Summary of NPR News Now: February 27, 2025, 5AM EST

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on pressing national and international issues in its February 27, 2025, episode. Hosted by Dave Mattingly, the five-minute bulletin covered a range of topics from notable personal tragedies to significant geopolitical developments and public health concerns. Below is a detailed summary of the key points discussed.

Gene Hackman's Passing Confirmed

The bulletin opened with the tragic news of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife being found deceased in their Santa Fe home.

• Dave Mattingly reported:

  "Authorities in New Mexico say Oscar winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe. Authorities do not suspect foul play..." (00:17)

Hackman, aged 95, was discovered during a welfare check, leading authorities to rule out any suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Efforts to End Russia's War in Ukraine

A significant portion of the episode focused on diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Visit to the White House:

  Starmer is slated to emphasize the necessity of European leadership in negotiations aimed at ending the war during his talks with President Trump. This meeting precedes Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's scheduled visit to Washington.

• Economic Agreement Signing:

  While in Washington, Zelensky is expected to sign an economic agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals. This move aims to help the U.S. reclaim some of the aid extended to Kyiv over recent years.

  "Trump told reporters he wants Europe to handle [security guarantees to Ukraine]..." (00:17)

  Despite discussions around security, President Trump expressed a preference for European nations to take the lead in providing security assurances to Ukraine, shifting some responsibilities from the U.S.

U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Talks in Turkey

Diplomats from the United States and Russia convened in Turkey to address lingering diplomatic tensions.

• Charles Maines reported:

  "Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the talks will focus specifically on repairing the country's diplomatic presence..." (01:30)

Lavrov highlighted that the negotiations are centered on restoring Russia's diplomatic footprint, a move seen as an early trust-building measure. Both nations have experienced significant diplomatic expulsions over the years, particularly following allegations of Kremlin interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. While the immediate agenda does not include addressing the war in Ukraine, the restoration of embassy staffing is viewed as a foundational step towards broader peace negotiations.

Homeland Security Secretary Addresses Kentucky Flooding

The episode covered Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's recent visit to Kentucky to assess flood damage.

• Kristi Noem stated:

  "Secretary Noem said she met with the president just before traveling to Kentucky, and discussions regarding FEMA were of reform, not cuts..." (02:23)

Secretary Noem emphasized the need to streamline disaster assistance, advocating for a more efficient process that empowers states to aid victims promptly. She criticized the current flood insurance program for its high costs and pledged to implement reforms. An unnamed source highlighted ongoing issues with FEMA claim processing, noting delays of several years for valid claims.

Impact of Recent Flooding in Kentucky

Further details were provided on the severe flooding that recently struck Kentucky.

• Dave Mattingly reported:

  "Kentucky's governor says the recent flooding and subsequent cold temperatures left nearly two dozen people dead in his state." (03:04)

The combination of flooding and harsh cold weather resulted in the tragic loss of approximately twenty individuals, underscoring the urgent need for effective disaster response and support mechanisms.

Supreme Court Blocks Release of Foreign Aid

A legal development was highlighted where the U.S. Supreme Court intervened to temporarily block an order related to foreign aid.

• Dave Mattingly reported:

  "The U.S. supreme Court is temporarily blocking an order that required the Trump administration to release billions of dollars in foreign aid payments." (03:04)

Previously, a judge had mandated the State Department and USAID to release these funds by a specific deadline. The Trump administration responded by directing federal agencies to propose workforce reduction plans by March 13th, aligning with the president's broader objective to decrease government size.

CDC Investigates Severe Flu-Related Neurological Complications in Children

Public health concerns were raised regarding the flu season's impact on children's neurological health.

• Rob Stein reported:

  "The CDC has received reports of at least two deaths among kids from those conditions so far this winter." (03:56)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating cases of encephalopathy and encephalitis in children who contracted the flu. These rare but severe brain inflammations have led to significant health complications and fatalities. The CDC is exploring whether the high incidence is due to an exceptionally bad flu season or other factors, such as reduced vaccination rates among children this year.

North Korean Hackers Steal $1.5 Billion in Cryptocurrency

Cybersecurity threats were addressed with reports of significant cryptocurrency theft.

• Dave Mattingly reported:

  "The FBI says hackers linked to North Korea were responsible for stealing one and a half billion dollars in cryptocurrency." (04:38)

The targeted victim was Bybit, a cryptocurrency exchange based in Dubai. This substantial theft highlights the ongoing risks associated with digital currencies and the sophisticated cyber operations employed by nation-state actors.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and succinct updates on the most critical issues shaping our world. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.