NPR News Now: February 19, 2025, 9 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. US-Ukraine Relations: Trump’s Envoy Visits Kyiv Amid Ongoing Tensions

Korva Coleman opens the episode with significant developments in US-Ukraine relations:

• Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, has arrived in Kyiv for high-level discussions.

  • Kellogg stated, “[00:22] It's good to be back in Kyiv again. Some wonderful talks with President Zelensky and staff and military commanders. You know, it's kind of nice him here just a few days before the third anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.”

• This visit coincides with President Trump’s controversial statement, falsely blaming Ukraine for initiating the war three years prior.

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, has persisted with ongoing bombings.

• Notably, Ukraine was excluded from recent US-Russian diplomatic talks aimed at ending the war, along with UK and European officials.

2. Federal Employee Terminations Under the Trump Administration

Transitioning to domestic issues, Korva Coleman highlights a significant personnel shift within the federal workforce:

• Over 10,000 federal employees have been dismissed in the new Trump administration, primarily those on probationary status.

Andrea Hsu reports on the legal ramifications:

• Federal employees typically undergo one to two years of probation before gaining full civil service protections.

• Legal experts argue that even without these protections, fired employees may have grounds for class action lawsuits.

  • David Branch, an experienced employment attorney, noted at [01:42], “If you can prove this statement is false, you probably have a claim for infringement upon your good name and reputation under the Fifth Amendment.”

• The Trump administration asserts that the terminations aim to reduce waste and enhance government efficiency.

3. New York Mayor Eric Adams Faces Potential Removal Amid Corruption Allegations

Korva Coleman brings attention to the political turmoil surrounding New York City’s mayor:

• Governor Kathy Hochul is contemplating the removal of Democratic Mayor Eric Adams due to an alleged corruption scandal.

Brian Mann provides an in-depth analysis:

• Mayor Adams was previously charged with federal bribery and corruption. Last week, the DOJ agreed to suspend these criminal charges, a decision that led to the resignation of seven DOJ attorneys.

  • Mann explains, “Critics say Adams leveraged the favor from Trump’s team after agreeing to collaborate with the White House’s crackdown on illegal immigration.”

• Following the resignation of four of Adams' top aides, Governor Hochul has initiated discussions with officials regarding her authority to remove the mayor.

• A federal judge has scheduled a hearing to review the DOJ’s decision to drop charges against Adams, requesting explanations from the department.

4. Addressing the Longevity Gap Between Men and Women

Shifting to public health, Korva Coleman introduces a report on the disparity in life expectancy between genders:

• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a review of the childhood vaccination schedule, amidst previous assurances not to alter it.

Ashley Milne-Tite delves into the longevity gap:

• The average life expectancy for an American man is approximately 76 years, compared to 81 years for an American woman.

Professor Derek Griffith of the University of Pennsylvania comments at [04:14], “We’re not talking about a sporting event because if you try to, you know, hey, let’s talk to you about your prostate at a football game, this is not going to go well.”

• Research indicates that men are less likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors, leading to higher rates of death from cancer, heart disease, accidents, and suicide.
• Professor Griffith emphasizes the need for more targeted research and effective strategies to improve men's physical and mental health.

5. Environmental Concern: Mass Stranding of False Killer Whales in Tasmania

In an environmental update, Korva Coleman reports on a tragic event in Australia:

• A pod of false killer whales has been stranded on a Tasmanian beach for several days.
• Authorities have expressed skepticism about the whales' chances of survival, deeming rescue efforts unfeasible.

Notable Quotes

• Keith Kellogg on his visit to Kyiv: “[00:22] It’s good to be back in Kyiv again. Some wonderful talks with President Zelensky and staff and military commanders. You know, it’s kind of nice him here just a few days before the third anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.”

• David Branch on legal claims for federal employees: “[01:42] If you can prove this statement is false, you probably have a claim for infringement upon your good name and reputation under the Fifth Amendment.”

• Professor Derek Griffith on engaging men in health discussions: “We’re not talking about a sporting event because if you try to, you know, hey, let’s talk to you about your prostate at a football game, this is not going to go well.”

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