NPR News: 03-01-2025 3AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: March 1, 2025

Host: Dale Willman
Release Date: March 1, 2025
Episode: NPR News: 03-01-2025 3AM EST

---

US-Ukraine Negotiations and Tensions with President Trump

The episode opens with Dale Willman reporting on the fraught negotiations between the United States and Ukraine aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. A central figure in this narrative is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently engaged in a heated public discussion with then-President Donald Trump.

Asma Khalid provides an in-depth look at the confrontation, highlighting Trump's accusations that Zelensky was "disrespectful and unthankful for American support" (00:33). The disagreement escalated to the point where Zelensky departed the White House earlier than scheduled, leaving a pivotal deal unsigned. This deal was intended to grant the U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources, a strategic move to bolster both nations' economic and security interests.

Despite the fallout, Zelensky remained steadfast in his pursuit of peace. In an interview with Fox News' Brett Baier following his early exit, Zelensky asserted, “Volodymyr Zelensky: We want peace. That's why I'm in the United States.” He further emphasized his intentions by stating, “Zelensky: That's why I visited President Trump.”

However, Zelensky also emphasized the necessity of robust security guarantees from the U.S. to ensure that Russia does not reinvade Ukraine. “Asma Khalid explains, Zelensky repeatedly made it clear he wants security guarantees from the US,” underscoring the delicate balance between seeking peace and securing national sovereignty.

Egypt Mediates to Extend Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Shifting focus to the Middle East, Kat Lansdorf reports from Tel Aviv on Egypt's pivotal role in mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. As the current phase of the ceasefire agreement approaches its expiration this weekend, Egypt has announced that "intensive discussions on the next stage of the ceasefire deal are underway" (01:49).

Israel has confirmed the deployment of a delegation to Cairo, with Qatari officials also participating in the mediation efforts. Hamas has remained committed to the existing ceasefire, signaling a willingness to continue negotiations. Additionally, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to engage in the region shortly, potentially influencing the dynamics of the talks.

The initial six-week ceasefire has been a fragile yet crucial pause in hostilities. The proposed second phase aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Release of More Hostages and Palestinian Detainees: Enhancing humanitarian efforts and building trust between the conflicting parties.
• Further Withdrawal of Israeli Troops from Gaza: Reducing the military presence to de-escalate tensions.
• Increased Humanitarian Aid to Gaza: Addressing the dire needs of the civilian population affected by prolonged conflict.

Kat Lansdorf concludes her report by noting, "While details of the next phase continue to be hammered out, phase two would see more hostages and Palestinian detainees released, as well as further withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza" (01:49).

Nationwide Economic Blackout Campaign Impacts Consumer Spending

Dale Willman turns the spotlight to a significant economic development spurred by activist groups. The People's Union USA has launched a nationwide call for Americans to participate in a "24-hour economic blackout." This initiative aims to resist what the group’s founder describes as "the evil influence of billionaires, big corporations, and both major political parties" (02:33).

The immediate effect of this campaign has been a sharp decline in consumer spending—the most substantial drop since February 2021. Notably, this decrease occurred even as incomes were on the rise, indicating a deliberate shift in consumer behavior motivated by political activism.

Economists attribute this spending downturn to a combination of factors:

• Threats of Tariffs from the White House: Creating uncertainty in the marketplace and increasing the cost of goods.
• Major Government Job Cuts: Leading to reduced disposable income and economic instability.

Additionally, economists warn that the imposition of tariffs is likely to drive prices higher, exacerbating inflationary pressures already felt by consumers nationwide. The effectiveness and long-term impact of the blackout campaign remain to be seen, as it continues to influence economic indicators.

Microsoft Announces the Shutdown of Skype in May

In the realm of technology, Scott Newman reports that Microsoft has declared its intention to discontinue the pioneering video calling service, Skype, by May of this year (03:26). Skype, founded in 2003, once dominated the video communication landscape, offering capabilities that felt "out of science fiction" at the time.

Over the years, Skype faced stiff competition from a plethora of imitators, including FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom, which eroded its market share. Microsoft, having acquired Skype in 2011, opted to streamline its communication services by focusing on Microsoft Teams, a more integrated platform for business and personal use.

“We are winding down Skype to concentrate on Microsoft Teams,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated, reflecting the company's strategic pivot towards a unified communication ecosystem. This move signifies the end of an era for Skype users, who are encouraged to transition to alternative platforms that offer more advanced features and better integration with current technologies.

Public Health Concerns: Measles Outbreak in Texas

Dale Willman addresses a growing public health crisis in Texas, where the number of measles cases in the rural western region has surged to 146, marking an increase of 22 cases since Tuesday (04:05). The outbreak has resulted in 20 hospitalizations and at least one fatality, spreading across nine counties.

The situation takes a more concerning turn as Austin reports its first confirmed case of measles in over five years, highlighting the disease's resurgence in areas previously deemed safe.

Public health officials are racing to contain the outbreak through vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts. The renewed presence of measles underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent such preventable diseases from re-emerging.

