NPR News Now: February 18, 2025, 9 AM EST
Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates in just five minutes, covering significant national and international events.
1. U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Talks on Ukraine
Location: Saudi Arabia
Participants: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister
NPR's Korva Coleman reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart concluded high-stakes talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for three years since Russia's invasion.
Key Points:
- Exclusions: Notably, Ukraine and European leaders were excluded from these discussions.
- U.S. Stance: The Trump administration has conceded to Russian demands by declining to support NATO membership for Ukraine and stating that Ukraine may not regain all its territories.
Notable Quote: Mike Walz, White House National Security Adviser, emphasized the need for lasting peace:
“This needs to be a permanent end to the war and not a temporary end as we've seen in the past. We know just the practical reality is that there is going to be some discussion of territory and there's going to be discussion of security guarantees.”
[01:35]
2. Tensions in Southern Lebanon and Israeli Forces
Location: Southern Lebanon
Involved Parties: Lebanese Military, Israeli Defense Forces, Hezbollah
NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi provides an update on the evolving situation in southern Lebanon, where Lebanese troops have regained control over nearly a dozen areas previously under Israeli occupation.
Key Points:
- Military Movements: The Lebanese military has secured 11 locations, surveying war damages and coordinating with United Nations peacekeepers.
- Israeli Response: Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel retains a presence in five strategic locations to safeguard northern Israeli communities.
- Hezbollah's Stance: The militant group opposes the continued Israeli presence, deeming it a violation of the ceasefire and calling for complete withdrawal.
Notable Quote: Lebanese President Joseph Varon stated the necessity of honoring the ceasefire:
“The ceasefire agreement must be respected and that Israel cannot be trusted.”
[02:10]
3. Political Turmoil in New York City: Mayor Eric Adams Under Scrutiny
Location: New York City
Key Figures: Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams
Governor Kathy Hochul is set to engage with NYC's leadership to discuss the potential removal of Mayor Eric Adams amidst a burgeoning corruption scandal. Four of Adams' top aides have resigned, raising questions about his administration's stability.
Key Points:
- Corruption Charges: Mayor Adams faces bribery and corruption allegations from the Justice Department, dating back to September. Critics allege that these charges were previously overlooked in exchange for Adams' cooperation with federal migrant policies.
- Historical Significance: Hochul highlighted the unprecedented nature of her consideration to oust an elected NYC mayor in over two centuries.
- Adams' Position: The mayor steadfastly denies all allegations and has declared he will not resign.
Notable Quote: Governor Hochul expressed her concerns regarding the mayor's administration:
“I have serious questions about the long term future of this mayoral administration.”
[02:27]
4. Senate Confirmation for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
Location: Washington, D.C.
Subject: Confirmation Vote
The Senate is poised to vote on the confirmation of Howard Lutnick as the next U.S. Commerce Secretary. Lutnick, a billionaire investor and former Wall Street CEO, is known for leading President Trump's transition team and advocating for increased tariffs.
Key Points:
- Background: Lutnick brings significant financial and leadership experience to the role, with strong ties to the Trump administration's economic policies.
- Implications: His confirmation could signal a continuation of aggressive trade policies and economic strategies aligned with Trump's agenda.
5. Investigation into the Eaton Fire and Power Company Involvement
Location: Los Angeles, California
Event: Eaton Fire
NPR's Kiara Eisner delves into the catastrophic Eaton fire, which devastated approximately 10,000 structures and resulted in 17 fatalities. Investigations reveal that Southern California Edison (SCE) failed to promptly shut off power, contributing to the fire's spread.
Key Points:
- Wildfire Cause: High winds and dry conditions made the area susceptible, with power lines either sparking or falling, igniting new fires.
- First Responders' Challenges: Analysis of nearly 100 hours of firefighter radio communications indicated delays in SCE's power shutdown efforts.
- Consequences: The inability to quickly sever power exacerbated the fire, highlighting critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Notable Quote: Kiara Eisner summarized the findings:
“That evidence shows the power company, Southern California Edison, wasn't able to quickly shut off power in two key neighborhoods and that live power lines led to new fires.”
[04:05]
6. Heartwarming Wildlife Rescue in Connecticut
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Organization: Mystic Aquarium
In a lighter note, officials at Mystic Aquarium are currently caring for a baby gray seal that was found wandering the streets of New Haven over the weekend. The young seal, estimated to be only a few weeks old, appears to have become disoriented and is being rehabilitated with plans to return it to the ocean.
Key Points:
- Rescue Efforts: The seal was safely captured and is under the care of both aquarium officials and local wildlife experts.
- Future Plans: Efforts are underway to ensure the seal's successful reintegration into its natural habitat once it regains sufficient health and orientation.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and developments covered in the February 18, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. Stay informed with NPR for the latest updates.