NPR News Now: March 15, 2025, 6PM EDT – Detailed Summary

Hosted by NPR, "NPR News Now" provides the latest news in a concise, five-minute format. The March 15, 2025, episode covers significant developments in U.S. politics, severe weather events, public health studies, and cultural celebrations.

1. President Trump Invokes the Alien Enemies Act Against Venezuelan Group

Jeanine Herbst opens the episode by reporting that President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua. This action follows an executive order signed in January that designated the group as a terrorist organization, setting the stage for the current presidential declaration.

• Legal Challenges: Just hours before the declaration, a federal judge issued a temporary stay preventing the deportation of five Venezuelan men associated with the gang. The judge cited their ties to terrorism and the risk they face if deported without a court hearing. This stay allows the men to remain in the U.S. for 14 days pending an emergency hearing.

• Executive Order Implications: In addition to targeting Tren de Aragua, President Trump’s sweeping executive order aims to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) along with six other federal agencies. This move is part of an effort to reduce taxpayer spending and streamline government functions.

Chloe Veltman provides further insights into the impact of dismantling the IMLS:

• The IMLS is the primary federal funding source for 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums across the nation. Its grants support diverse programs, including children's art exhibitions at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and indigenous language workshops in Hawaiian libraries.

• A White House fact sheet justifies the cuts by claiming they will save taxpayer dollars and eliminate unnecessary government spending. The IMLS has not yet responded to NPR’s request for comment. (Timestamp: 00:16 - 01:18)

2. Severe Weather Devastates the Central United States

The episode shifts focus to the severe weather sweeping across the southern United States, with Jeanine Herbst reporting on the deadly tornadoes that have resulted in at least 17 fatalities, including 14 in Missouri and Arkansas. The widespread damage from these tornadoes sets the stage for ongoing severe weather threats.

Molly Samuel from WABE Atlanta elaborates on the situation:

• The central U.S. is experiencing damaging winds, wildfires, and tornadoes, with the National Weather Service predicting the severe weather to continue into the morning. There is a significant potential for numerous major tornadoes.

• In response, governors in several states, including Alabama and Missouri, have declared states of emergency. Specifically, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued an emergency declaration ahead of the severe weather anticipated to hit the state Saturday night. Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of preparation, noting that the storm could strike when people are least alert, such as during their nighttime routines. (Timestamp: 02:01 - 02:59)

Additional details include:

• National Weather Service has issued tornado watches for Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
• Power Outages: Over 90,000 customers in Missouri are currently without power, according to Poweroutage.us.

This segment underscores the urgent need for preparedness and the ongoing risks posed by severe weather in the region.

3. Health Risks from Wildfires in Urban Areas Highlighted by New Study

Transitioning from weather-related disasters, Jeanine Herbst introduces a new study published in Science Advances that examines the health impacts of wildfires burning into urban areas compared to those in natural landscapes.

Alejandra Burunda reports on the findings:

• Wildfire smoke is linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory and heart problems, as well as mental health emergencies. However, fires in the wildland-urban interface (areas where human-made structures and wildland vegetation meet) pose even greater risks.

• Wenfu Tung of the National Center for Atmospheric Research explains that emissions from these urban-interface fires are three times more likely to result in premature deaths compared to emissions from wildland fires alone.

• The heightened health impacts are attributed to the proximity of these fires to populations, leading to increased smoke exposure. Additionally, fires that burn through homes and vehicles release toxic materials, potentially making the smoke more hazardous. (Timestamp: 02:59 - 03:55)

This study highlights the critical need for effective wildfire management strategies, especially in areas where urban development intersects with wildlands.

4. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Light Up Chicago

Concluding the episode on a cultural note, Jeanine Herbst describes the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations taking place in Chicago. This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday, leading to weekend festivities that include the traditional dyeing of the Chicago River a vivid Kelly green color.

• Historical Tradition: Members of the Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union Local 130 have been dyeing the river green for 63 years, marking the occasion with boats spraying non-toxic green dye into the water.

• Public Engagement: Thousands of people gather along the river and bridges, cheering as the transformation unfolds, showcasing Chicago’s enduring cultural heritage.

Officials assure the public that the dye used is non-toxic, ensuring the event is both celebratory and safe for the environment. (Timestamp: 04:18 - 04:56)

Conclusion

This episode of "NPR News Now" delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing national issues, including presidential actions affecting immigration and federal agencies, severe weather disasters with significant human and infrastructural costs, important public health research on wildfires, and cultural celebrations that bring communities together. Through engaging reporting and expert insights, listeners are kept informed on current events shaping the United States.