Up First from NPR
Trump's Talk With Putin, Israel's Incursion, Weather Service Budget Cuts
Tue, 20 May 2025
Unpacking President Trump's hourslong conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Gaza, Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, but residents have nowhere to go. Plus, a look at how Trump administration budget cuts have left the National Weather Service scrambling to cover basic forecasting needs amid climate change. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Neela Banerjee, Ryland Barton, Carrie Kahn, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Chapter 1: What did President Trump discuss with Vladimir Putin?
Good morning. We have two hosts in the same studio today. It's very exciting. We're behind in our work, though, because Layla and I were... We were trying to solve the world's problems. Thank you. That's a really nice, high-minded way to say it. We failed. Gossiping.
We gossiped. We failed. President Trump claimed on social media that he made progress on a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
He'd been talking with Russia's Vladimir Putin, whose own statement suggested he's in no rush. What's the state of play?
I'm Leila Faldin with Steve Inskeep, and this is Up First from NPR News. Three of Israel's allies have warned Israel to end its offensive in Gaza. They're objecting to an operation that intensified in recent days. And an Israeli order for Palestinians to evacuate. How are Israelis responding to the pressure?
Also, we've had an active tornado season, which is now a normal tornado season.
It used to be kind of unusual to see, you know, dozens of them in a day. And now we get that year after year.
What evidence, if any, shows a link to climate change? Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day. President Trump spoke with Russia's leader Vladimir Putin for more than two hours on Monday about ending the war in Ukraine, and then Trump gave an account of the call.
I said, when are we going to end this, Vladimir? I've known him for a long time now. I said, when are we going to end this bloodshed, this bloodbath? It's a bloodbath.
Trump claimed some success towards peace, but Putin again resisted Trump's calls for an immediate ceasefire. Putin proposed more talks, which would take place even as the war continues.
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Chapter 2: How is Israel responding to international pressure in Gaza?
There is international pressure Israel is responding to. It allowed in a small number of trucks of baby food into Gaza so far. That's after nearly three months of a blockade. Gaza on the brink of famine. The UN says that's not enough. The leaders of the UK, France and Canada put out that extraordinary statement you referred to. I want to read you a few lines.
They say the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. The denial of essential supplies to civilians risks breaching international law. They say if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on aid, they're threatening to take action. Steve, this is a big shift in rhetoric from these major allies.
And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded saying their statement rewards Hamas.
Well, why are ceasefire talks at an impasse?
Well, the prime minister of Qatar who is hosting the talks says the talks have gone nowhere because of fundamental differences between Israel and Hamas. We've spoken to three people briefed on the talks, including an Egyptian official and a Hamas official. They spoke on condition of anonymity to give details. They say, we are looking at the same longstanding impasse.
Israel wants a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages. And Hamas wants much more. They want international guarantees that a temporary ceasefire would lead to the permanent end of the war. And the people we spoke to said the U.S. refused to promise Hamas those guarantees. But we will have to see. Israeli and Hamas negotiators are still in Qatar.
And NPR's Daniel Estrin is in Tel Aviv. Daniel, thanks so much.
You're very welcome.
Kentuckians are recovering from last weekend's tornadoes, and they might be in for more dangerous weather today, according to the National Weather Service. Much of southern Kentucky is at high risk for a significant tornado just days after a burst of storms killed more than two dozen people in that state, as well as in Missouri and Virginia.
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Chapter 3: What are the implications of budget cuts on the National Weather Service?
I appreciate that last detail. It is the National Weather Service acknowledging this in a statement. So let's try to figure out what's going on. We understand that climate change can lead to more extreme weather events. We have these more extreme weather events. But can we be a little more precise about the mechanics? Do scientists understand why big outbreaks of tornadoes are getting more common?
I wish I could say yes. But unfortunately, tornadoes are very complex. And this is just one of many unanswered questions about how they're changing, especially as the climate changes. You know, in general, climate change is causing more severe weather. As you said, one of the ingredients for a tornado is moist, warm air.
So obviously, as the atmosphere heats up, it makes sense that tornado conditions could show up more. There have been some studies that suggest that there might be more tornadoes in the fall and winter as the Earth heats up, as opposed to now when Most tornadoes happen in the spring and summer, but it's really an area of active research. Rebecca, thanks so much. Thanks.
That's NPR's Rebecca Herscher.
And that's Up First for this Tuesday, May 20th. I'm Steve Inskeep.
And I'm Layla Faldin. The NPR app lets you keep public radio in your pocket. You'll find a mix of local, national, and international news, plus the best podcasts from the NPR network. Download the NPR app in your app store today.
How do you hear it if it's in your pocket? Anyway, today's episode of Up First was... Headphones. Oh, thank you. Thanks for the reminder. Bluetooth. There we go. Today's Up First was edited by Neela Banerjee, Rylan Barton, Carrie Kahn, Ali Schweitzer, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Ben Abrams, and Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.
I feel like there were a lot of nice extra flourishes on all the names today.
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Chapter 6: What evidence links climate change to the recent tornado season?
And that's Up First for this Tuesday, May 20th. I'm Steve Inskeep.
And I'm Layla Faldin. The NPR app lets you keep public radio in your pocket. You'll find a mix of local, national, and international news, plus the best podcasts from the NPR network. Download the NPR app in your app store today.
How do you hear it if it's in your pocket? Anyway, today's episode of Up First was... Headphones. Oh, thank you. Thanks for the reminder. Bluetooth. There we go. Today's Up First was edited by Neela Banerjee, Rylan Barton, Carrie Kahn, Ali Schweitzer, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Ben Abrams, and Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.
I feel like there were a lot of nice extra flourishes on all the names today.
Thank you. I try to give people credit where I can. This message comes from Sotva. Sleeping well can boost your mood and improve focus. A Sotva luxury mattress can help you experience that kind of sleep. Save $600 on $1,000 or more at Sotva.com slash NPR.
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