NPR News Now – March 5, 2025, 9 AM EST

Hosted by NPR

1. President Trump's Lengthy Address to Congress

Korva Coleman opens the episode with a report on President Donald Trump's extensive address to a joint session of Congress, lasting approximately one hour and forty minutes—the longest in decades. During his speech, Trump addressed a range of topics including immigration, tariffs, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

A significant highlight was Trump's discussion on the situation in Ukraine. He referenced a recent heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, describing it as "fiery" (00:16). Despite the disagreement, Zelensky has expressed regret over the confrontation. Trump noted, “I appreciate that he sent this letter, just got it a little while ago. Simultaneously, we've had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn't that be beautiful? Wouldn't that be beautiful?” (00:47)

2. Changes in U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine

Following Trump's speech, he announced the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. However, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz provided a more optimistic outlook, stating that "matters are moving in a more positive direction." Waltz mentioned that the U.S. is prepared to discuss confidence-building measures with Russia, aiming to foster peace negotiations (01:02).

3. Democratic Responses to Trump's Speech

The Democratic Party swiftly responded to Trump's address. New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat delivered the Spanish-language response, vehemently opposing Trump's recent executive order declaring English the national language. Espaillat criticized the administration's approach, stating it "condemned Trump's efforts to create fear among immigrants in the U.S."

In the English-language response, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin expressed concerns over what she described as Trump's "slash and burn" approach to federal government restructuring. Speaking from Wyandotte, Michigan, Slotkin emphasized the need for oversight and stability, asserting, “You want to cut waste, I'll help you do it. But change doesn't need to be chaotic or make us less safe.” (01:53) She further highlighted the potential negative impacts of Trump's policies on families, particularly pointing out that tariffs could lead to rising consumer prices and threaten essential programs like Medicare (01:59).

4. Pentagon Program Shutdowns Affecting Civilian Protections

Korva Coleman reports on the Trump administration’s decision to shut down key Pentagon programs aimed at preventing civilian casualties in combat zones. Quill Lawrence elaborates that the Defense Department plans to close the Harm Mitigation and Response Office and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, which provided guidance on minimizing civilian deaths during airstrikes. These offices were established after extensive counterinsurgency efforts underscored the detrimental effects of civilian casualties on U.S. military objectives. Lawrence notes that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has prioritized streamlining military approvals for airstrikes and previously advocated for pardoning convicted war criminals during Trump's first term (02:14).

5. Economic Updates: Wall Street and Federal Property Sales

On the economic front, Korva Coleman provides a brief update on Wall Street, indicating that stock futures are mixed with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down by approximately five points (03:05).

Additionally, the Trump administration announced plans to sell hundreds of federal government properties. This portfolio includes significant buildings such as the headquarters of the Justice Department and the American Red Cross. Notably, the Rosa Parks federal building in Detroit, named after the iconic civil rights activist, is also slated for sale (03:05).

6. Environmental Concerns: California Wildfires and Hawaii's Kilauea Eruption

Korva Coleman transitions to environmental news, reporting on the ongoing impact of January's wildfires in Southern California. These fires have caused tens of billions of dollars in property damage, with thousands of homes destroyed around Los Angeles. In Altadena, many homes were left with only chimneys standing. Evan Jacoby from Laist details the community’s efforts to preserve historic handmade chimney tiles amidst the cleanup, highlighting the establishment of the volunteer group Save the Tiles. Stanley Zucker, co-founder of the group, emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of these tiles, stating, “What will be lost is not only the very last of old Altadena, but for that homeowner, beautiful handmade art from over a century ago.” (04:02, 04:25)

In Hawaii, officials have reported lava fountains reaching over 150 feet into the air from the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. The eruption, ongoing since mid-December, currently poses no immediate danger to the public, according to local authorities (04:36).

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump (00:47): “I appreciate that he sent this letter, just got it a little while ago. Simultaneously, we've had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn't that be beautiful? Wouldn't that be beautiful?”

• Elissa Slotkin (01:53): “You want to cut waste, I'll help you do it. But change doesn't need to be chaotic or make us less safe.”

• Stanley Zucker (04:25): “Everything on this lot that was important to them has been channeled into the tiles.”

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant political developments, economic indicators, and environmental events shaping the national discourse on March 5, 2025. From President Trump's extended congressional address and its multifaceted responses to critical policy changes within the Pentagon, the program delivers in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives. Additionally, updates on economic movements and environmental challenges offer listeners a broad understanding of the current state of affairs.