NPR News: 03-02-2025 7PM EST

Summary

Summary of NPR News Now Episode: NPR News: 03-02-2025 7PM EST
Release Date: March 3, 2025

---

International Affairs

Emergency Summit in London: EU, Canada, and Ukraine Seek Peace Deal

An urgent summit involving European Union and Canadian leaders, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, concluded in London with a message of optimism regarding the potential for a peace agreement in Ukraine. The British host of the summit expressed confidence that the proposed deal could gain acceptance from key international players, including former President Donald Trump of the United States.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Emphasizes Urgency

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the critical nature of the current geopolitical climate, drawing parallels to the last invasion of European soil and the continent's unity during that time.

“We are at a crossroads in history today. This is not a moment for more talk. It's time to act.” – Keir Starmer [00:47]

Starmer highlighted the importance of ongoing US support while stressing that Europe must now undertake the substantial efforts needed to address the situation in Ukraine. He mentioned that he briefed President Trump on Saturday evening and anticipates a positive reception to the proposals he and French President Emmanuel Macron plan to present, potentially within the coming days.

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Tensions Escalate

Following the conclusion of phase one of a fragile ceasefire agreement, Israel has halted the entry of all food and supplies into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed this decision to Hamas's refusal to accept a proposal to extend the ceasefire through the upcoming Ramadan and Passover holidays. Instead, Hamas has expressed a desire to enter negotiations for a second phase of the agreement, accusing Israel of attempting to coerce the group into compliance.

“Israel is trying to sabotage evade the ceasefire agreement.” – Hadil Al Shalchi, Reporting from Tel Aviv [01:50]

Hamas further condemned Netanyahu's actions, labeling the cessation of humanitarian aid as "cheap blackmail" and a "war crime." Despite the antagonistic language, Hamas did not completely rule out the possibility of extending the ceasefire.

---

U.S. Domestic Issues

Legal Challenge to Trump Administration’s Humanitarian Parole Policies

A coalition of U.S. citizens and immigrants has initiated a lawsuit to oppose the Trump administration's efforts to terminate humanitarian parole programs. These programs have historically allowed individuals from war-torn or unstable regions to temporarily reside and work in the United States.

Attorney Karen Tumlin of the Justice Action Center argued that the revocation of these programs is unwarranted, emphasizing their longstanding legitimacy and bipartisan support.

“The lawsuit argues humanitarian parole programs are legal and have been used for more than 70 years by both Republican and Democratic presidents.” – Karen Tumlin [03:05]

Tumlin criticized the Trump administration's stance, which contended that the categorical use of parole is inherently unlawful, asserting that previous administrations from both parties have effectively utilized these programs to address humanitarian crises.

---

Religion

Pope Francis' Health Update

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis remains hospitalized but is in stable condition, no longer requiring mechanical ventilation. The 88-year-old pontiff has shown improvement in his breathing function as he recovers from double pneumonia. Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis managed to participate in a mass and meet with his senior staff, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers he has received.

This period marks Pope Francis's longest absence from public view since his election in 2013.

---

Entertainment

97th Academy Awards Shine Spotlight on Los Angeles & Memorial Tributes

Hollywood has officially kicked off the red carpet for the 97th Academy Awards, with preparations highlighting community support and resilience in the face of recent wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles. Proceeds from the ceremony will benefit relief efforts in the affected areas.

Conan O'Brien Takes the Stage as First-Time Host

Comedian Conan O'Brien is set to host the Oscars for the first time, bringing his signature humor and spontaneity to the event.

“I'm gonna host it and host it and host it. I'm gonna host all night long.” – Conan O'Brien [04:11]

In a promotional clip, O'Brien expressed his enthusiasm for embracing unpredictability, hoping that unforeseen moments will create memorable experiences typical of both late-night television and the Oscars.

“I'm someone who hopes that things sometimes go a little off the rails because that's where the real memorable moments happen in late night television and on the Oscars.” – Conan O'Brien [04:18]

Producers have promised surprises throughout the night, including tributes to the late musician Quincy Jones and performances by notable artists such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Erivo's acclaimed film, "Wicked," has garnered ten Academy Award nominations.

---

Business

U.S. Futures on the Rise

U.S. stock futures indicate a positive trend for the day ahead, with Dow futures up nearly 0.1% and Nasdaq futures increasing by approximately 0.2%.

