NPR News: 03-17-2025 7AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: March 17, 2025, 7AM EDT – Detailed Summary

Host: Korva Coleman | Source: NPR News

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1. Devastating Storms Ravage Midwest and South

Timestamp: [00:16]

NPR News Now opened with a somber report from Korva Coleman regarding the severe weather that struck the Midwest and Southern United States over the weekend. Coleman detailed that "deadly storms killed at least 39 people" across these regions, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the events.

Rylan Barton’s Report: [00:30]

Meteorologist Rylan Barton provided an in-depth analysis of the storm systems. The Southeastern states experienced sudden dust storms accompanied by hurricane-strength winds, which proved fatal. Barton described the severity, noting that "the system dropped baseball-sized hail in some places and produced dozens of deadly tornadoes."

Impact by State:

• Mississippi: Governor Tate Reeves confirmed six fatalities attributed to tornadoes. The state witnessed extensive damage, with numerous homes, schools, and businesses either destroyed or severely damaged.

• Missouri: Governor Mike Cahoe reported twelve deaths and significant infrastructural devastation. "Hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have been destroyed or severely damaged," Cahoe stated, emphasizing the extensive impact on the community.

• Arkansas: The National Weather Service identified two of the tornadoes as likely F4, the second-highest classification, with one tornado reaching estimated peak winds of 170 miles per hour. This level of intensity underscores the extraordinary force of the storms.

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2. Trump Administration’s Controversial Deportations to El Salvador

Initial Report by Korva Coleman: [01:04]

Korva Coleman shifted focus to immigration, reporting that the Trump administration has deported over 200 alleged criminals to El Salvador. This action was taken after President Trump invoked a rarely used wartime law intended to prevent foreign invasions of the U.S.

Legal Challenges:

A federal judge issued a verbal order for the Trump administration to cease these deportation flights. However, the administration did not comply with the directive, leading to heightened legal and diplomatic tensions.

Eder Peralta’s In-Depth Coverage: [01:32]

Reporter Eder Peralta provided additional insights, showcasing videos released by the Government of El Salvador. These videos depict U.S. Border Patrol agents handing over dozens of men to Salvadoran authorities, where they are then seen in chains, escorted by armed guards. The detainees undergo shaving before being transported to El Salvador's maximum-security prisons.

Statements from Salvadoran Leadership:

Salvadoran President Aboukele remarked, “The U.S. will pay a very low fee to keep them in prison for a year,” referring to the cost of housing these detainees. Furthermore, a presidential spokeswoman clarified that it remains unclear whether these individuals had been convicted of crimes in the United States, raising questions about the legal basis for their deportation.

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3. Ongoing Efforts for an Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Introduction by Korva Coleman: [02:14]

Korva Coleman reported on the international efforts to negotiate a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aimed at releasing more hostages in Gaza. Egyptian and Qatari mediators are at the forefront of these negotiations, seeking to broker peace and secure the safe return of captives.

Daniel Estrin’s Detailed Report: [02:27]

Reporter Daniel Estrin elaborated on the complexities of the negotiations:

• Israel’s Demands: Immediate release of 11 out of the 24 living hostages currently held in Gaza.

• United States’ Position: The U.S. is advocating for an exchange that includes hostages and Palestinian prisoners, alongside a prolonged ceasefire mechanism to establish a lasting end to the conflict.

• Hamas’ Stance: While Hamas has agreed to release one living American-Israeli hostage, they are insisting on initiating talks aimed at permanently ending the war. However, Israel remains hesitant to commit to a full cessation of hostilities as Hamas continues to maintain control over Gaza.

• Israeli Leadership Changes: In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to dismiss his domestic intelligence chief, citing a loss of trust. This security chief had been a key proponent of the ongoing hostage release agreements with Hamas, indicating potential shifts in Israel’s strategic approach to the conflict.

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4. Tragic Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia

Report by Korva Coleman: [03:10]

Korva Coleman conveyed heartbreaking news from North Macedonia, where a nightclub fire resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals, including several teenagers. Early investigations suggest that the club was operating at twice its capacity, leading to overcrowding. Additionally, performers are suspected of using pyrotechnics during their show, which may have exacerbated the fire's spread and intensity.

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5. Astronauts’ Extended Stay and New Crew Arrival at the International Space Station

Initial Update by Korva Coleman: [03:10]

In space news, Coleman reported that four newly arrived astronauts have docked with the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant crew rotation.

Joe Hernandez’s Detailed Coverage:

• Unexpected Extended Mission: [03:52]

  Reporter Joe Hernandez explained that astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were originally scheduled for a one-week mission launched in June. However, due to complications with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, NASA decided to extend their stay on the ISS, resulting in a total duration of over nine months—substantially longer than initially planned.

• Crew 10’s Arrival and Integration: [04:09]

  The replacement crew, designated as Crew 10, arrived at the ISS early Sunday morning. Upon arrival, they were warmly received with hugs and smiles by the existing astronauts, including Williams and Wilmore. This seamless transition underscores the collaborative spirit aboard the space station.

