NPR News Now Summary

Episode: NPR News: 02-17-2025 7AM EST
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Host: Korva Coleman

1. Russia Sends Top Diplomats to Saudi Arabia Amid Ukraine Conflict

At the start of the episode, Korva Coleman reports that Russia is dispatching senior diplomats to Saudi Arabia to engage with U.S. officials regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin also intends to discuss the possibility of a meeting between former President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Saudi Arabia, though the State Department has not disclosed the agenda or specific meetings Rubio will attend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity of Ukraine's involvement in any peace negotiations, a sentiment echoed by European nations. “Ukrainian President Zelensky says his country must have a role in any peace talks,” Coleman states ([00:16]).

2. European Leaders Convene in Paris to Discuss Ukraine

Eleanor Beardsley reports on a significant gathering of leaders from eight European nations and the head of NATO in Paris, focusing on Ukraine. The primary agenda includes increasing military spending, potentially breaching long-standing EU budget deficit limits, and authorizing substantial expenditures to support Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in a recent editorial, “Britain would be ready to send troops to ensure a peace deal” ([00:55]). Sweden and France have similarly expressed their willingness to deploy troops, signaling a strong European commitment to the conflict resolution process.

3. U.S. Governors Challenge Trump Administration's Workforce Restructuring

Deepa Shivaram highlights the gathering of U.S. governors in Washington this week, set against a backdrop of legal battles. Several states have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk concerning efforts to restructure the federal government and its workforce. Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, has initiated layoffs affecting thousands of government employees, including probationary and recently hired workers. President Trump and Musk claim that Musk's "Doge" initiative has identified billions in waste and fraud, though they have not provided concrete evidence. “Fourteen states sued Trump and Musk for Musk's, quote, unchecked power over the government and its workforce,” Shivaram explains ([01:34]). The White House maintains that Musk is adhering to federal laws, intensifying the conflict between state governments and the federal administration.

4. Severe Storms and Flooding Devastate Kentucky and Georgia

Korva Coleman turns to natural disasters, reporting that powerful storms have claimed ten lives over the weekend—nine in Kentucky and one in Georgia. Shepard Snyder provides detailed coverage from Lexington, Kentucky, where the National Weather Service indicates that river levels remained dangerously high following significant precipitation last week. Meteorologist Alex Vorst commented, “We throw anywhere from 4 to 5, 6 inches of rain on top of what was already high water issues,” exacerbating the flooding situation ([02:30]). Central and western Kentucky, including densely populated areas like Hazard and Pikeville, are experiencing the brunt of the severe weather, with expectations that flooding will persist.

5. Escalating Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Korva Coleman reports a troubling development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where rebels have seized Bukavu, the country's second-largest city with a population of approximately one million. Additionally, the rebels, backed by neighboring Rwanda, have captured Goma. These factions have declared their intention to march on Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, aiming to seize control. This escalation marks a significant intensification of the conflict in the region, raising concerns about broader instability and humanitarian impacts.

6. Chinese President Xi Jinping Meets with Leading Entrepreneurs

In economic news, Au Wenzhou covers Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with top entrepreneurs at a high-profile symposium in Beijing. The event featured prominent leaders from major companies such as Huawei, Xiaomi, CATL, and BYD, all of whom were observed applauding and taking notes ([03:48]). Notably, Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma made a public appearance alongside Xi for the first time in four years, signaling a potential thaw in his strained relationship with the Chinese government. The symposium also included the founder of Deep Sikh, although details of the discussions and the complete list of attendees remain undisclosed. This meeting is seen as a positive sign that Beijing may be refocusing on the private sector amidst ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.

7. Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis

Korva Coleman provides an update from the Vatican, stating that Pope Francis spent a quiet night resting at a hospital in Rome. The Pope was admitted on Friday due to persistent bronchitis and has been prescribed absolute rest by doctors. As a result, Pope Francis canceled all weekend activities, including his traditional Sunday blessing, ensuring his recovery remains the top priority ([04:30]).

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments from the NPR News Now episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the broadcast.