NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-18-2025 12PM EST

Episode Date: February 18, 2025

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Public media counts on your support to ensure that the reporting and programs you depend on thrive. Make a recurring donation today to get special access to more than 20 NPR podcasts, perks like sponsor-free listening, bonus episodes, early access, and more. So start supporting what you love today at plus.npr.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is rescheduling a trip to Saudi Arabia, which hosted U.S.-Russia talks today. The bilateral meeting signaled a normalization of ties between Moscow and Washington. NPR's Joanna Kikissis reports from Kyiv that Zelensky says his country wants to be an

equal partner in any negotiation to end Russia's nearly three-year-old war on Ukraine. Speaking to reporters in Istanbul during an official visit, Zelensky said Ukraine wants the war to end more than anyone, but with a fair deal. You can discuss whatever you want, Zelensky said, but you cannot make a decision about ending the war in Ukraine without Ukraine. He says Russia is pushing for Ukraine to decrease the size of its military and accept the loss of occupied territories.

We did not agree to this during our most difficult moments, Ukraine's leader said. Why would we do so now? The Trump administration's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia is expected in Kyiv on Thursday. Joanna Kekesis, NPR News, Kyiv. Lebanon has regained control over nearly a dozen areas in its southern regions. Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw entirely under ceasefire terms, ending the war with Hezbollah.

But as NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi explains, Israel is keeping some of its forces based in Lebanon. The Lebanese military said it has moved into 11 locations in southern Lebanon where the Israeli military has withdrawn from. It said it was surveying the damage done by the war. It said it was coordinating with United Nations peacekeepers. But on Monday, Israel said it will remain in five locations in southern Lebanon to protect communities in the north of Israel. Lebanese officials on Hezbollah said this violates the terms of the ceasefire, calling

for Israel to withdraw completely. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that the ceasefire agreement, quote, must be respected and that Israel cannot be trusted. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Tel Aviv. The death toll in Kentucky after severe winter storms and flooding is at least 12 and expected to rise. The state's governor Andy Beshear describes what residents and emergency responders are up against.

We got about an inch this morning, which we did not expect, and we've got anywhere from two to eight inches that are going to hit across the state. We've already been out there doing boat rescues in the middle of snow storms, and this is going to further complicate it. We've got over 340 just state and federal roads that have mudslides or other issues with them, and now we're going to add that snow on top of it. Kentucky Governor Beshear speaking with NPR's morning edition. This is NPR News. Layoffs are coming to Southwest Airlines.

The Dallas-based carrier announced yesterday that it plans to eliminate 1,750 jobs focused on corporate overhead and leadership positions. This marks the biggest major layoff in the airline's history. CEO Bob Jordan says Southwest is repositioning itself to become quote, leaner, faster, and more agile. Southwest says the layoffs include 11 senior leadership positions that represent 15% of the company's senior management committee. The Olney Theater Center which produces shows in the Washington DC suburbs announced an extension of its production of the musical Waitress with a twist. Recently fired federal which produces shows in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, announced an extension of its production

of the musical Waitress with a twist. Recently fired federal employees can get a pair of tickets to see the show for free. Jeff Lunden reports. Jeff Lunden, The Upheaval in the federal government in Washington, D.C. has ripple effects outside the workforce. It extends to local businesses, too, and local arts organizations are not immune. Now, the only theater center in Maryland, which opened Sara Bareilles' Waitress on Sunday, is reaching out to some of its most loyal audience members. The theater says any federal employee or contractor who was recently fired or furloughed can go to the box office with a notice of termination and claim two free tickets to the show, subject

to availability, an hour before curtain time. For NPR News, I'm Jeff London.