NPR News Now – March 2, 2025, 5 PM EST
Hosted by Jeanine Herbst
Europe at the Crossroads: UK Leads Coalition for Ukraine Peace
In a pivotal moment for European and global politics, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that "Europe is at the crossroads of history" (00:14). Speaking from London after a high-level summit that included European and Canadian leaders alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer outlined a bold strategy aimed at securing peace in Ukraine.
Starmer announced that the UK, alongside France and other nations forming a "coalition of the willing," is actively working to formulate a comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. He emphasized the plan to present this agreement to the United States, bolstered by "billions in new European pledges of military aid" (00:36). This initiative underscores the UK's commitment to leading European efforts in stabilizing the region.
Vicki Barker, reporting from London, highlighted Starmer's strategic vision: "Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing" (00:55). Starmer further affirmed the UK's readiness to contribute militarily, stating, "the UK is prepared to put boots on the ground to ensure peace in Ukraine is achieved and maintained" (01:06). This dual approach of diplomatic negotiation and potential military support underscores the UK's comprehensive strategy toward achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
Historic Meeting: Zelensky Meets King Charles
Following the summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky held a significant meeting with King Charles at Sandringham. This encounter marked their first meeting since 2023 at Buckingham Palace, symbolizing a strengthening of ties between Ukraine and the British monarchy. The meeting serves as a testament to the ongoing support and solidarity between Ukraine and the United Kingdom amidst the conflict.
US Political Landscape: Rubio Defends Trump's Peace Efforts
In Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed recent controversies surrounding President Trump's approach to ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Rubio confronted criticisms of Trump's behavior towards Alinsky, the head of a federal watchdog agency, during a contentious White House meeting last week.
Rubio posed a critical question: "If there are no negotiations, what is the alternative? Another four years of war, another three years of war in which the United States and Europe continues to pour billions of dollars into a war in Ukraine?" (01:46). He stressed that President Trump remains "committed to peace in Ukraine" and asserted that "Russia needs to be involved in the process" (01:46). Rubio's statements reflect the administration's strategic stance that involving Russia in negotiations is essential to achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Judicial Challenge: Trump Blocked from Firing Watchdog Agency Head
A significant legal battle emerged as a federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that President Trump cannot unilaterally fire Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel, without cause (01:59). NPR's Amy Held reported that Judge Amy Berman Jackson concluded Trump's attempt to dismiss Dellinger "would give the president a constitutional license to bully officials in the executive branch into doing his will" (02:28).
The Trump administration has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling, potentially escalating the case to the Supreme Court. This decision is a part of a broader series of legal challenges aimed at curtailing President Trump's efforts to dismantle or exert greater control over independent government agencies. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the balance of power within the executive branch and the autonomy of federal watchdog entities.
97th Annual Academy Awards: A Competitive Race for Best Picture
Hollywood's marquee event, the 97th Annual Academy Awards, is set to take place tonight without a clear favorite for the Best Picture award (03:06). Steve Futterman provided an overview of the competing films, highlighting the diversity in this year's nominations.
One frontrunner tells the tale of an adult dancer who falls in love with and marries the son of a Russian oligarch, bringing a personal and dramatic narrative to the awards race. In contrast, the other top contender, "Conclave," delves into the intricate and high-stakes process of electing a pope, offering a blend of political and religious intrigue.
A memorable moment from the nominations included a humorous exchange from one of the nominated films: "I can speak Russian. I just prefer not to. But you can go ahead and speak" (03:45). The ceremony will also feature noteworthy acting nominations, with stars like Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Zoe Saldana in the spotlight.
Additionally, the awards night will honor those who battled the Southern California fires, recognizing their bravery and resilience. A special tribute will also be paid to two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, celebrating his illustrious career and contributions to the film industry (03:58).
Weekend Box Office: Mixed Reviews for Top Films
The weekend box office saw "Captain Brave New World" retain its leading position with an estimated $15 million in ticket sales, bringing its total gross to $163 million since its release (04:19). Despite its commercial success, the film has faced criticism from both critics and audiences for not delivering the anticipated Marvel-level reset of its franchise, leaving some fans disappointed with the sequel's direction.
In second place was "The Last Breath," which earned $7 million over the weekend. This film, based on a true story, follows a routine deep-diving mission that spirals into disaster, offering a gripping adventure narrative. While it performed solidly at the box office, reactions highlight a diverse range of audience preferences, reflecting the competitive nature of the current film landscape (04:19).
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