NPR News Now: February 18, 2025, 10 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman

1. US-Russia Diplomatic Talks on Ukraine

Korva Coleman opens the episode with an update on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent discussions with his Russian counterpart. The talks focused on moving toward a peace agreement for Ukraine; however, neither Ukraine nor European officials were present. Rubio emphasized that concessions would be necessary to end the war in Ukraine, aligning with the Trump administration's stance that Ukraine cannot reclaim all territories invaded by Russia nor join NATO.

Notable Quote:

• Senator Chris Van Hollen ([00:58]): "Can you imagine FDR in the middle of World War II saying to Churchill, you know, we're not going to continue to help you until you turn over half of your coal and mineral reserves? That's not how you behave when you want to support a friend who's under attack by an authoritarian like Putin."

This statement underscores the contention around the Trump administration's concessions, highlighting the tension between supporting Ukraine and meeting Russian demands.

2. Hamas Commits to Hostage Releases

Moving to the Middle East, Korva Coleman reports on Hamas's announcement regarding the release of Israeli hostages. Hamas has pledged to hand over the bodies of four hostages on Thursday and six living hostages by Saturday. These actions are in response to Israel's requests for expedited releases.

Reporter Daniel Estrin provides further details from Tel Aviv:

• Daniel Estrin ([01:35]): "Hamas says on Thursday it will give Israel the bodies of four hostages, including those of the Bibas family. Shiri Bibas and her two young children, age 4 and nearly 1 when they were captured, have long been feared dead. On Saturday, Hamas says it will release all six living hostages it had committed to freeing by the end of February, including two hostages held in Gaza for about a decade."

Estrin adds that following these releases, 59 hostages will remain in Gaza, with nearly half confirmed dead. In exchange, Israel is permitting the entry of mobile homes and heavy machinery into Gaza to aid those displaced by the conflict and to recover bodies buried under rubble.

3. Stock Market Opens Lower Amid Corporate Developments

Korva Coleman transitions to economic news, noting that the stock market opened lower following a long holiday weekend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by approximately 130 points in early trading.

NPR's Scott Horsley elaborates:

• Scott Horsley ([02:30]): "Investors in Constellation Brands may be raising a glass after news. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has taken a stake in the company. Constellation sells spirits, wine and beer, including Mexican imports Corona and Modelo. Its shares had taken a beating on President Trump's threats of new import tariffs. So Buffett may have gotten a bargain. Southwest Airlines is cutting its corporate workforce, shedding more than 1,700 workers, including 15% of its senior management committee. It's the airline's first major layoff in more than half a century of operation. Southwest says in a statement it's trying to become a leaner, more agile organization."

This segment highlights significant corporate moves, including Berkshire Hathaway's investment and Southwest Airlines' historic layoffs, impacting investor sentiment and market dynamics.

4. Energy Department Reverses Mass Layoffs

Later in the episode, Korva Coleman reports on the Energy Department's decision to reverse recent mass layoffs. Initially, the department had dismissed numerous workers responsible for overseeing the nation's nuclear weapons, but many employees were reinstated within hours.

Concerns have been raised by members of Congress regarding these layoffs at an agency critical to guarding U.S. nuclear warheads and combating nuclear terrorism.

Additionally, the Dow is noted to be down about 125 points at this stage of trading.

5. Severe Winter Storms and Fatalities in the South

The episode also covers the devastating impact of a winter storm warning across much of Kentucky, following powerful storms that struck the southern United States. Korva Coleman reports at least a dozen deaths in Kentucky, one in West Virginia, and another in Georgia, emphasizing the region's ongoing struggle with severe weather events.

6. Passage of Mexican Singer Paquita La Del Barrio

In a heartfelt segment, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento reports on the passing of beloved Mexican singer Paquita La Del Barrio at age 77. Known as "Paquita from the Block," she rose to fame in the 1980s with her powerful performances that blended heartbreak with feminist rage.

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento ([04:03]): "Paquita La Del Barrio, which informally translates to Paquita from the block, became a star in Mexico in the 1980s. She was beloved for the disdain with which she sang about the men who broke her heart. Paquita said her music was inspired by her real relationships. For decades, her lyrics channeled her pain into feminist rage. In the hit 'Una Rata de los Patas,' she famously compared an ex lover to a cursed leech and a poisonous snake."

Her team announced her passing without specifying a cause of death. Mexico City's Department of Culture commemorated her for her distinctive voice and enduring legacy in music.

Conclusion

Korva Coleman wraps up the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's significant events, ranging from international diplomacy and Middle Eastern conflicts to economic shifts, severe weather impacts, and cultural losses.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Chris Van Hollen ([00:58]): "Can you imagine FDR in the middle of World War II saying to Churchill, you know, we're not going to continue to help you until you turn over half of your coal and mineral reserves?"

• Daniel Estrin ([01:35]): "Hamas says on Thursday it will give Israel the bodies of four hostages, including those of the Bibas family..."

• Scott Horsley ([02:30]): "Investors in Constellation Brands may be raising a glass after news. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has taken a stake in the company..."

• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento ([04:03]): "Paquita La Del Barrio... became a star in Mexico in the 1980s. She was beloved for the disdain with which she sang about the men who broke her heart."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the February 18, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing a detailed and engaging overview for those who missed the live broadcast.