Loading summary
NPR Sponsor
This message comes from NPR sponsor Rosetta Stone, an expert in language learning for 30 years. Right now, NPR listeners can get Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership to 25 different languages for 50% off. Learn more at Rosetta Stone.com NPR Live.
Jeanine Herbst
From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. Ark Harney, the former governor of the bank of Canada, has become the new leader of the Liberal Party and is now prime minister designate. As Dan Carp reports, Carney hinted strongly that a general election is on the way.
Dan Karpenchuk
Carney has flirted with politics several times, but never actually taken the plunge until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced early last month that he would be resigning. During the Liberal Party gathering in Toronto, Carney said he would stand shoulder to shoulder with his fellow candidates in fighting the next election with the focus on the challenge from the White House. Carney won handily, with 85% of the members voting for him. Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland came in second with 8%. Carney has not been tested politically. He has repeatedly pledged to call an election soon so he can win a seat in Parliament and fight the Conservatives who are leading in the polls. Parliament resumes on March 24. For NPR News, I'm Dan Karpenchuk in Toronto.
Jeanine Herbst
House Republicans are trying another stopgap extension to avoid a partial government shutdown this week. They released a bill yesterday that would pay for the government through September 30th. NPR's Tamara Keith has more.
Tamara Keith
It basically punts the big decisions, the deep cuts that conservatives want until later this year. It keeps the top line budget number the same as the last fiscal year, but shifts around some funding. It increases defense spending and decreases non defense spending. It boosts funding for immigration enforcement, but doesn't include additional disaster assistance for the California wildfires or the hurricanes last year. In short, it's meant to keep congressional Republicans content and and buy time for them to work on what President Trump really wants, which is big tax cuts and a significant boost in immigration spending.
Jeanine Herbst
NPR's Tamara Keith reporting. Israel says it will send a delegation to Qatar tomorrow to further cease fire talks. Phase one of a fragile ceasefire deal ended last month and talks for the next phase, which would see a permanent end to the war, were supposed to have started weeks ago. NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi has more.
Tamara Keith
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said its delegation is going to Doha to try to advance ceasefire negotiations. Israel has been pressuring Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of a ceasefire deal that would retain its right to go back to war and see half the hostages held in Gaza freed. Hamas says it wants to begin second phase talks that would see a permanent end to the war and a total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The militant group said it had ended a round of ceasefire talks with Egypt this week. This all comes after the White House confirmed it had held direct talks with Hamas about the ceasefire deal. Hadil Al Shalgi, NPR News, Jerusalem.
Jeanine Herbst
U.S. futures contracts are trading lower at this hour. Dow futures down more than a half percent. Nasdaq futures are down 1%. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. In Selma, Alabama, this weekend, ceremonies were held today marking the 60th anniversary of a key event in the civil rights movement when voting rights marchers were attacked. The violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge shocked the nation, galvanizing support for the Voting Rights act of 1965. This annual commemoration pays homage to those who fought to secure voting rights for black Americans. The Vatican says Pope Francis is showing signs of mild improvement as he continues to receive treatment at a Rome hospital. NPR's Joe Hernandez reports Francis hasn't appeared publicly for weeks.
NPR Sponsor
Francis was admitted to the hospital nearly a month ago for a case of bronchitis. Since then, the 88 year old has also suffered a polymicrobial infection as well as pneumonia in both lungs, according to the Holy See Press office. Doctors say he's responded well to his treatment, but his prognosis is guarded, which means the outcome of his illness is still uncertain. In the text of his Sunday Angelus Prayer released by the Vatican, Francis thanked healthcare workers across the globe, including his own care team. He said, quote, during my prolonged hospital, I too, experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers whom I thank from the bottom of my heart. Joe Hernandez, NPR News.
Jeanine Herbst
At the weekend box office, Mickey, 17, debuted in the top spot with an estimated $19 million in ticket sales. In second place, captain America, Brave new world with $8 million. You're listening to NPR News. This message comes from Warby Parker. If you wear glasses, you know how hard it is to find the perfect pair. But step into a Warby Parker store and you'll see it doesn't have to be. Find a Warby Parker store near you@warbyparker.com retail.
NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of March 10, 2025, Episode
Released on March 10, 2025, NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of the latest events shaping the world. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode aired on March 9, 2025, at 8 PM EDT.
Timestamp: [00:19]
Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with a significant development in Canadian politics. Ark Harney, formerly the governor of the Bank of Canada, has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, positioning him as the prime minister-designate. Dan Karpenchuk elaborates on this transition:
"Carney has flirted with politics several times, but never actually taken the plunge until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced early last month that he would be resigning."
— Dan Karpenchuk [00:36]
Karpenchuk highlights Harney's strong leadership within the party, securing 85% of the members' votes, with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland trailing at 8%. Despite Harney's lack of direct political experience, he has pledged to call a general election soon to establish his seat in Parliament and challenge the Conservatives, who are currently leading in the polls. The next session of Parliament is scheduled to resume on March 24.
Timestamp: [01:15]
Jeanine Herbst transitions to U.S. politics, focusing on the ongoing efforts by House Republicans to avert a partial government shutdown. NPR's Tamara Keith provides an in-depth analysis of the proposed stopgap bill:
"It basically punts the big decisions, the deep cuts that conservatives want until later this year."
— Tamara Keith [01:28]
The bill aims to extend government funding through September 30th, maintaining the overall budget at last year's levels while reallocating funds. Key changes include:
Keith explains that the strategy behind this bill is to satisfy congressional Republicans by addressing their immediate demands, thereby buying time to negotiate President Trump's broader agenda, which includes substantial tax cuts and increased immigration spending.
Timestamp: [02:07]
Jeanine Herbst reports on escalating efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East. Israel has announced plans to send a delegation to Qatar to advance ceasefire negotiations, as detailed by NPR's Tamara Keith and Hadil Al Shalchi:
"Israel has been pressuring Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of a ceasefire deal that would retain its right to go back to war and see half the hostages held in Gaza freed."
— Tamara Keith [02:27]
The current ceasefire, which was fragile and entered its first phase last month, is now seeking a second phase aimed at permanently ending the conflict and ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, Hamas has expressed a preference for initiating these second-phase talks, which includes comprehensive peace and total troop withdrawal, over the proposals from Israel.
Additionally, Hamas recently discontinued a round of ceasefire talks with Egypt, complicating the negotiation landscape. The White House has affirmed that it has engaged in direct discussions with Hamas regarding the ceasefire, indicating a multi-faceted diplomatic effort to stabilize the region.
Timestamp: [03:07]
In the financial sector, U.S. futures contracts indicate a downturn:
This decline reflects investor caution and potential reactions to the latest political developments and economic policies discussed earlier in the episode.
Timestamp: [03:07]
Jeanine Herbst highlights a poignant moment in American history as events mark the 60th anniversary of the violent attack on civil rights marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. This tragic event was a catalyst for the national support that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"This annual commemoration pays homage to those who fought to secure voting rights for Black Americans."
— Jeanine Herbst [03:07]
The ceremonies held this weekend honor the bravery and sacrifices of civil rights activists who mobilized against systemic oppression, underscoring the continued relevance of voting rights in contemporary society.
Timestamp: [03:58]
NPR's Joe Hernandez reports on the health status of Pope Francis, who has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rome for nearly a month. The Vatican has provided updates indicating slight improvements in his condition, though his prognosis remains guarded.
"During my prolonged hospital stay, I too, experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers whom I thank from the bottom of my heart."
— Pope Francis [03:58]
Pope Francis has been battling bronchitis, a polymicrobial infection, and pneumonia in both lungs. Despite responding well to treatment, his ability to make public appearances has been limited. In his Sunday Angelus Prayer, he expressed gratitude towards healthcare professionals globally, reflecting on his personal experiences with care and service during his illness.
Timestamp: [04:44]
Concluding the episode, Jeanine Herbst provides an overview of the weekend's box office performance:
These figures indicate strong audience interest and commercial success for major film releases during the weekend.
This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise yet thorough examination of pivotal events spanning global politics, economic trends, historical commemorations, and cultural milestones. By presenting detailed analyses and authoritative insights, the program ensures listeners are well-informed on matters of national and international significance.