NPR News Now: February 24, 2025, 11 AM EST Summary
NPR News Now delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. In this episode released on February 24, 2025, host Korva Coleman covers a range of significant global and national stories, including international diplomacy, Middle Eastern tensions, U.S. government affairs, financial markets, notable deaths, public health concerns, and remarkable sports achievements. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for context.
1. International Diplomacy: Macron in Washington and Zelenskyy's Peace Efforts
French Leadership in U.S. Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Washington to engage in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. European leaders are increasingly concerned about President Trump's apparent growing closeness to Russia, viewing it as a potential threat not only to Ukraine but to the broader European region.
Ukrainian President's Push for Peace and Alliances
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized his desire for a "fair and just peace for Ukraine" while stressing the necessity of international alliances for the country's protection. At [00:17], Joanna Kakisis reports:
“President Zelenskyy says he wants a fair and just peace for Ukraine, but Ukraine cannot protect itself without allies.”
Zelenskyy is actively collaborating with the Trump administration on a significant deal that would provide the U.S. with hundreds of billions of dollars in critical raw materials in exchange for security guarantees. This diplomatic effort is underscored by the presence of a dozen world leaders in Washington to commemorate three years since Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
2. Middle Eastern Tensions: Israel's Deployment in the West Bank
Israeli Military Movements in Jenin
Israel has initiated the deployment of tanks in the occupied West Bank's northern city of Jenin for the first time in over two decades. This military action coincides with Defense Minister Israel Katz's announcement that tens of thousands of Palestinians who fled the region will not be permitted to return. NPR's Kat Lonsdorf reports from Jenin at [00:48]:
“More than 40,000 Palestinians have fled the violence in the west bank as Israel has intensified what it calls a counterterrorism operation.”
Palestinian Displacement and Fears of Annexation
Sanaa Eshream, a resident of the Jenin refugee camp, shared her personal plight at [01:06]:
“I'm so stressed, I miss my home. I keep asking, when can we go back?”
The ongoing Israeli operations have led to significant displacement, with over 40,000 Palestinians forced to leave their homes. Palestinian leaders express concerns that these actions could pave the way for Israel to annex portions of the West Bank, escalating tensions further.
3. U.S. Government Affairs: Federal Employees and Spending Cuts
Controversial Email Requests to Federal Workers
The U.S. government recently circulated an email to federal employees demanding accountability for their work activities over the past week. This initiative is part of an effort to reduce federal spending, allegedly influenced by Elon Musk and his DOGE unit. Workers receiving the email were threatened with job losses if they did not comply. NPR's Emma Bowman elaborates at [01:52]:
“Workers were asked to provide five bullet points that outlined their accomplishments the previous week and to CC their managers.”
Legal and Managerial Confusion
This directive, sent by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), has sparked confusion and frustration among federal workers. Suzanne Summerlin, a federal sector labor attorney, stated at [02:12]:
“That office has no authority to manage employees of federal agencies other than its own.”
Kat Lonsdorf adds at [02:35]:
“This is a violation of collective bargaining.”
Marianne Navarro emphasizes the legal concerns:
“Unfair labor practice laws,” she noted at [02:38].
Due to mixed messages from supervisors—some advising delays in responding and others deeming the request valid—employees are increasingly frustrated, unsure of how to proceed.
4. Financial Markets and Notable Deaths
Wall Street Update
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 30 points, reflecting investor confidence amid ongoing global uncertainties. This positive movement was briefly noted by Korva Coleman at [02:54].
Passing of Roberta Flack
The music world mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, who passed away at the age of 88. A representative confirmed her death, though no cause was disclosed. Flack, diagnosed with ALS in 2022, was renowned for her iconic hits from the 1970s, including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song." Her legacy in the music industry remains profound.
5. Public Health: Measles Outbreak in Texas
Outbreak Details and Public Safety Concerns
Texas is currently grappling with its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, with at least 90 confirmed cases primarily in West Texas. Health officials in Central Texas have issued warnings about potential exposures in areas visited by an infected individual from Gaines County. Marianne Navarro reports from San Antonio at [03:36]:
“A person with measles from Gaines county in West Texas traveled to San Antonio, San Marcos, and New Braunfels earlier this month.”
The affected individual visited significant public locations, including two major universities, restaurants, a large travel center, and the San Antonio Riverwalk, one of the nation's busiest tourist attractions. While there have been no confirmed cases in Central Texas, officials urge anyone potentially exposed to monitor for symptoms. The outbreak is largely concentrated among unvaccinated individuals, with additional cases reported in neighboring New Mexico.
6. Sports Highlight: Mikayla Shifrin's Milestone Achievement
Historic Victory in Ski Racing
American skier Mikayla Shifrin reached a remarkable milestone by winning her 100th World Cup race yesterday. This achievement ties her with an all-time World Cup record shared by both women and men. Shifrin's consistency is evident, having finished in the top three positions in 155 races throughout her career. This latest victory is particularly inspiring as it follows a major injury she sustained in a ski racing crash last November. Host Korva Coleman celebrates her resilience and success at [04:13]:
“Yesterday's win comes after Shifrin suffered a major injury in a ski racing crash last November.”
Shifrin's accomplishments have cemented her status as one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport.
NPR News Now continues to provide concise and comprehensive coverage of the most pressing news stories, ensuring listeners are well-informed on national and global events.