NPR News Now: Episode Summary – March 10, 2025, 7AM EDT

Released on March 10, 2025

NPR’s “News Now” delivers the latest headlines in a concise, five-minute format. This episode covers significant developments in U.S. immigration policies, Canadian politics, international military tensions, public health concerns, civil rights commemorations, and environmental news. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Federal Immigration Actions Against Student Activists

Reporter: Korva Coleman
Segments: [00:16] - [01:13]

The episode opens with a report on the arrest of Mahmoud Khalid, a legal permanent resident and student activist known for leading pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Khalid was detained by federal immigration agents, and his lawyer has stated that his location remains undisclosed while his green card faces revocation.

Key Points:

• Executive Order Impact: President Trump’s executive order, signed in late January, targets international students involved in what he describes as “pro jihadist protests.” The order leverages federal laws permitting the deportation of foreign nationals who allegedly support terrorism.

• Student's Defense: Khalid and other students vehemently deny any association with terrorism or groups like Hamas, asserting that their demonstrations advocate for peace in Gaza.

Notable Quote:

"Students have always rejected the claim that their protests were pro terrorist or that they supported Hamas. They say the protests were for peace in Gaza."
– Adrian Florido, NPR News [00:42]

2. Leadership Change in Canada: Mark Carney Becomes Prime Minister

Reporter: Jackie Northam
Segments: [01:13] - [02:10]

Mark Carney has emerged victorious in the Liberal Party's leadership contest, positioning himself to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's prime minister. Carney, a 59-year-old political outsider with an extensive background in finance, including roles at Wall Street, the Bank of Canada, and the Bank of England, is expected to be sworn in within the week.

Key Points:

• Economic Expertise: Carney’s financial acumen is seen as vital for addressing Canada's current economic challenges.

• Stance on U.S. Relations: He has pledged to confront President Trump’s aggressive trade policies, which have previously stirred Canadian nationalism and benefited the Liberal Party’s standings.

Notable Quote:

"That expertise could be critical to tackle Canada's economic challenges. But Carney vows he will also be tough with President Trump."
– Jackie Northam, NPR News [01:28]

3. Military Tensions: Ukraine Faces Russian and North Korean Forces

Reporter: Joanna Kakisis
Segments: [02:10] - [02:27]

Ukraine’s military has reported attempts by Russian and North Korean troops to encircle Ukrainian soldiers who have been occupying a segment of Russia’s Kursk region since last year. This occupation aims to serve as leverage in potential peace negotiations.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk marks the first foreign military presence on Russian soil since World War II, causing significant embarrassment for the Kremlin.

• Current Situation: With the assistance of North Korean forces, Russia has reclaimed most of the occupied territory. Recently, Russian special forces have been actively maneuvering to reclaim remaining Ukrainian positions.

Notable Quote:

"The situation remains, quote, difficult, but under control of our command."
– Ukrainian military grouping in Kursk [02:27]

4. Public Health Alert: Measles Cases Rise in the U.S.

Reporter: Korva Coleman
Segments: [03:10] - [03:49]

Federal health officials have reported over 220 measles cases across the United States, with nearly 200 cases concentrated in Texas. Tragically, the disease has resulted in the death of an unvaccinated child in Texas and another individual in New Mexico.

Key Points:

• Vaccination Concerns: The outbreak underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.

• Geographical Impact: Texas is the epicenter of this outbreak, highlighting regional vulnerabilities in public health infrastructure.

Notable Data:

• Measles Cases: 220+ reported, predominantly in Texas.
• Fatalities: Two unvaccinated individuals deceased (Texas and New Mexico).

5. 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday: Selma Activists Reenact Historic March

Reporter: Emily Mosher
Segments: [03:10] - [04:37]

Thousands of activists gathered in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the 1965 event where peaceful protesters were violently confronted by state troopers while marching for voting rights. The weekend featured reenactments of the original march and concluded with a benefit concert for the National Voting Rights Museum.

Key Points:

• Historic Reflection: Participants honor the legacy of the original march, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights and voting equality.

• Modern Political Context: The protests also addressed contemporary issues, including President Trump’s recent ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

Notable Quotes:

"My ancestors were here before me. They paved the way for me to be here. And I hear them crying from the grave, you belong here."
– Rose Smith, Atlanta [04:04]

"You cannot call them not unified."
– Representative Shamari Figures [04:21]

6. Environmental News: Bald Eagles Hatch a Third Eaglet in Southern California

Reporter: Korva Coleman
Segments: [04:37] - [04:55]

In a positive note for wildlife enthusiasts, a pair of bald eagles in Southern California has successfully hatched a third eaglet. The nonprofit group, Friends of Big Bear Valley, has installed a live eagle cam, allowing bird lovers to monitor the eaglets’ growth in real-time.

Key Points:

• Location: The nesting site is situated east of Los Angeles in Big Bear Valley.

• Conservation Efforts: The live cam initiative aims to raise awareness and support for bald eagle conservation.

Closing Notes

The episode concludes with a brief advertisement from Pemco Mutual Insurance Company and Boll and Branch promoting their products and services. These segments are non-content and were excluded from the summary to focus on the newsworthy topics discussed.

This summary encapsulates the essential discussions and updates presented in the March 10, 2025, episode of NPR’s “News Now,” providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing news across various domains.