NPR News Now: March 15, 2025, 12 PM EDT

Nora Ramm brings you a comprehensive overview of today’s top stories, covering severe weather impacts in the United States, significant developments at the National Weather Service and the U.S. Postal Service, international efforts for peace in Ukraine, changes at Arlington National Cemetery, and the latest in space exploration.

Severe Weather Devastates Central and Southern United States

At least 13 lives have been lost due to severe weather sweeping across central and southern regions of the U.S., with multiple tornadoes reported and over 200,000 power outages affecting six states. The affected areas are grappling with extensive damage as officials and residents assess the aftermath.

Robbie Myers, Emergency Management Director of Butler County, Missouri, highlighted the extent of the destruction in Poplar Bluff:

“[00:44] It was just a big stretch where it hit, took a roof off, Kindergarten center did great damage to a grocery store, a church and that mobile home park and a library building. We're all in that same area. So that's probably going to be the biggest concentration of physical damage.”

The community is now focused on recovery efforts, addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term rebuilding needs.

National Weather Service Faces Significant Workforce Reduction

The National Weather Service (NWS) is undergoing drastic changes, with nearly 300 meteorologists and technicians no longer employed due to a combination of firings and resignations. This reduction includes scientists who specialized in forecast models, raising concerns about the accuracy and reliability of future weather predictions.

The union representing NWS staff expressed apprehension:

“[01:02] Experts say the cutbacks mean less accurate forecasts.”

The diminished workforce is expected to hinder the NWS's ability to provide precise and timely weather updates, potentially increasing risks during severe weather events.

U.S. Postal Service Partners with Elon Musk’s Doge Team Amid Controversy

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has entered into an agreement with Elon Musk's Doge team to explore efficiencies within the mail service. This collaboration is subject to strict limitations regarding access to postal workers' records, addressing concerns from postal unions.

Zila Wang reports:

“[01:36] The leaders of two Postal Service unions tell NPR that Postmaster General Louis Dejoy assured them the agreement prevents Elon Musk's Doge team from having unfettered access to the records of the more than half million postal employees.”

This move is part of a broader reorganization led by Postmaster General Louis Dejoy since 2021, which includes a voluntary early retirement program aimed at reducing the workforce by 10,000 employees. Additionally, the Trump administration is contemplating folding the independent mail agency into the Commerce Department, a proposal that faces potential legal challenges.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Leads Virtual Summit on Ukraine Peace Efforts

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a virtual summit with over two dozen world leaders, including NATO and EU officials, to garner support for a peace deal in Ukraine. The summit marks a significant step towards a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Vicki Barker details the outcomes:

“[02:29] After consulting with more than two dozen world leaders, including the heads of NATO and the EU, Keir Starmer said a high level military summit will convene in London on Thursday to discuss a possible peacekeeping mission for Ukraine.”

Starmer announced that multiple countries have committed to intensify sanctions and apply greater military pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to encourage negotiations. Notably, President Trump offered his support for a lasting peace, urging the realization of the proposed agreements:

“[02:53] President Trump: President Trump has offered Putin the way forward to a lasting peace. Now we must make this a reality.”

While the United States was not directly represented at the summit, Starmer emphasized ongoing daily communications with U.S. officials to align efforts.

Arlington National Cemetery Removes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Content

In alignment with a directive from President Trump to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the federal government, Arlington National Cemetery has begun removing sections related to prominent Black, Hispanic, and female veterans from its website. This action has sparked discussions about the preservation of veterans' diverse histories.

Ayanna Archie reports:

“[03:33] Articles, photos and videos seen as promoting DEI will be removed under the new approach that includes biographies of General Colin Powell, the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the 8666 Postal Corps, the first corps comprised only of black women to work overseas. Their stories are no longer prominent on the website, but can still be found using the search function.”

A U.S. official described the removals as a “digital content refresh,” emphasizing that the content is not deleted but less accessible. This move reflects broader governmental shifts away from DEI-focused programs and raises questions about the acknowledgment and celebration of diverse contributions within national institutions.

SpaceX Successfully Launches Rocket to the International Space Station

A SpaceX rocket successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking another milestone in commercial space exploration. The mission is scheduled to deliver four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS): two from the United States, one from Russia, and one from Japan.

Nora Ramm provides the mission details:

“[04:08] It’s expected to arrive at the International Space Station tonight carrying four people, two from the U.S., one from Russia, and one from Japan. They’ll replace Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who’ve been on the orbiting outpost for nine months.”

The mission faced initial setbacks when the Boeing Starliner capsule encountered issues, prompting NASA to redirect the crew’s return to an empty capsule. Consequently, the two astronauts are now expected to depart the ISS and return to Earth next week, concluding their extended stay on the space station.

Stay informed with NPR News Now for the latest updates on these and other stories throughout the day.