President Obama spoke on the phone for 90 minutes with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the situation in Ukraine. And based on the limited official reports from the White House and Kremlin, it seems the leaders spoke pass each other. According to the White House quote President Obama expressed his deep concern over Russia's clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. The Kremlin says Vladimir Putin discussed what he calls the provocative and criminal actions of ultra-nationalists, supported by the current authorities in Kiev. Obama suggested Russia can take these concerns to international organizations like the UN Security Council. The Kremlin says Russia retains the right to protect its interests. Tamara Keith, NPR News.

 

 

As the crisis in Syria enters its third year without an ending sign, Robert Ford, the US ambassador to Damascus is stepping down. Susannah George reports. Ford's announcement follows failed peace talks and ongoing violence. 

Ford's resignation comes at a time when US-Syria policy appears stalled. Peace talks in Switzerland, which Ford was instrumental in arranging, have proven fruitless. And violence in many parts of the country is worsening. Ford has been the Obama administration's point person on Syria's civil war since Day 1. After concerns for his safety, Ford attempted to flee Damascus shortly after protests began in 2011. He spent months shuttling between Washington, Turkey and elsewhere in the region, meeting with Syrian leaders and fighters. Deputy assistant secretary of state Larry Silverman was appointed as Ford's temporary replacement Friday. For NPR News, I'm Susannah George.

 

 

Witnesses tell the Xinhua News Agency attackers, most of them wearing all black, entered a train station in southwestern China earlier today, armed with knives, and started injuring people. By the time it was all over, at least 29 people are reportedly to have been killed, including 5 of the assailants. More than 100 others were injured. Chinese authorities now believe Muslim Uyghur separatists were responsible. Today's attack comes right before the annual meeting of Parliament opens in Beijing. 

 

 

Officials in Washington State are taking steps to relieve the pressure at the Wanapum Dam, after 65-foot long crack was discovered along the base. A utility spokesman says of precautionary measure the water above the dam has been drawn down about 20 feet, while inspectors take a closer look at the crack.  

 

 

The St. Patrick's Day parade in Boston is apparently easing its restriction gay organization's participating. Under a tentative deal brokered by Boston Mayor, parade organizers have agreed to let gay military veterans to march.  

 

 

This is NPR.

 

 

* Alaska is filled with party animals today. Mushers and their dogs are participating in the ceremonial start to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It's a chance for locals, tourists, the mingle of those who will cover nearly 1,000 miles over 9 days. The official start will be tomorrow about 50 miles north of Anchorage. * is confident in her teams of 16 dogs. 

I've a fantastic team, me and the dog member 17. I know I can coach them and keep them full together. I think that's part of the wild-card. The team is a wild-card. It's the best one I've ever had.

The winner will receive a prize of $50,400 and a new truck. 

 

 

Hollywood will be handing out awards tomorrow night the Academy Awards. NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports on some of the front runners. 

Two films this year dominate the predicted winners. The Best Picture Oscar could go to the saga '12 Years A Slave'. The stars of this film Chiwetel_Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o are also favored nominees. Or the Best Picture Award could go to the space thriller 'Gravity'. 'Gravity's director Alfonso Cuaron is a shoo-in for Best Director. Other expected winners are 'Dallas Buyers Club' actors Matthew McConaughey, and Jared Leto.And Cate Blanchett for the 'Blue Jasmine. Mandalit del Barco NPR News.