NPR News Now: March 18, 2025, 3PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Source: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes, updated hourly.
1. Israel Ends Ceasefire, Launches New Offensive in Gaza
Key Points:
- Ceasefire Termination: Israel has declared the ceasefire in Gaza over and has initiated a new military offensive named Operation Strengthen Sword.
- Violence Escalates: Overnight airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 400 people and injured at least 500 in Gaza, according to local health officials.
- Netanyahu's Announcement: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the intensification of actions against Hamas in his televised address.
Notable Quote:
"From now on, Israel will take growing action against Hamas with greater intensity. From now on, negotiations will only be under fire. Hamas has already felt over the last 24 hours the Israeli strength. And I want to promise to you and to Hamas this is just the beginning."
— Benjamin Netanyahu [00:41]
Background:
- Previous Ceasefire: In January, a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas led to the release of 33 hostages by Hamas and close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
- Ceasefire Phases: The first phase concluded in early March without initiating the second phase, as Israel demanded additional hostages' release before resuming war talks.
2. U.S. and Russia Agree to Commence Ceasefire Talks in Ukraine
Key Points:
- Bilateral Discussions: President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to initiate talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Focus Areas: Discussions will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire and maritime negotiations in the Black Sea.
- Middle East Involvement: The talks are set to start in the Middle East region.
Notable Quote:
"Any move toward peace will begin with a, quote, energy and infrastructure ceasefire as well as negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea."
— Asma Khalid, NPR News [01:36]
Context:
- Preceding Events: This agreement follows a high-profile phone call between Trump and Putin, marking Trump's first conversation with the Russian leader since Ukraine's recent month-long ceasefire.
- Objective: The ultimate goal is to achieve an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine through diplomatic negotiations.
3. Administration Revises Policies on Segregated Facilities in Federal Contracts
Key Points:
- Policy Change: A recent memo from the General Services Administration alters the stance on segregated facilities in federal contracts.
- Implications: Facilities such as restaurants and waiting rooms are no longer explicitly banned in contracts.
- Legal Perspective: Despite the memo, businesses remain legally bound to comply with existing anti-segregation and anti-discrimination laws.
Notable Quote:
"So it's symbolic, but it's incredibly meaningful in its symbolism."
— Melissa Murray, Law Professor at NYU [02:58]
Details:
- Executive Orders Influence: The change was prompted by President Trump's executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion and gender identity.
- Civil Rights Protections: Melissa Murray highlighted that civil rights protections regarding segregation have been in place since the 1960s, reinforcing that businesses must adhere to these enduring laws despite the memo.
4. DOJ Defends Migrant Deportation Flights Amid Judicial Opposition
Key Points:
- Deportation Controversy: The Department of Justice is defending recent deportation flights carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members, despite a U.S. District Judge's order to halt the flights.
- Presidential Reaction: President Trump took to social media, seemingly calling for the impeachment of the judge overseeing the case.
- Judicial Integrity: Chief Justice John Roberts intervened, stating that such calls for impeachment are inappropriate.
Notable Quote:
"It's only been for high crimes and misdemeanors, and usually it is something like bribery or some other clear criminal activity."
— Carl Tobias, University of Richmond Law Professor [03:45]
Analysis:
- Legal Boundaries: Carl Tobias emphasized that impeachment of a judge for a decision based on presidential disagreement is unprecedented, as impeachment is reserved for serious offenses like bribery.
- Historical Context: No judge has ever been impeached solely for a judicial decision, highlighting the gravity and unlikelihood of such an action.
5. California Legislature Debates Redirecting Climate Funds to Reduce Living Costs
Key Points:
- Funding Reallocation: The California Legislature is considering redirecting funds from the state’s greenhouse gas reduction initiatives to programs aimed at lowering the cost of living.
- Economic Pressures: Rising energy prices and other living costs have significantly impacted residents, prompting the need for financial relief measures.
- Current Fund Allocation: A substantial portion of the state’s greenhouse gas reduction fund currently supports long-term projects in areas like housing, transportation, and urban transit.
Notable Quote:
"Approach is sustainable or whether we need to be thinking about giving money back to people."
— Michael Worra, Stanford Climate Research Scholar [04:35]
Insights:
- Potential Shifts: Lawmakers are weighing whether maintaining sustainable long-term projects is feasible or if immediate financial assistance to residents should take precedence.
- Proposed Solutions: This could involve providing larger credits to help lower residential electricity bills, thereby directly addressing the financial strain on Californians.
Conclusion
Today's episode of NPR News Now covered significant global and national developments, including escalating conflict in Gaza, diplomatic efforts towards peace in Ukraine, policy changes affecting federal contracts, contentious deportation practices, and legislative debates in California. Notable figures such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and legal experts provided in-depth insights into these pressing issues, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of current events shaping our world.