NPR News Now: February 18, 2025, 11 AM EST
Hosted by Korva Coleman
1. U.S.-Russia Talks Aimed at Ending the Ukraine War
Timestamp: 00:16
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded talks with his Russian counterpart in Saudi Arabia, focusing on ending the three-year war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion. Rubio emphasized that achieving peace requires "concessions on all sides" (00:16). The Trump administration has maintained a firm stance, declaring that Ukraine cannot join NATO nor reclaim all territories seized by Russia.
European leaders have expressed dismay over the Trump administration's approach, particularly as it appears to draw Russia President Vladimir Putin closer to the U.S. Eleanor Beardsley of NPR reports there is growing fear that a peace agreement brokered by the U.S. may not deter Russia from future military actions (00:55).
Impact on Europe: Eleanor Beardsley highlights concerns in Europe about the Trump-Putin alliance. Former French NATO allied commander Jean Paul Palomeros conveyed to BFM Television that although Europe needs time to ramp up its military production, it must continue supporting Ukraine with existing resources. Palomeros warned, “If Putin wins, he said, Europe will continue to live under this threat and terror and it will slow all the progress and integration we've achieved in Europe since 1949” (00:55).
2. Federal Judge Halts NIH Funding Cuts
Timestamp: 01:32
A federal judge has temporarily suspended the Trump administration's plan to reduce funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This decision has raised significant concerns among regions that rely heavily on health research for their economic stability. Steven Bissah from the Gulf States Newsroom explains that the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of the top recipients of NIH funding.
Steven Bissah Comments: “Biomedical research basically saved Birmingham's economy after the steel industry collapsed in the 70s and 80s,” Bissah stated (01:53). He warns that the proposed funding cuts could have a ripple effect across Alabama, jeopardizing critical research into diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. The ongoing legal battles have led to the temporary pause of these cuts, allowing time for lawsuits to proceed (01:53).
3. NAACP Urges Boycott of Businesses Ending DEI Commitments
Timestamp: 02:14
A prominent civil rights organization is calling on Black Americans to refrain from supporting businesses that have recently abandoned their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. NPR's Kristen Wright reports that companies like Walmart, McDonald's, and Meta have rolled back DEI initiatives, citing a shift toward "belonging for all" and addressing legal concerns.
NAACP's Position: The NAACP has issued the Black Consumer Advisory, urging the Black community to “support businesses upholding their DEI commitments as well as black-owned businesses,” emphasizing that these rollbacks “erode progress in creating an equitable society” (02:31). This move aligns with historical actions, noting that President Trump ended DEI and accessibility programs in the federal government on Inauguration Day (02:31).
4. Severe Weather and Accidents Across the U.S.
Timestamp: 03:10
A severe winter storm has enveloped much of Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of at least a dozen individuals. Additional fatalities include one person in West Virginia and another in Georgia. In aviation news, U.S. and Canadian authorities are investigating a Delta Airlines flight that overturned and landed on its roof in Toronto. While all passengers survived, 18 were injured, with at least two in critical condition.
Migration Developments: Costa Rica has announced it will accept migrants deported from the United States, including individuals from Central Asia and India. The first group of deportees is expected to arrive the following day (03:10).
5. Entertainment Spotlight: Upcoming Movie Releases
Timestamp: 04:04
NPR's Bob Mondello previews the spring movie slate, highlighting notable releases that feature double casting and complex character portrayals.
Robert De Niro's Dual Roles: In a new Mafia epic, Robert De Niro portrays both real-life mob boss Vito Genovese and his rival Frank Costello. De Niro delivers a gripping performance, stating, “Where do I start?” as he navigates the dangerous dynamics of mob leadership (04:04). The film, Alto Knights, showcases De Niro interacting with another version of himself, enhancing the narrative's depth.
Michael B. Jordan and Robert Pattinson's Projects: Michael B. Jordan takes on a dual role in the thriller Sinners, playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Similarly, Robert Pattinson stars in the cloning-themed Mickey 17, where his character faces multiple versions of himself, raising questions about identity and existence (04:24; 04:36).
Bob Mondello remarks, “There are so many of him that one day he meets himself,” highlighting the trend of multiple characters portrayed by single actors in upcoming films (04:36).
Conclusion
NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update covering international diplomacy, domestic policy challenges, civil rights advocacy, severe weather impacts, and the latest in the entertainment industry. These stories reflect ongoing global tensions, economic concerns related to scientific research funding, efforts to maintain societal equity, immediate safety issues, and evolving cinematic narratives.
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This summary is based on the February 18, 2025 episode of NPR News Now. For more detailed information, please visit NPR's official website.