Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Christian Wright.
President Trump says he's demanding that about seven countries send military ships
to help secure the state of Hormuz. Vessel traffic has effectively stopped there since the start of the war with Iran, because of the threat of attacks in this has driven up oil and gas prices. Speaking to reporters last night, the President said the U.S. is talking to countries heavily
“reliant on Middle East oil, and that quote, "we will remember countries that don't support”
the effort." NPR's Emily Feng has more on how NATO allies and China are responding to pressure by Trump. Speaking to the financial times, Trump warned of a "very bad future if NATO allies did not help open up the Strait of Hormuz through which nearly 20% of the world's oil flows."
Trump earlier called on countries who depend on the Strait for help, but Japan and Australia have already said they are not sending ships to assist. South Korea said it was considering Trump's request. Iran's counterstrikes on Gulf countries caused Dubai's international airport to cancel some incoming and outgoing flights on Monday, and Turkey, one of Iran's neighbors, is trying
to stay out of the conflict. It's foreign minister Hakhan Fidan told the Associated Press over the weekend, but he admitted the conditions were "not very much conducive right now for diplomacy," Emily Feng and
Pernus Istanbul The war is now in its third week.
“The Senate is preparing to vote this week on legislation that would overhaul voting requirements”
in Florida, a similar bill is on its way to the governor for his signature. Catherine Welch reports. Florida's version of the Senate bill that would set new federal voting rules requires proof of citizenship to register to vote. That proof includes a birth certificate, a valid passport, or a driver's license that explicitly
indicates that the voter is a U.S. citizen. Voters must also show proof of a name change if their legal name is different than the one on their identity documents. A photo ID would be required at the polls. Unlike the legislation before the Senate, Florida's bill does not restrict mail-in ballots,
and the bill would not take effect until after the 2026 midterm elections. Putting rights groups say the new rules could keep scores of people from the polls. For NPR News, I'm Catherine Welch, in Orlando. One battle after another won big at the Academy Awards last night, taking home best picture, best director, and three more Oscars.
Senors also did well, actor Michael B. Jordan took home his first Oscar, winning best
actor for his roles playing twins, smoking stack, and the thriller. He gave credit to black actors who won the prize before him. I stand here because of the people that came before me, Sydney Portia, Denzel Washington, how are we doing? Jamie Foxe, Orange Whitaker, Will Smith, and a bill amongst those giants, amongst those great
greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys. Thank you, everybody in this room. This is NPR News in Washington. March madness begins this week. The brackets for the NCAA Men's and Women's Division 1 College Basketball Tournaments
are now set. Yukon and Duke are the top overall seats, NPR's Becky Sullivan has more. The Duke Blue Doubles went 32 into this season, capped off with a win in the ACC Tournament title game over Virginia. The freshman star Cameron Booser has averaged a double double this season and is the favorite
twin national player the year awards. The other number one seats are Arizona, Michigan, and Florida who were last year's champions. On the women's side, the defending champions are also back in the mix. That would be the Yukon Huskies who are 34 and O headed into the tournament. Thanks to Star Forward Sarah Strong and Guard Azifud.
A repeat title would be their 13th national championship. UCLA has won zero. They're looking for redemption after Yukon crushed them in the final four last year. The other top seats are Texas and South Carolina. Becky Sullivan and PR News.
severe weather is sweeping much of the eastern half of the country. A major winter storm is dumping snow on the northern plains and great lakes region. Blizzard and wide-out conditions are likely across Iowa and Wisconsin. The National Weather Service is also forecasting thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail and possibly tornadoes from the mid-south to the Ohio Valley and southeast through
tonight moving into the mid-Atlantic. Tournatal watches are in effect in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The chairman of the FCC is threatening to revoke broadcast licenses over the coverage of the Iran war, Brendan Carr wrote on social media that broadcasters are running hoaxes and news distortions.
I'm Kristen Wright, this is NPR News in Washington. Support for NPR comes from NPR.
“The film centers has gotten a lot of attention during this award season, but why?”
If centers winds the Oscar for best picture, it is because of how Hollywood wants to see it so. Listen to code switch in the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.
