The Short List

Mon Mar 3 2025

Rebecca Morin | Senior National News Reporter

@RebeccaMorin_

Pope Francis is still in the hospital. Firefighters tamp down blazes in the Carolinas. And we pull back the curtain at Sunday night's Academy Awards.

👋 How's it going? Rebecca Morin here. I heard you wanted Monday's news. So let's get to scrolling.

But first: Yes, I'm a millennial who loves avocado toast. 🥑 But a new study shows my generation was far from the first to love the luscious green fruit.

Pope's health struggles continue

Pope Francis has suffered a setback as he remains hospitalized while he battles double pneumonia. The pope, 88, suffered two attacks of "acute respiratory insufficiency," the Vatican said Monday. Doctors performed two procedures known as a bronchoscopies to clear his air passages. Though he was "alert, oriented and cooperative at all times," the Vatican also said the pope's prognosis was still "guarded," meaning he's not out of danger. 👉 See how long the the pope has been in the hospital.

One of the many faithful who are praying for Pope Francis holds a rosary at a service Monday in St. Peter's Square.

Hannah McKay, REUTERS

Damage control after Zelenskyy and Trump clash

After being publicly berated at the White House by President Donald Trump on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is "ready to sign" a deal to grant the U.S. access to his country's rare-earth minerals. The deal, as well as U.S. military support for Ukraine, was left up in the air after the shouting match, which probably will loom over Trump's address Tuesday to Congress.

What happened at the meeting? Zelenskyy and Trump had a testy exchange Friday as they discussed the United States' direct negotiations with Russia over ending the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 👉 How European leaders are supporting Ukraine after Trump clash.

•	Sign up for USA TODAY's Russia-Ukraine newsletter to get the context on the war beyond the headlines.
•	Kremlin says Trump's foreign policy 'largely coincides' with Russia's

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put on a jaw-dropping spectacle Friday in the Oval Office.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Real quick

•	Would you be able to keep up with Harry Styles? He finished the Tokyo Marathon with impressive time.
•	Lionel Messi might be getting World Cup-ready. He could join Argentina for matches vs. Uruguay and Brazil this month.
•	Everyone's vacationing in Puerto Rico. Can the island handle it?
•	Happy birthday to the national anthem – which is younger than you think!
•	Not everybody is celebrating the national anthem. Watch fans boo it at WWE event in Toronto.

Carolinas fight weekend blazes

Firefighters in North and South Carolina made gains in getting fires that erupted over the weekend under control. Weather officials on Monday, however, warned of a storm causing "extremely critical fire conditions" in the central U.S.

Getting the fires under control: Firefighters had gained momentum in extinguishing most blazes Sunday night after winds slowed. More than 175 brush fires broke out in the Carolinas over the weekend, fueled by extreme wind. The largest blaze, which torched 1,600 acres in Carolina Forest, South Carolina, was 30% contained as of late Sunday. 👉 What states should watch for high winds that could fuel fires.

•	See firefighters battling wildfires across Carolinas
•	Maps show where fires are burning in the Carolinas

Firefighters attend to a flare-up in the Carolina Forest neighborhood on March 2, 2025 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Multiple forest fires in the area have caused evacuations along the South Carolina coast.

Sean Rayford, Getty Images

Behind the scenes at Hollywood's biggest award show

After a surprising and competitive few weeks, award season has come to an end. "Anora" won big at the Oscars, and off the stage, there was a lot happening behind the scenes. Selena Gomez left the ceremony early, but not before making the night of one lucky fireman (and his daughter). "Emilia Pérez" actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who disappeared briefly during the award season after racist comments on social media resurfaced, hit the bar, where she chatted with "The Brutalist" star Adrien Brody. ⭐️ More of what you missed on TV

•	Take a peek behind the curtain and go backstage at the Oscars
•	'Sing Sing' nominee reflects on his journey from prison to the Oscars
•	Pleasant but passionless? Our review of Sunday night's Oscars

Selena Gomez (R) greets "Emilia Perez" co-star Zoe Saldana backstage.

Richard Harbaugh, AMPAS/AFP via Getty Images

A break from the news

•	👜 We found bags inspired by the viral Walmart Birkin you can buy today.
•	🌸 Flowers aren't the only thing blooming. Starbucks unveils its new springtime menu.
•	🧴 You should be moisturizing. Here's how to pick the best one for you.