescue efforts, highlighting the bravery of individuals like 18-year-old Kylie Hensley. In Hurley, Virginia, Hensley shares her experience:

“One of our neighbors ended up having a john boat that we could get to him with and we used a kayak paddle. They had pets and cats and dogs. We was able to save them, too.” (02:34)

A video captured by Hensley illustrates the urgency and danger of the situation, with the sounds of rushing floodwaters accompanying the dramatic rescue. In the aftermath, schools and churches have opened emergency shelters to accommodate displaced residents. With additional snowfall predicted later in the week, emergency crews remain focused on restoring power to thousands affected by the storm (02:27).

Argentina’s President Faces Impeachment Threat Over Crypto Controversy

Argentina’s political landscape is turbulent as opposition lawmakers threaten to impeach President Xavier Milei following his involvement in what appears to be a cryptocurrency scam. Milei, a far-right libertarian leader, initially endorsed a new crypto coin named Libra, which subsequently crashed shortly after its launch.

The Libra Coin Debacle

On Friday night, President Milei announced his support for Libra on platform X (formerly Twitter), coinciding with the coin’s launch. Initially, Libra surged to nearly $5 within the first hour but plummeted to below $1 by Saturday. Milei quickly retracted his endorsement, deleted the tweet, and distanced himself from the project, attributing the backlash to critics attacking his reputation (03:37).

Echoes of Past Crypto Failures

Observers have likened the Libra incident to a “rug pull,” where developers lure investors and then disappear with the funds. Milei’s actions mirror those of former President Trump, who similarly launched a cryptocurrency days before his inauguration, only to see its value disastrously decline. This pattern raises serious concerns about Milei’s financial judgment and integrity, fueling the opposition’s push for impeachment (03:37).

Box Office Buzz: Marvel’s ‘Captain Brave New World’ Tops the Charts

In entertainment news, Marvel Studios’ latest installment, "Captain Brave New World," has soared to the number one spot in North American movie theaters this weekend. The film has already amassed an impressive $88.5 million in ticket sales domestically, with Disney projecting international revenues to exceed $190 million by the close of the President’s Day holiday (03:11).

Competitive Releases

"Captain Brave New World" outperformed other notable releases, including "Paddington in Peru," which debuted in second place with a $13 million total, and the slasher film "Heart Eyes," which secured the third spot with $10 million in ticket sales (03:11). The strong performance underscores Marvel’s enduring popularity and the effective marketing strategies that continue to draw large audiences to theaters.

Notable Quotes

• Benjamin Netanyahu (00:11):

  “The only viable plan to ensure a different future for the region.”

• Kylie Hensley (02:34):

  “They had pets and cats and dogs. We was able to save them, too.”

• French Foreign Minister (01:36):

  “We must keep our cool and not be intimidated.”

This episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of significant global events, from escalating Middle Eastern tensions and European diplomatic tensions to severe natural disasters in the United States, political upheaval in Argentina, and the latest successes in the entertainment industry. For listeners seeking a succinct yet thorough update on current affairs, this episode delivers insightful reporting and impactful stories.