NPR News: 02-17-2025 3AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: Episode Summary – February 17, 2025

On February 17, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update covering critical events from natural disasters and international conflicts to significant cultural achievements. This episode provides listeners with in-depth insights into the swift federal response to Kentucky's flooding, the Trump administration's immigration strategies, the release of hostages by Hamas, violent incidents linked to extremist groups, the tragic death of South Africa’s first openly gay imam, ongoing conflicts in the Congo, and highlights from the British Academy Film Awards.

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Swift Federal Response to Kentucky Flooding

The episode begins with a report on the severe flooding that devastated Kentucky over the past weekend. Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, commended Republican President Donald Trump for the rapid federal assistance following the state’s emergency declaration.

Governor Andy Beshear stated at [00:45], "We've only seen a positive response from the federal administration, from the Trump administration during this disaster. I only have positive things to say. How quickly the declaration came through."

Karen Zarr of WU UKY reported that all 120 counties in Kentucky were affected, leading to an expedited approval of the emergency disaster declaration. FEMA officials were deployed to the affected areas by Sunday. Additionally, Governor Beshear announced the launch of the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, aiming to raise funds to support disaster victims.

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Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny

The discussion shifts to the Trump administration's handling of immigration raids, which have faced widespread criticism since January. Tom Holman, the administration's border czar, addressed these concerns during an interview on CNN.

Holman clarified at [01:27], "We're not raiding schools, we're not raiding churches, are not raiding college campuses. But if we have a significant public safety threat or national security, let's say, for instance, an MS-13 member who's a senior in a high school who's wanted for drug distribution or strong-armed robberies, we will go to that school and arrest that MS-13 member with the help of the local authorities. It’s not about raiding schools, about resting one bad guy where we know he is and not let him escape back into the community."

Holman's remarks aim to differentiate the administration’s targeted approach from the broader accusations of infringing on civil liberties.

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Release of Hostages by Hamas

NPR’s Sarah McCammon reported on a significant development in the hostage situation involving Hamas. Sagi De K El Khan, an Israeli-American with dual citizenship, was among three hostages released as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. This deal also included the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

De K El Khan’s family expressed immense relief, stating, "De K El Khan was being reunited with his wife and three daughters, including one who was born while he was in captivity," and appealed for the freedom of the remaining hostages.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement noting, "Hamas is holding 73 hostages, including one American, Idan Alexander," and warned, "They are playing with fire by continuing to keep them captive."

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Violent Incident in Austria Linked to Extremist Groups

The episode covers a tragic incident in Austria where a 23-year-old Syrian man was arrested for stabbing six people, including a 14-year-old boy. Authorities suspect connections to the Islamic State group, citing that the assailant radicalized himself through online platforms. This attack highlights the ongoing threat of lone-wolf terrorism influenced by extremist ideologies propagated on the internet.

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Assassination of South Africa’s First Openly Gay Imam

In a shocking and tragic event, Mucine Hendrix, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was killed in a suspected targeted attack. Hendrix was shot multiple times while in his car in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. South African police reported that two masked individuals fled the scene following the assault.

Kate Bartlett, reporting from Johannesburg, emphasized Hendrix’s role in fostering inclusive communities, noting that his mosque served as a sanctuary for LGBTQ Muslims and marginalized women. Hendrix’s online presence and previous threats suggested potential motives behind the attack, aimed at silencing his advocacy for marginalized groups within the Muslim community.

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Ongoing Conflict in Eastern Congo and Mineral Significance

The episode highlights the continued strife in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels, supported by thousands of Rwandan troops, have seized control of Bukavu, marking their second major conquest after capturing Goma last month. This region is rich in minerals crucial to global technology, including those worth trillions of dollars, which fuels the conflict as various factions vie for control over these valuable resources.

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British Academy Film Awards Highlights

Shifting to cultural news, the British Academy Film Awards saw significant wins for the films "The Conclave" and "Brutalist." Both films secured four BAFTA awards each on Sunday night. "The Conclave" won Best Picture, while Brutalist’s director, Brady Corbett, received Best Director. Adrien Brody took home Best Actor for his role in "Brutalist," and Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her performance in "Anora." Additionally, Kieran Culkin was honored with Best Supporting Actor for "A Real Pain," and Zoe Saldana won Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Emilia Perez."

