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Chapter 1: What recent developments are there in U.S.-Iran peace talks?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The White House says it's sending a team of U.S. negotiators to Pakistan for another round of peace talks with Iran, but it's still not clear whether negotiations will take place. Betsy Joles reports Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Arachi, arrived in Islamabad overnight, but the Iranian foreign ministry says no meeting is planned.
In addition to Islamabad, Araghchi said in a post on X that he'll also visit Muscat and Moscow for discussions on, quote, bilateral matters. Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement that Araghchi would hold meetings with its senior leadership. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt told Fox News that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would travel to Pakistan on Saturday for talks.
Aragshi did not say if he would participate in talks with the U.S. in Pakistan. For NPR News, I'm Betsy Joles in Islamabad.
Chapter 2: How has the federal appeals court impacted U.S. asylum policies?
Violence is continuing despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, with ongoing strikes and clashes on both sides. The U.S.-backed truce has been extended for another three weeks in an effort to create space for broader negotiations, but officials warn the situation remains fragile. A federal appeals court has ruled the White House ban on asylum at the U.S. southern border is unlawful.
It's a blow for the proclamation that President Trump signed on his first day in office. NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran reports.
Back in January 2025, the White House said that suspending asylum at the southern border was meant to prevent immigrants participating in a quote, invasion from coming to the U.S. But now the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled Trump's proclamation circumvents the removal procedures crafted by Congress.
The court also says the administration's policy cast aside the federal laws that give people the opportunity to claim asylum.
Chapter 3: What is the current situation regarding wildfires in South Georgia?
Immigrant rights groups say the ruling is a victory for those seeking safety and protection at the U.S.-Mexico border. Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News.
Wildfires are continuing to burn in South Georgia, where fire activity is expected to remain extremely high through the weekend. Officials say dry conditions and gusty winds are fueling the flames, making them harder to contain. Governor Brian Kemp says the fires are under investigation.
We believe that one of the fires started when somebody was welding their gate. The spark fell on the ground, started a fire. They couldn't get it put out and it just spread from there. We believe the other fire was a balloon that landed on a power line.
The fires have destroyed dozens of structures, including 120 homes.
Chapter 4: What are the implications of the Screenwriters Union's new contract?
State officials are urging people to avoid outdoor burning or anything that could create sparks, warning that even a small mistake could quickly lead to another wildfire. This is NPR News. Members of the Screenwriters Union have approved a new four-year contract with Hollywood Studios. Union leaders say it includes gains in health coverage and increases in minimum pay.
Actors, though, are still negotiating their own contract. Another liberal arts college in Massachusetts is closing, unable to overcome mounting financial and enrollment challenges. Anna Maria College in Paxton says it will close this summer. Kurt Carrapeza of member station GBH has more.
The 80-year-old Catholic school was known for catering to future police officers, firefighters, and athletes with its large sports programs. But Robert Kelchin, who teaches higher ed policy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, says that model was no longer viable for the small private school.
Chapter 5: Why is Anna Maria College closing and what does it signify for small colleges?
The sweaty butts in seat strategy is pretty common. Many small colleges are 30% or more athletes. The challenge is athletic programs are often expensive to run.
Following Hampshire College in Amherst, Anna Maria is at least the 11th four-year private college in Massachusetts to merge or close over the past decade. For NPR News, I'm Kirk Carapazza in Boston.
China is sending two giant pandas to the Atlanta Zoo in what's being seen as the latest example of so-called panda diplomacy. The pandas will begin a decade-long conservation partnership under agreement signed with the zoo. It's not clear exactly when the pandas will arrive, but the zoo says it's upgrading its facilities to prepare for their new home.
I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.
When Congress eliminated funding for public media last year, we saw a groundswell of support for NPR.
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Chapter 6: What is the significance of China sending pandas to the Atlanta Zoo?
I'm Erika Barris from Planet Money, and it is not too late to be part of this movement. If you missed making a donation during public media giving days, do it right now. Show your support for public radio that is by the people, for the people at donate.npr.org. And thanks.