---

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and updates featured in the March 3, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For comprehensive coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.

Transcript

[Home Instead]

This message comes from home instead. Home Instead knows that if you leave home to seek aging care, you say goodbye to where you built your life. So why not stay with help from home instead? Learn [e-mail] Home Instead for a better what's next?

[Jeanine Herbst]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. An emergency summit of EU and Canadian leaders and Ukraine's President Zelensky wrapped up in London today with its British host expressing optimism about the chances of a peace deal for Ukraine that President Trump can live with. Vicki Barker has more from London.

[Keir Starmer]

In describing the stakes, Prime Minister Keir Starmer seemed to be evoking the last time European soil was invaded and Europeans stood alone.

We are at a crossroads in history today. This is not a moment for more talk. It's time to act.

US Support is vital, Starmer said, but Europe must now do the heavy lifting. In Ukraine announcing building billions in new military spending and commitments by several countries to send troops if needed, Starmer said he briefed President Trump Saturday evening and hopes for a receptive audience when he and French President Macron present their proposals to Trump, possibly within days. For NPR News, I'm Vicki Barker in London.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Israel says it's stopping the entry of all food and supplies into Gaza. This after phase one of a fragile ceasefire deal ended yesterday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas refuses to accept a proposal to extend phase one through Ramadan and Passover. Hamas wants to negotiate the second phase instead and says Israel is trying to blackmail the group into agreeing. Imperial's Hadil Al Shalchi has more from Tel Aviv.

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

Hamas also issued a statement today the militant group rebuffed Israel's extension proposal. It said that Israel is trying to sabotage evade the ceasefire agreement. Hamas also described Netanyahu's decision to stop humanitarian aid as, quote, cheap blackmail and a war crime. But while Hamas sounded defiant, the group stopped short of outright rejecting an extension.

[Jeanine Herbst]

And Pierce Hadil Al Shalchi reporting. A group of U.S. citizens and immigrants is suing to challenge a Trump administration effort to end humanitarian parole programs that allow people from certain war torn or unstable countries to temporarily work and stay in the US from member station kjzz, Elisa Reznik has more.

[Karen Tumlin]

Humanitarian parole was the basis of a Biden era program for Afghans escaping their country after the US Withdrawal. Two other declarations allowed Ukrainian, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Cuban and Venezuelan migrants to apply to come to the US With a sponsor. Attorney Karen Tumlin with the Justice Action center says the Trump administration's revocation of the program is unfounded.

The only reason that was stated in the day when an executive order and the memo to follow was that was the belief of the Trump administration that the categorical use of parole is always unlawful.

The lawsuit argues humanitarian parole programs are legal and have been used for more than 70 years by both Republican and Democratic presidents.

[Jeanine Herbst]

You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The Vatican says Pope Francis remains hospitalized in stable condition and no longer needs the mechanical ventilation. Officials say the 88 year old's breathing function overall is improving as he recovers from double pneumonia. Francis participated in mass and met with his senior staff today and thanked well wishers for their support and prayers. He's been hospitalized for more than two weeks and he hasn't been seen since then, his longest absence from view since his election in 2013. Hollywood has rolled out the red carpet for the 97th Academy Awards this evening, as NPR's Mandalito Barco reports. Viewers can watch the celebration on ABC and Hulu.

[Mandalit del Barco]

The show's producers say the ceremony will honor the city of Los Angeles, parts of which were devastated by wildfires recently. The show will raise money for relief efforts. Comedian Conan O'Brien will host the Oscar ceremony for the first time.

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm gonna host it and host it and host it. I'm gonna host all night long.

[Mandalit del Barco]

In a promotional video, O'Brien says he's up for anything.

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm someone who hopes that things sometimes go a little off the rails because that's where the real memorable moments happen in late night television and on the Oscars.

[Mandalit del Barco]

Producers say there will be some surprises. The ceremony will pay tribute to the late musician Quincy Jones and will include a performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, whose hit film wicked nominated for 10 Academy Awards. Mandalit del Barco, NPR News, Los Angeles.

[Jeanine Herbst]

U.S. futures contracts are trading higher at this hour. Dow futures up nearly 0.1%. Nasdaq futures up about 0.2%. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

[Mint Mobile]

This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less. And all plans include high speed data, unlimited talk and text and nationwide coverage. See for [e-mail] Switch.