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This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a thorough overview of pressing issues and noteworthy events, blending urgent news with exceptional cultural achievements to keep the audience well-informed and engaged.

Transcript

[Dana Farber Cancer Institute]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where hundreds of researchers make new discoveries inspired by the work of previous Dana Farber scientists. Learn more about their [e-mail] everywhere.

[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. Kentucky's Democratic governor is nothing but praise for Republican President Donald Trump for his quick response to the state's appeal for federal assistance. The state asked for help because of disastrous flooding over the weekend. Karen Zarr with member station WU UKY reports.

[Andy Beshear]

Governor Andy Beshear put in a request for an emergency disaster declaration and within hours it was approved, which makes federal funding available to Kentuckians affected by this disaster.

We've only seen a positive response from the federal administration, from the Trump administration during this disaster. I only have positive things to say. How quickly the declaration came through.

Beshear said all 120 counties in the state have been hit and FEMA officials were on the ground as of Sunday. He also announced the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to raise money to help victims of this disaster. For NPR News, I'm Karen Zarr in Hazard, Kentucky.

[Dale Willman]

The Trump administration's border czar is responding to widespread criticism over federal immigration raids across the country since Trump took office in January. But Tom Holman says those concerns are unwarranted.

[Tom Holman]

We're not raiding schools, we're not raiding churches, are not raiding college campuses. But if we have a significant public safety threat or national security, let's say, for instance, an Ms. 13 member who's a senior in a high school who's wanted for drug distribution or strong armed roderies, we will go to that school and arrest that MS.13 member with the help of the local authorities. It's not about raiding schools, about resting one bad guy where we know he is and not let him escape back into the community.

[Dale Willman]

Homan was speaking Sunday on cnn. The family of an Israeli American taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th is thanking both administration and the Israeli government for securing his Release this weekend. NPR's Sarah McCammon has more on that story.

[Sarah McCammon]

Sagi De K El Khan, who has dual citizenship in the US And Israel, was taken by Hamas from his kibbutz on October 7, 2023. He was among three hostages released this weekend as part of a fragile ceasefire deal which included the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. In a statement, his family said DeKalken was being reunited with his wife and three daughters, including one who was born while he was in captivity. They called for the release of the remaining hostages. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement noting that Hamas is holding 73 hostages, including one American, Idan Alexander, and warned Hamas that they are, quote, playing with fire by continuing to keep them captive. Sarah McCammon, NPR News, Washington.

[Dale Willman]

Officials in Austria say the man accused and the stabbing of six people there on Saturday had possible connections to the Islamic State group and they say he radicalized himself by using online information. The 23 year old from Syria was arrested after the attack that killed a 14 year old boy. You're listening to NPR News. A South African man considered the world's first openly gay imam, has been killed in a suspected hit. The imam ran a mosque that acted as a safe haven for the LGBTQ Muslim community. Kate Bartlett reports.

[Kate Bartlett]

Mucine Hendrix was shot multiple times in his car on Saturday in the Eastern Cape city of Quebeca South African police said officials say two masked men who opened fire fled the scene. Hendrix, who had received international press coverage and been the focus of a documentary, had previously alluded to threats against him. The website of his mask said that it provides, quote, a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalized women can practice Islamic. For NPR News, I'm Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg.

[Dale Willman]

The fight for control over the eastern portion of the African nation of Congo continues. M23 rebels, backed by thousands of troops from Rwanda have now taken control of a second major city in the area. They entered the Bukavu after a march from Goma, which was seized last month. The region holds trillions of dollars worth of minerals which are important to the world's technology. The Brutalist and the Conclave each won four BAFTA awards on Sunday night at the British Academ Film Awards. The Conclave won for best picture, while Brutalist director Brady Corbett won for best director. Brutalist star Adrien Brody won best actor and Mikey Madison won best actress for her work in Anora. Kieran Culkin, meanwhile, was named best supporting actor for A Real Pain. And Zoe Saldana won best supporting actress for her role in Emilia Perez. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

[Dana Farber Cancer Institute]

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