NPR News Now - NPR News: 03-07-2025 4AM EST

Episode Date: March 7, 2025

NPR News: 03-07-2025 4AM ESTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

At this year's Oscars, Anorah took home the award for Best Picture, Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin also picked up wins, and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivered a show-stopping opening number. For a recap of all the highlights, listen to the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in New York City, I'm Dwahle Saikow-Tow. President Trump on Thursday signed a number of new executive orders, including one that punishes a law firm, Perkins Cooey, for its legal work in Democratic Party politics and particularly Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. The order suspends active security clearances held by attorneys or other representatives of the firm. At the White House, Trump told

reporters that it was an absolute honor to sign the directive saying, what they've done is just terrible. It's weaponization, you could say, weaponization of a political opponent. He was also asked about Ukraine at the Oval Office. I think what's going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal because I don't think they have a choice. I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way, a different way that only I know, only I know they have no choice either. Meanwhile, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine overnight, striking energy and gas

infrastructure according to local government officials. Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine overnight, striking energy and gas infrastructure, according to local government officials. A day earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hopes new talks with the U.S. set for Saudi Arabia next week will be, quote, a meaningful meeting. On Capitol Hill, the House has voted to censure Democratic Congressman Al Green after his disruption and removal from President Trump's joint address to Congress. As in Pierce Barbara Sprunt reports, the censure vote is one of the most serious ways Congress can reprimand a lawmaker. The Texas Democrat interrupted President Trump's address,

shouting that Trump doesn't have a mandate from the American people. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Green to desist. Green continued and was ultimately escorted out. A day later, he said he had no regrets and would do it again. Ten of his Democratic colleagues voted to formally rebuke him, alongside all Republicans. Being censured is seen as one of the most serious ways Congress can reprimand a lawmaker. Censured members do not lose any rights or privileges. Barbara Sprin and Peer

News, Washington. Ten Senate Democrats are filing an ethics complaint against the interim US Attorney in Washington DC and Peers Kerry Johnson reports. Ed Martin spent years in politics before advancing bogus claims of election fraud in 2020 and appearing at a stop the steal rally a day before the attack on the US Capitol. President Trump nominated Martin to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. Now, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are asking ethics watchdogs to investigate Martin for moving to dismiss a January 6 case against his own client, and for social media posts they say Martin used to intimidate federal workers and people who criticize billionaire Elon Musk. Martin also issued an unusual warning to former special

counsel Jack Smith and a law firm that represents him. Carrie Johnson, NPR News, Washington. And you're listening to NPR from New York City. California Governor Gavin Newsom has made comments suggesting he doesn't support transgender female athletes playing on women's sports team. Cap Raide's Laura Fitzgerald reports. On the first episode of Newsom's new podcast, he spoke with conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. But like, would you do something like that? Would you say no men in female sports? Well, I think it's an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. LGBTQ plus advocates and democratic state lawmakers are strongly criticizing Newsom for the comments.

Assembly member Chris Ward of San Diego chairs the legislative LGBTQ caucus. We were certainly caught off guard and woke up incredibly sickened and disgusted about seeing somebody who's been an ally of our community use this language. A recent New York Times and Ipsos poll found 67% of Democrats nationally say transgender

athletes should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. For NPR News, I'm Laura Fitzgerald in Sacramento. Impeached South Korean President Yoon Soon-yeol could soon be out of jail after the Seoul Central District Court today canceled his arrest warrant from January 19, following a standoff between presidential guards and other security officials and his December 3 attempt to impose martial law. The decision means Yoon may be able to stand trial without being detained. Meanwhile, joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. begin next week,

but the latest state-run news out of North Korea is a warning from Pyongyang suggesting the annual drills will quote soon bring a storm of aggravating the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. I'm Dwahleysa Icautel, NPR News in New York. Bella DiPaolo is glad if you're happily married, but she is perfectly happy being single. I would love to have someone who took care of my car or someone who cleaned up the dishes after dinner, but then I'd want them to leave. From yourself to your dog to your spouse are significant others. That's on the TED Radio Hour from NPR.