NPR News Now: March 22, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Hosted by Louise Schiavone, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates in five minutes, covering a range of pressing national and international issues. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. Trump Administration Revokes Parole Program Affecting Over 500,000 Individuals

Reporter: Jimena Bustillo
Timestamp: [00:25 - 01:20]

The Trump administration has initiated a significant policy shift by canceling a parole program that previously granted legal status to over half a million individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This move by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signals a potential wave of deportations within the next month for those currently benefiting from the program, which allowed recipients to work, attend school, and reside legally in the United States.

Key Points:

• Policy Cancellation: The revocation targets a broad demographic, encompassing multiple nationalities.
• Impact on Individuals: Affected individuals may face deportation, disrupting their lives and families.
• Asylum and Visa Applications Paused: The administration has halted processing asylum and visa applications for those under the now-canceled program.
• Legal Challenges: The decision has already faced opposition in federal courts, indicating potential legal battles ahead.

Notable Quote:

"President Trump campaigned on increasing deportations, particularly of those without legal status, he has also taken steps to remove authorization for those already in the U.S."
— Jimena Bustillo, [00:40]

2. Venezuela to Accept Repatriation Flights; Escalating Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah

Reporters: Louise Schiavone & Kat Lahnsdorf
Timestamp: [01:20 - 02:32]

a. Venezuela Accepts Repatriation Flights

Following a policy standoff, the Venezuelan government has consented to resume repatriation flights from the United States, providing a means for deported Venezuelan nationals to return home. These flights are slated to recommence the following morning.

b. Israeli Military Strikes in Southern Lebanon

In a rare escalation, the Israeli military conducted strikes on multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after several rockets were launched towards Israel. While Hezbollah has denied involvement in launching the rockets, Lebanese health officials reported casualties and injuries resulting from the conflict.

Key Points:

• Israeli Response: The Israeli military intercepted all three rockets and vowed to undertake "powerful action" in retaliation.
• Lebanese Government's Stance: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam cautioned that renewed hostilities could plunge the country into a devastating war.
• Ceasefire Details: This incident marks the first confrontation since Israel breached a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, despite a fragile peace agreement in place since late November.
• Regional Implications: Both Hezbollah and Hamas receive backing from Iran, highlighting the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

Notable Quotes:

"The Lebanese government bears responsibility for any rockets launched from its territory."
— Israeli officials, [01:49]

"Renewed military activity with Israel could, quote, drag the country into a new, devastating war."
— Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, [01:49]

"A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in effect since late November."
— Kat Lahnsdorf, [01:49]

3. Decline in US Computer Programming Jobs Due to Artificial Intelligence

Reporter: Windsor Johnston
Timestamp: [02:32 - 03:22]

The U.S. is witnessing an unprecedented decline in computer programming jobs, reaching a 45-year low, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industry experts attribute this downturn to the rising integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in software development, which is transforming the landscape of the tech industry.

Key Points:

• Job Market Shift: While software development remains a vital field, the nature of programming roles is evolving.
• AI Integration: AI is increasingly handling routine and repetitive tasks, enabling human programmers to focus on more complex, higher-level functions.
• Industry Evolution: Traditional programming roles are being redefined, leaving some programmers struggling to adapt to the new technological demands.
• Future Outlook: The trend suggests continued reshaping of the industry, with AI playing a central role in job functions and requirements.

Notable Quote:

"AI will handle more routine tasks, allowing human programmers to focus on higher level functions."
— Windsor Johnston, [02:42]

4. Disney’s Live-Action Snow White Debuts Amidst Controversy

Reporter: Bob Mondello
Timestamp: [03:22 - 04:17]

Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White premiered this week, introducing a fresh take on the classic fairy tale. Despite initial enthusiasm, the film has faced mixed responses regarding its casting choices and overall performance at the box office.

Key Points:

• Box Office Performance: Snow White generated $15 million on its opening day, projecting a weekend total of approximately $45 million. This is notably about half the opening weekend revenue of Disney's The Little Mermaid two years prior.
• Casting Controversies: The casting of Latina actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White sparked backlash in some circles, both for the casting choice and statements made by Zegler to the press.
• Performance Reception: Despite the controversies, Zegler received acclaim for her portrayal of Snow White, highlighting her strong performance.
• Disney’s Track Record: Disney remains adept at marketing and generating interest in its live-action musicals, as evidenced by the success of Mufasa, which, despite a lower opening, has grossed over $700 million worldwide.

Notable Quotes:

"She's buoyant, determined and waiting for families to show up, and they are, if not quite in the numbers Disney hoped."
— Bob Mondello, [03:31]

"Being this opinionated, but Zegler's also earned raves for her performance."
— Bob Mondello, [03:59]

5. Pope Francis Set for Hospital Discharge After Illness

Reporters: Louise Schiavone & Dr. Sergio Alfieri
Timestamp: [04:17 - 04:54]

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow after a recent battle with bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia. His health has notably improved, and he is no longer in critical condition.

Key Points:

• Medical Progress: Dr. Sergio Alfieri from Gemelli Hospital stated that high-flow oxygen therapy and medications have significantly advanced the Pope's recovery.
• Current Status: While alert, Pope Francis still requires continued rest and medical care to ensure full recovery.
• Hospitalization Timeline: The Pope was admitted on February 14th, and his steady improvement marks a positive turn in his health status.

Notable Quotes:

"The administration of high flow oxygen and unassisted mechanical ventilation recorded a slow but progressive improvement, bringing the Holy Father out of the most critical episodes."
— Dr. Sergio Alfieri, [04:38]

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with critical updates on U.S. immigration policies, international conflicts, shifts in the tech job market due to AI advancements, Hollywood's latest cinematic endeavors, and significant health news concerning Pope Francis. Through detailed reporting and expert insights, the podcast offers a comprehensive overview of events shaping the current global landscape.

For more updates and in-depth analysis, tune in to NPR News Now on your preferred podcast platform.