Honoring Officer Andrew Duarte in Pennsylvania

The episode concludes with a poignant tribute to Officer Andrew Duarte, a dedicated public servant who was fatally shot last weekend while working inside a Pennsylvania hospital. Hundreds of mourners, including fellow officers and community members, gathered at the Living Ward Community Church in Red Lion to honor Duarte's memory (04:05).

Officer Duarte is remembered for his bravery and unwavering commitment to protecting others. He tragically lost his life after heroically dragging a fellow officer to safety during the attack. Tributes highlighted his selflessness and the profound impact of his loss on both his colleagues and the community he served.

---

Notable Quotes

• Volodymyr Zelensky: "We want peace. That's why I'm in the United States." (01:02)
• Volodymyr Zelensky: "That's why I visited President Trump." (01:06)
• Asma Khalid: "Zelensky repeatedly made it clear he wants security guarantees from the US." (01:10)

---

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates critical international developments, economic shifts driven by activism, tech industry transformations, public health challenges, and heartfelt local news, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing issues.

Transcript

[Progressive Insurance]

This message comes from Progressive Insurance. Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. A potential deal between the US And Ukraine to pave the way for an end to its war with Russia is now up in the air, as NPR's Asma Khalid reports. This follows a heated public discussion on Friday between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

[Asma Khalid]

Trump accused Ukraine's president of being disrespectful and unthankful for American support. The meeting became so heated that Zelensky left the White House earlier than expected. Zelensky was in town to finalize a deal that would give the US Access to Ukrainian minerals. But that deal was not signed, and Trump later told reporters that Zelensky does not want to make peace. But after Zelensky left the White House, he did an interview with Fox News Brett Baier and insisted he does.

[Volodymyr Zelensky]

We want peace. That's why I'm in the United States.

[Kat Lansdorf]

That's why I visited President Trump.

[Asma Khalid]

But he also repeatedly made it clear he wants security guarantees from the US So that Russia will not reinvade Ukraine. Asma Khalid, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

The White House federal employees have received a second email from the Office of Personnel Management asking them to describe what work they've done over the past week. A similar earlier request is already under legal scrutiny. The email late Friday night asked the employees to share five bullet points on their accomplishments over the week. Egypt says talks to further the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas have opened in Cairo that says the current phase of the deal is set to expire this weekend. NPR's Kat Lansdorf reports from Tel Aviv.

[Kat Lansdorf]

Egypt says that, quote, intensive discussions on the next stage of the ceasefire deal are underway. Israel confirmed it has sent a delegation to Cairo. Qatari officials are also present mediating for Hamas, which says it remains committed to the deal. President Trump's Middle east envoy, Steve Witkoff, is also expected in the region soon. The first phase of the ceasefire deal, which has lasted almost six weeks, ends this weekend, although Israel has expressed interest in extending it. While details of the next phase continue to be hammered out. Phase two would see more hostages and Palestinian detainees released, as well as further withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. More humanitarian aid would also be allowed into Gaza, which has been critical in recent weeks. Cat Lansdorf, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Dale Willman]

There has been no indication yet of the effectiveness of the 24 hour economic blackout that was held on Friday. The activist group the People's Union USA encouraged Americans to not spend any money to resist what the group's founder has described as the evil influence of billionaires, big corporations and both major political parties. Consumer spending has dropped by the most since February of 2021. Data released on Friday show That happened even as incomes rose. Economists say ongoing tariff threats from the White House and major government job cuts are both responsible in part for the spending drop. And they say tariffs will likely push prices higher. This is NPR News. The pioneering free video calling app known as Skype will be shut down in May. That's according to Microsoft, which has owned the service since 2011. NPR's Scott Newman has more.

[Volodymyr Zelensky]

Remember this sound? Skype was founded in 2003 and for a few years was at the top of its game, providing video calls that seemed to many like something out of science fiction. It was later bought by ebay, then sold to Microsoft. Along the way, there came a bevy of imitators, apps such as FaceTime and WhatsApp, and video conferencing options like Zoom. Now Microsoft says it's winding down Skype and will pull the plug in May to concentrate on its Microsoft Teams platform. Scott Newman, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

Health officials in Texas say the number of people with measles in the rural western part of that State has reached 146. That's an increase of 22 since Tuesday. 20 people have been hospitalized so far, with at least one death reported. The cases are being reported across nine counties. Austin, meanwhile, has now reported its first confirmed case of the disease in more than five years. A police officer who was shot to death last weekend inside a Pennsylvania hospital was remembered on Friday as a dedicated public servant who did not hesitate to run toward danger. Hundreds of people, including fellow officers, filled the Living Ward Community Church in the town of Red lion for the funeral of Officer Andrew Duarte. He died after dragging to safety a fellow officer who was also shot. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

[Progressive Insurance]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Bolland Branch. Change your sleep with Bolen Branch's airy blankets, cloud like duvets and breathable sheets. Feel the difference with 15% off your first [e-mail] with code NPR exclusions apply. See site for details.