NPR News: March 24, 2025, 6 AM EDT
Host: Korva Coleman
Source: NPR News Now
Duration: 5 minutes
International Relations: U.S. and Russia Engage in Ceasefire Talks
At the outset of today’s episode, Korva Coleman reported on the significant developments in international diplomacy as U.S. and Russian officials prepare to resume talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine. A U.S. delegation met with Ukrainian officials yesterday to discuss a potential partial ceasefire, to which both Ukraine and Russia have tentatively agreed in principle. However, Eleanor Beardsley highlights uncertainties regarding the implementation timeline.
"It's not clear when that might take effect." (00:34)
In further discussions, Beardsley conveyed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's stance on broadening the ceasefire to include additional infrastructure targets. Zelenskyy, speaking last night, emphasized the need for global pressure on Russia to halt its actions, stating:
"Everybody, the U.S., Europe, the world needs to put more pressure on Russia to stop this terror." (00:34)
Zelenskyy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for prolonging the conflict, noting that previous negotiations in Saudi Arabia yielded only a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, thereby labeling Russia as the primary party sustaining the war.
U.S. Domestic Politics: Trump's Greenland Ambitions and Supreme Court Ruling on Louisiana's Congressional Map
In U.S. political news, Coleman reported President Trump's ongoing assertion that the United States should take control of Greenland, a territory currently under Danish sovereignty. Deepa Shivaram elaborated on the administration's actions, noting that Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
"Trump has continued to say the US will acquire the territory, despite leaders in Denmark and Greenland rejecting that the territory is rich in natural resources, and Trump says the US needs it for international security." (01:23)
Simultaneously, the U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments concerning Louisiana's newly drawn congressional map, which includes a second majority-black district. Stephen Bisaha from the Gulf States newsroom explains the controversy:
"If the Supreme Court agrees with the lower court, that could further weaken the Voting Rights Act, and a new map will have to be drawn in Louisiana." (02:12)
The case challenges whether the map's consideration of race constitutes racial gerrymandering, potentially impacting the political landscape by affecting the Republican majority in Congress.
Public Health: Rising Tuberculosis Cases
Health officials have raised concerns over an 8% increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases reported last year compared to 2023. This uptick signals a public health challenge that authorities are monitoring closely to mitigate further spread.
Global Affairs: Pope Francis Returns to Vatican
In religious news, Coleman informed listeners that Pope Francis has been discharged from a Rome hospital and has returned to the Vatican. This marks his first public appearance since recovery, as he addressed the public from a hospital balcony over the weekend.
Sports: NCAA Basketball Tournament Updates
Transitioning to sports, Greg Eklund provided updates on the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments. Notably, the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, the two-time defending men's champions, were eliminated by the Florida Gators with a score of 77-? (exact score incomplete in transcript). Dan Hurley, UConn’s coach, reflected on the loss:
"Just get caught up in this tidal wave of success that we've had and, you know, you just lose perspective." (03:54)
With Florida advancing to the Sweet 16, the tournament sees a shift as the Gators become one of seven SEC teams remaining. On the women's side, the University of South Carolina, the defending champions, secured their place in the Sweet 16 after defeating Indiana University 64-53.
Obituaries: Tribute to Kitty Dukakis
In obituaries, Coleman announced the passing of former Massachusetts First Lady Kitty Dukakis at the age of 88. Dukakis was celebrated for her advocacy on mental illness and addiction, drawing from her personal experiences. She gained national attention during her husband, Governor Michael Dukakis's, 1988 presidential campaign.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on March 24, 2025. For comprehensive coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR's ongoing updates.