• Plans for Crew Rotation: [04:12]

  The incoming Crew 10, consisting of two NASA astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut, are set to replace the extended pair. Williams, Wilmore, and their colleagues are preparing for their return journey to Earth, scheduled to depart as early as Wednesday, bringing their prolonged mission to a close.

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6. Passing of Former Congresswoman Nita Lowy

Obituary by Korva Coleman: [04:32]

In a heartfelt segment, Korva Coleman announced the passing of Nita Lowy, a former Democratic Congresswoman from New York, who died at the age of 87. Lowy succumbed to breast cancer at her home in Harrison, New York.

Legacy and Achievements:

Nita Lowy was a trailblazer in American politics, notably serving as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Under her leadership, the committee became one of the most powerful in the House of Representatives, wielding significant influence over federal spending and budgetary matters. Her dedication and pioneering spirit left an indelible mark on Congress and paved the way for future generations of women in politics.

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This summary encapsulates the key stories and developments featured in the March 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and readers alike.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. Deadly storms killed at least 39 people over the weekend across the Midwest and South. Sudden dust storms in the planes killed motorists with Hurricane strength winds. NPR's Rylan Barton reports. There was more volatile weather in the.

[Rylan Barton]

Southeastern from the east side on Friday and Saturday. The system dropped baseball sized hail in some places produced dozens of deadly tornadoes. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said that six people were killed in tornadoes there. Also, 12 people died in Missouri, where Governor Mike Cahoe said yesterday that hundreds of homes, schools and businesses were destroyed or severely damaged. In Arkansas, the National Weather Service said that damage from two of the tornadoes there showed they were likely F4s. That's the second strongest class of tornadoes, with one of them estimated to have a peak wind of 170 miles an hour.

[Korva Coleman]

NPR's Ryland Barton reporting. The Trump administration has deported more than 200 alleged criminals to El Salvador. That came after President Trump invoked a rarely used wartime law that's supposed to be used to stop another country from invading the U.S. a federal judge verbally ordered the Trump administration to stop the deportation flights, but the administration did not comply. NPR's Eder Peralta reports. El Salvador has sent the people to prison.

[Eder Peralta]

Government of El Salvador released videos showing U.S. border Patrol handing over dozens of men. Then the videos show the men in chains being escorted by armed guards. The videos show the men being shaved and then taken to El Salvador's maximum security prison. Salvadoran President Aboukele said 238 of them were members of the Venezuelan gang Trend and another 23 were Salvadoran gang members. The U.S. he said, would pay a, quote, very low fee to keep them in prison for a year. A spokeswoman for the presidency told NPR they did not yet know whether these detainees had been convicted in the United States. Ada Peralta, NPR News, Mexico City.

[Korva Coleman]

Egyptian and Qatari mediators are trying to negotiate a new Israel Hamas ceasefire deal to release more hostages in Gaza. But NPR's Daniel Estrom reports there are outstanding disputes.

[Daniel Estrin]

Israel is demanding the immediate release of 11 out of the 24 living hostages still held in Gaza. The US is calling for an exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and an extension of the ceasefire for many weeks to try to reach a permanent end of the war. Hamas says it will release one living American Israeli hostage, but is demanding immediate talks on permanently ending the war. Israel is not yet ready to commit to an end of the war, with Hamas still ruling Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants to fire his domestic intelligence chief because he has lost trust in him. The security chief has been a main proponent of a hostage release deal with Hamas. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Korva Coleman]

You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Officials in north Macedonia are investigating a deadly nightclub fire that killed at least 59 people and left scores of others injured. Teenagers are among the dead. Initial reports suggest the club may have been overcrowded at twice its capacity and that performers may have used pyrotechnics as part of their show. Four newly arrived astronauts are getting used to the International Space Station. They docked yesterday morning. They're part of a crew who will replace two NASA astronauts. NPR's Joe Hernandez reports that pair of astronauts has been on the station for nine months, a lot longer than was planned.

[Joe Hernandez]

Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were only supposed to be in space around a week when they launched into orbit last June. But after issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, NASA decided to keep them at the International Space Station, where they've remained for more than nine months. Now they can go home.

[Rylan Barton]

Crew 10 welcome aboard the International Space Station.

[Joe Hernandez]

The replacement crew arrived at the ISS early Sunday morning and were greeted with hugs and smiles by Williams, Wilmore and the other astronauts aboard the space station. Williams, Wilmore, another NASA astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut are set to begin their journey back to Earth as soon as Wednesday. Joe Hernandez, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

Former New York Democratic Congresswoman Nita Lowy has died at the age of 87. Her family says she died at home in Harrison, New York, of breast cancer. Loi rose to chair one of the most powerful committees in the House, the Appropriations Committee. She was the first woman to do so. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News, from Washington.

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