NPR News Now: March 15, 2025, 7 AM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder

Live from NPR News in Washington, Giles Snyder brings you the latest updates covering a range of national and international issues affecting communities across the United States and beyond.

Severe Weather Disrupts St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the South

Timestamp: 00:17

Forecasters have issued warnings about dangerous weather heading into the Deep South, following multiple tornado reports in the Midwest. Significant tornado damage has been reported in Cave City, Arkansas, prompting concerns over safety and local festivities.

Pat Shingleton, one of the lead organizers of Baton Rouge's longest-running St. Patrick’s Day parade, shared insights on the impact of the severe weather:

• [00:41] Pat Shingleton: "The threat of high wind and tornadoes in some areas led organizers... to reschedule for Sunday."

This marks the first time in the parade's 40-year history that weather has forced a schedule change. While the rescheduled parade will be smaller, it will still feature traditional elements such as floats and a bagpipe group. Additionally, tornado threats have led to the cancellation of other parades in New Orleans and Huntsville.

Department of Education Shutdown Sparks Legal Battles

Timestamp: 01:19

President Trump's administration continues its efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, facing substantial opposition from Democratic-led states. More than a dozen states have filed legal actions against the administration's move to lay off half of the agency's staff.

Windsor Johnston reports on the situation:

• [01:33] Windsor Johnston: "The Department of Education has already closed seven of its 12 civil rights offices, including its location in San Francisco..."

These offices play a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities and those facing harassment based on race, ethnicity, and gender. Critics argue that only Congress holds the authority to abolish such an agency, emphasizing the department's essential role in safeguarding the education and well-being of children, particularly those from low-income families. The administration's actions align with a long-standing Republican objective but have ignited widespread protests and debates over the future of education policy and civil rights protections.

U.S. Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

Timestamp: 02:16

The White House has criticized Hamas for making unreasonable demands in the ongoing negotiations to extend a ceasefire in Gaza. According to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy:

• [02:16] Steve Witkoff: "Hamas is privately making impractical demands and that time is not on Hamas's side."

Hamas has publicly stated its willingness to release one American hostage and the bodies of four other hostages. Meanwhile, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, a former Democratic vice presidential nominee, is actively engaging with communities through town hall meetings. These efforts come as Republican members of Congress face increasingly hostile crowds during their events.

Controversy Over Diversity Programs and Executive Orders

Timestamp: 03:10

A federal appeals court has temporarily lifted a block on President Trump's executive order aimed at banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies and businesses holding government contracts. This decision permits the enforcement of the order while legal challenges continue.

Giles Snyder highlights ongoing political maneuvers:

• [03:10] Giles Snyder: "Wells is to hold town hall meetings in Republican districts in Nebraska and Wisconsin this weekend."

These developments are part of a broader national debate over DEI initiatives and their role in public and private sectors.

Student Protest at Walla Walla University Highlights LGBTQ Rights Issues

Timestamp: 03:49

At Walla Walla University, affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, students are protesting the banning of a student from running for student body president due to his same-sex relationship. Jenny Peiser, Legal Director at Lambda Legal, provides context:

• [03:49] Jenny Peiser: "Either way, recent cuts to the agency that oversees Title IX violations mean that enforcement could be hard to come by."

The university maintains that campus leaders must "advocate for and model Seventh-day Advent" beliefs and behaviors, placing the issue in a legal gray area. With the Department of Education's capacity to enforce Title IX diminished, the situation raises significant concerns about the protection of LGBTQ rights on campus.

• [04:16] Windsor Johnston: "Become a sort of a vacuum."

• [04:19] Jenny Peiser: "If there's no civil rights enforcers, there's no Department of Education, it's all now."

These developments underscore the challenges faced by LGBTQ students in institutions with strong religious affiliations and limited oversight.

Astronaut Replacements on Their Way to the International Space Station

Timestamp: 04:31

NASA announces that replacements for the two astronauts who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months are en route. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are expected to arrive at the ISS later tonight and return to Earth next week, after an unexpected malfunction with the Boeing Starliner capsule extended their mission from the planned one week.

Giles Snyder emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of the space mission team:

• [04:31] Giles Snyder: "They were only supposed to remain aboard the station for a week, but the Boeing Starliner capsule they were testing malfunctioned."

This successful deployment of replacement astronauts ensures the continuation of critical research and maintenance on the ISS.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing issues, from severe weather disrupting beloved cultural events to significant political battles over education and civil rights. International tensions persist with delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, while domestic debates over diversity programs and LGBTQ rights continue to shape the national conversation. Additionally, NASA's ongoing missions highlight the ever-present human endeavor to explore and advance in space.

Stay informed with NPR News Now for concise and up-to-date coverage of the stories that matter.