NPR News Now: February 17, 2025, 6 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Severe Storms Devastate the Southern United States

Korva Coleman opens the episode with a report on the devastating storms that struck the southern United States over the weekend, resulting in at least 10 fatalities—nine in Kentucky and one in Georgia. The storms brought thunderstorms, powerful winds, and flash flooding, leading to over 1,000 water rescues.

Key Points:

• Federal Disaster Declaration:
  President Trump has issued a federal disaster declaration for Kentucky following a request by Governor Andy Beshear.

  • 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."
    (Timestamp: 00:24)

• Positive Federal Response:
  An unnamed federal official praised the swift response from the Trump administration:

  • Federal Official: "We've only seen a positive response from the federal administration... I only have positive things to say. How quickly the declaration came through."
    (Timestamp: 00:37)

• Impact on Kentucky:
  Andy Beshear highlighted that all 120 counties in Kentucky were affected and that FEMA officials were already on the ground. He also announced the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to support disaster victims.
  (Timestamp: 00:49)

Reporter: Karen Zarr, Hazard, Kentucky

Political Turmoil Surrounding NYC Mayor Eric Adams

Korva Coleman transitions to political news, addressing the Justice Department's move to dismiss federal corruption charges against New York City Democratic Mayor Eric Adams. This decision has sparked controversy, leading to the resignation of at least seven federal prosecutors in both New York and Washington, citing perceived political interference.

Key Points:

• Mayor Eric Adams' Stance:

  • Eric Adams: "I am looking so forward to running for reelection and to do what I have been done, moving the city forward."
    (Timestamp: 01:39)

• Democratic Outrage:
  Some Democrats in New York have expressed outrage, with protesters demonstrating outside New York City Hall demanding justice and transparency.

• Judicial Review:
  The request to dismiss the charges is currently before a federal judge, who will determine the outcome.

Hostage Release Amidst Fragile Ceasefire

Korva Coleman reports on the successful release of Sagi Dakarqen, an Israeli-American hostage, amid a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. His family expressed gratitude towards both the Trump administration and the Israeli government for securing his freedom.

Key Points:

• Release Details:
  Sagi Dakarqen, holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and Israel, was taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, from his kibbutz. He was among three hostages released as part of a ceasefire that also included the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners.

• Family's Statement:
  The family emphasized the emotional reunion: "Sagi Dakarqen was reunited with his wife and three daughters, including one who was born while he was in captivity."

• Ongoing Concerns:
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the remaining hostages: "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."
  (Timestamp: 02:13)

Reporter: Sarah McCammon

Russia-Saudi Arabia Talks and International Relations

Korva Coleman highlights Russia's upcoming meetings with Saudi Arabia officials to discuss the war in Ukraine and the potential restoration of Russia-U.S. ties. Notably, European leaders are excluded from these talks as they convene separately in Paris.

Key Points:

• Diplomatic Meetings:
  The Kremlin announces that top Russian officials will meet with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other bilateral issues.

• EU Concerns:
  European leaders fear that the U.S. may pressure Ukraine into accepting a disadvantageous peace deal with Russia.

  • President Trump mentioned that "Ukraine's president would be involved in negotiations," though he did not provide further details.
    (Timestamp: 02:55)

• Excluded Parties:
  The State Department has not disclosed any planned meetings between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian officials during the Saudi summit.

South Korea Bans Chinese AI App Deepseek

Korva Coleman reports on South Korea's decision to suspend downloads of the Chinese artificial intelligence app Deepseek due to concerns over data privacy and compliance with local laws.

Key Points:

• Suspension Details:
  South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission has suspended Deepseek app downloads until the company addresses data privacy issues.
  (Timestamp: 03:56)

• Global Repercussions:
  The app had previously triggered a global tech stock sell-off by offering AI functionalities at significantly lower costs than competitors.

  • Deepseek has stated its willingness to cooperate with South Korean authorities.

• International Bans:
  Australia and Taiwan have already banned Deepseek from use on government devices. The U.S. Congress is contemplating similar legislation.

• China's Response:
  The Chinese Foreign Ministry maintains a stance of respecting local privacy laws while opposing the politicization of tech-related issues.

Reporter: Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Seoul

Closing Remarks

Korva Coleman wraps up the episode, summarizing the day's critical events and their implications on both national and international fronts.

This summary encapsulates the key developments reported in the February 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of severe weather impacts, political controversies, international diplomacy, and technological regulatory actions.