NPR News Now: February 19, 2025, 5 PM EST
Host: Jack Speier
U.S. President Trump Criticizes Ukrainian Leadership and Aligns with Russia
NPR News Reporter: Mara Liasson
President Donald Trump intensified his verbal attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of being a "dictator without elections" (00:31). However, Zelensky has been duly elected, countering Trump's claims. Trump issued a stern warning to Zelensky, stating he must "move fast or [he's] not going to have a country left" (00:31).
Liasson elaborated that Trump is increasingly siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin in efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago. By conducting negotiations with Russia without Ukraine at the table, Trump appears to support Russia's objectives. This alignment includes allowing Russia to retain captured Ukrainian territories, preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, and shifting blame for the war onto Ukraine (00:31).
Governor Hochul Opposes Trump Administration's Rollback of NYC Congestion Pricing
New York Governor: Kathy Hochul
New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded robustly to the Trump administration's decision to abolish congestion pricing in New York City. Introduced to reduce traffic and fund mass transit, the congestion pricing had been particularly unpopular among commuters entering the city below 60th Street.
Governor Hochul criticized President Trump, suggesting that his decision was part of a "revenge tour," asserting the autonomy of states against federal overreach. She stated, "We are a nation of states. This is what we fought for. This is what people like Alexander Hamilton and others fought for, to set up a system. We are not subservient to a king or anyone else out of Washington" (01:31).
In response, Trump declared on his social media platform, "Congestion pricing is dead, Manhattan and all of New York is saved. Long live the king" (01:45). The administration's reversal of the congestion pricing plan disrupts efforts to alleviate traffic and fund essential transit projects within the city (01:45).
Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Federal Employee Firings Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
NPR News Reporter: Windsor Johnston
The Trump administration is under fire for the abrupt termination of federal employees tasked with managing the bird flu outbreak in the United States. The Department of Agriculture is currently rehiring those who received termination letters, emphasizing that bird flu containment remains a top priority (02:14).
Windsor Johnston reported that Democrats are quick to attribute the firings to tech billionaire Elon Musk and his cost-cutting entity, Doge, positioning these actions within the broader context of significant federal workforce reductions. The bird flu has severely impacted poultry and dairy sectors, driving up egg prices and causing nearly 70 human cases confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recent months (02:14).
Stock Markets Show Modest Gains Amid NASA's Artemis Program Uncertainty
NPR News Reporter: Scott Newman and Expert: Todd Harrison
Stock markets experienced slight increases for the second consecutive day, with the Dow Jones up 71 points, the NASDAQ rising by 14 points, and the S&P also gaining 14 points (03:00). In parallel, there are growing concerns that the Trump administration, in conjunction with Elon Musk, may cancel NASA’s Artemis program—the initiative aimed at returning humans to the moon and eventually reaching Mars.
Scott Newman highlighted that Artemis, launched in 2017 under President Trump, could be jeopardized by Musk's government efficiency team targeting the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Todd Harrison, a space policy expert from the American Enterprise Institute, warned that the cancellation of the SLS would effectively terminate the Artemis program as originally envisioned by Trump’s administration (03:24; 03:50).
Further complicating matters, Boeing, the primary contractor for the SLS, recently alerted employees about potential layoffs, signaling instability within the program’s future (03:59).
Sinkhole in Godstone Leaves English Village in Disarray
NPR News Reporter: Jack Speier
In Godstone, a picturesque village in England, residents are facing prolonged displacement following the appearance of a significant sinkhole. The geological event engulfed parts of the main street and approximately 30 buildings, presenting dangers of structural collapse, ruptured pipes, and potential explosions (04:09).
Engineers have attributed the sinkhole to a burst water main and are currently exploring solutions to mitigate the damage and ensure the safety of the community. Structural engineers in Surrey are actively seeking ways to remediate the affected areas and prevent future incidents (04:09).
Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid U.S.-Russia Discussions on Ukraine Peace Deal
NPR News Reporter: Jack Speier
Crude oil futures remained near their one-week highs, with prices increasing by 40 cents to reach $72.25 per barrel. This uptick is driven by concerns over potential supply disruptions as the United States and Russia engage in talks aimed at brokering a peace deal in Ukraine (04:09). The ongoing geopolitical tensions and the fragile status of the peace negotiations continue to influence global oil markets, highlighting the interconnectedness of international diplomacy and energy prices (04:09).
This summary is based on the NPR News Now podcast episode released on February 19, 2025, focusing on the latest developments in U.S. politics, international relations, economic indicators, and local news events.