NPR News: February 19, 2025, 6 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Publisher: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

US and Russian Diplomatic Talks Focus on Ukraine Conflict

In a significant development, top diplomats from the United States and Russia engaged in their most direct conversations in years during meetings held in Saudi Arabia. The primary focus of these discussions was the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has persisted for three years following Russia's unprovoked invasion.

President Trump's Stance on the Conflict: Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Ukraine, accusing the nation of prolonging the war and failing to surrender territory to Russia. Trump expressed skepticism about Ukraine's role in peace negotiations, stating:

"And I think I have the power to end this war and I think it's going very well. But today I heard, oh, well, we weren't invited. Well, you've been there for three years. You should have ended it. Three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal. I could have made a deal for Ukraine."
— Donald Trump [00:24]

However, it's essential to note that Ukraine did not initiate the conflict. Instead, Russia launched a surprise full-scale invasion three years prior, leading to extensive bombing campaigns across the country. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution.

Confirmation of Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary

In a closely watched Senate confirmation, Howard Lutnick was approved as President Trump's Commerce Secretary. The vote was closely contested, passing along party lines with a final tally of 51-45.

Background and Responsibilities: Scott Horsley of NPR reports that Lutnick, a billionaire and former Wall Street executive, previously led the Cantor Fitzgerald investment bank—a firm that tragically lost nearly 700 employees, including Lutnick's brother, in the September 11 attacks. As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick will oversee a vast department encompassing agencies like the National Weather Service and the Census Bureau. His portfolio also includes significant authority over trade policy.

"Lutnick is a former Wall street executive who also led President Trump's transition team. As commerce secretary, he'll oversee a sprawling department that includes the National Weather Service and the Census Bureau. He'll also have wide ranging powers on trade policy."
— Scott Horsley, NPR [00:59]

Lutnick has publicly endorsed Trump's plans to impose higher taxes on imports from various trading partners globally, signaling a potentially aggressive stance on trade policy under his leadership.

President Trump's Imposition of New Tariffs

President Trump has announced plans to introduce fresh tariffs on several key imported goods, including automobiles, semiconductor chips, and pharmaceuticals. These tariffs are projected to reach up to 25% or higher and are slated to take effect in April.

Impact on Pharmaceuticals: Reuters highlights that nearly half of all generic prescriptions filled in the United States in 2022 were imported, indicating that the proposed tariffs could significantly affect the pharmaceutical industry and consumers reliant on generic medications.

New York Mayor Eric Adams Faces Removal Consideration

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is contemplating the potential removal of Mayor Eric Adams amidst an ongoing corruption scandal. This consideration comes after Hochul held meetings with top civic and political leaders within the city.

Allegations and Controversy: Brian Mann of NPR details that Mayor Adams was charged last year with federal bribery and corruption charges. Recently, the Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) decided to suspend the criminal case against Adams, a move that sparked controversy and led to the resignation of seven DOJ attorneys who opposed the suspension.

Critics argue that Adams leveraged favors from Trump's team in exchange for collaborating on the White House's initiatives to crack down on illegal immigration. Following the resignation of four of Adams' top aides this week, Governor Hochul has initiated discussions with officials regarding her authority to remove Adams from office. The timeline for a final decision remains uncertain.

"Mayor Adams was charged last year with federal bribery and corruption charges. Last week, the Trump administration's DOJ agreed to suspend that criminal case. It was a move so controversial, seven DOJ attorneys resigned rather than go along with it."
— Brian Mann, NPR [01:36]

Market and Weather Updates

Wall Street: Pre-market trading shows Dow futures dipping by nearly 60 points, while Nasdaq futures decline by approximately 12 points. These fluctuations reflect investor reactions to the day's geopolitical and economic news.

Extreme Weather Conditions: The central United States continues to grapple with frigid temperatures, with the National Weather Service issuing extreme cold warnings stretching from the Canadian border down to Dallas. In Texas, wind chill temperatures hover around zero degrees, while North Dakota experiences temperatures plummeting to about 20 degrees below zero.

Simultaneously, a winter storm is wreaking havoc in Kentucky and surrounding states. Over the weekend, Kentucky endured powerful storms and flash flooding, resulting in at least 14 fatalities.

80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest engagements of World War II. NPR's Neta Uliby reports that the Library of Congress has preserved hundreds of hours of combat recordings from the front lines, offering a poignant glimpse into the harrowing experiences of soldiers during the battle.

Preservation of History: Patrick Mitling, an archivist at the Library of Congress, emphasizes the importance of these recordings:

"More than 6,000 Americans died in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. So did 22,000 Japanese."
— Patrick Mitling, Library of Congress

These archives not only cover the brutal combat but also include recordings of church services and the music performed by indigenous people in the Pacific islands, providing a comprehensive auditory history of the period.

"The war is happening around them, but these are people telling their stories, and it's our duty to share that memory with everyone."
— Patrick Mitling
— Neta Uliby, NPR [03:58]

Environmental Tragedy in Tasmania: Beached False Killer Whales

Authorities in Australia have reported a distressing situation involving a group of false killer whales stranded on a beach in Tasmania. Officials have assessed that the chances of the whales' survival are minimal, as they have been stranded for several days under complex conditions that hinder rescue efforts.

"Scores of the whales have been stripped stranded on a beach for days on the island of Tasmania. Officials at the site say complex conditions have made it impossible to save them."
— Korva Coleman, NPR [04:21]

The incident raises concerns about marine animal welfare and highlights the challenges faced in responding to large-scale strandings.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode covered a wide array of topics, from high-stakes international diplomacy and significant political appointments to environmental disasters and historical commemorations. Notable insights included President Trump's controversial remarks on the Ukraine war, the Senate's narrow confirmation of Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, and the ongoing political fallout surrounding New York Mayor Eric Adams. Additionally, the episode shed light on extreme weather events impacting the central U.S. and a tragic environmental incident in Tasmania. The preservation of World War II battle recordings serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of historical memory.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the February 19, 2025, episode of NPR News Now for those who haven't listened. For the latest updates, continue tuning in to NPR.