NPR News Now: Episode Summary – February 17, 2025

Released February 18, 2025

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on global and domestic developments in its February 17, 2025, episode. Covering critical geopolitical events, significant policy changes, economic shifts, and cultural highlights, the episode provided listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current landscape.

1. Ukraine and US-Russia Diplomatic Developments

Ukrainian President Zelensky’s Saudi Visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for official discussions with Saudi officials. This visit is pivotal as Ukraine anticipates observing developments that could influence the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Equal Partnership in Peace Negotiations

Zelensky emphasized the necessity of Ukraine's inclusion in any negotiations aimed at ending the war. He stated, “There cannot be negotiations without Ukraine” (00:35). Oleksandr Krayev, a political scientist in Kyiv, highlighted Zelensky’s expectations for President Trump to recognize Ukraine as an equal partner in peace talks. Krayev warned, “In any other case, negotiation will be a futile effort and Trump will be presented as a bad negotiator, weak politician and bad diplomat, basically” (00:59).

Trump’s Special Envoy Visit

The Trump administration has announced that Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia is expected to visit Ukraine later this week, signaling potential shifts in diplomatic strategies (01:09).

2. FAA Workforce Reductions and Public Protests

FAA Employee Firings Amid Travel Peak

The Trump administration has initiated the termination of several hundred Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers during a peak travel period coinciding with the President’s Day holiday. This move follows a tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., involving an American Air Airlines plane and a military helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities. Reports indicate that probationary FAA employees, including those responsible for radar landing and navigational maintenance, were among those dismissed (01:18).

Protests Against Trump and Elon Musk

Across the United States, protests erupted on President’s Day, targeting President Trump and Elon Musk, who leads the administration's government efficiency team. In Eugene, Oregon, hundreds gathered outside the Wayne Morris Federal Courthouse, holding signs accusing the duo of “violating the law and turning control of the country over to billionaires” (02:06). Brian Bull reported, “Trump has defended his executive orders and sweeping cuts of the federal workforce. In a social media post over the weekend, Trump wrote, he who saves his country does not violate any law” (02:34).

3. Cryptocurrency Regulation Initiatives

As the cryptocurrency sector seeks to solidify its influence within the Trump administration, several legislative proposals are under consideration. These include:

• Stablecoin Regulations: Establishing regulations and reserve requirements for stablecoin issuers, aiming to bring more stability and oversight to cryptocurrencies pegged to the dollar.

• Digital Asset Rules: Defining clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets to ensure their integration into the financial system aligns with existing laws and standards (02:48).

4. Southwest Airlines Announces Historic Layoffs

Southwest Airlines revealed plans to cut approximately 1,750 corporate jobs, representing about 15% of its workforce. This marks the airline’s first mass layoff in its 53-year history, affecting nearly a dozen senior management positions. The layoffs are part of a broader strategy to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency amidst challenges posed by elite investment management and activist investor pressures. Southwest anticipates saving over $200 million this year and $300 million next year through these measures (02:48).

5. Entertainment Spotlight: Upcoming Mafia Films

NPR’s Bob Mondello highlighted the influx of mafia-themed movies set to release this spring, featuring notable actors in dual roles:

• Robert De Niro’s Dual Roles: De Niro portrays both real-life mob boss Vito Genovese and his rival, Frank Costello, in the epic “Alto Knights” (03:59). Michael B. Jordan remarks on the intense portrayals, saying, “Where do I start?... You’re not where I am” (04:04).

• Michael B. Jordan’s Double Assignment: In the thriller “Sinners,” Jordan takes on multiple characters, showcasing his versatility.

• Robert Pattinson’s Cloning Saga: Pattinson stars in “Mickey 17,” a cloning-themed movie where his character experiences multiple iterations of himself, leading to complex encounters (04:35).

These productions promise to deliver gripping narratives with intricate character dynamics, as Mondello succinctly put it, “Multiples, multiples of movie multiples coming soon to the multiplex” (04:31).

6. Oil Market Updates

Despite the closure of U.S. financial markets on President’s Day, global oil trading remained active. Prices saw an increase of 65 cents per barrel, closing the session at $71.39 per barrel. This uptick reflects ongoing fluctuations in the energy sector amidst geopolitical tensions and economic policies (04:45).

Conclusion

The February 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with vital updates ranging from international diplomacy and significant policy changes to economic trends and cultural events. By offering detailed insights and direct quotes from key figures, the episode ensured that audiences remained informed about the latest developments shaping the world.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript segments for reference.