NPR News Now

Episode: March 20, 2025, 1PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Release Date: March 20, 2025

1. U.S. Postal Service Union Rallies Against Restructuring Efforts

[00:13]
Host Lakshmi Singh opens the episode by highlighting significant unrest within the United States Postal Service (USPS). The American Postal Workers Union (APWU), one of the largest unions representing USPS employees, is orchestrating rallies across more than 100 locations nationwide.

[00:32]
Reporter Hansi Lo Wang details the union's opposition to President Trump's recent comments and his administration's proposals. The Trump administration is reportedly considering delegating control of the USPS to the Department of Commerce, a move that critics argue undermines the agency's intended independence established by Congress.

[00:59]
APWU President Mark Diminstein passionately states, “We say over and over the US Mail is not for sale. Hands off her public postal Service” ([00:59]). Diminstein expresses concerns that privatization could lead to increased shipping rates and the closure of local post offices, fundamentally altering the service's accessibility and reliability.

[01:04]
Adding to the tension, Hansi Lo Wang reports that the USPS has signed an agreement to collaborate with Elon Musk's Doge team, aiming to introduce efficiencies. This partnership has further fueled the union's fears regarding potential privatization and the future of the postal service.

2. Pentagon Removes Content Highlighting African American Veterans

[01:11]
Shifting focus, Lakshmi Singh reports on significant changes within the Pentagon’s digital content. The Pentagon has reinstated pages that honor African American veterans, including notable figures like Jackie Robinson, the Tuskegee Airmen, Major General Charles Calvin Rogers, Navajo Code Talkers, and the Japanese American 442nd Combat Regiment.

[01:11]
According to unnamed defense officials cited by Singh, these pages were previously removed during a comprehensive review aimed at eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) materials, aligning with policy directives from the Trump administration. This action underscores ongoing debates about representation and recognition within military narratives.

3. Escalating Conflict in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Breakdowns

[01:11]
Lakshmi Singh transitions to international affairs, reporting on the intensifying conflict in Gaza. Reporter Kat Lahnsdorf provides an in-depth look at recent Israeli military actions against Hamas, highlighting a significant uptick in violence that has led to numerous Palestinian casualties.

[02:10]
Kat Lahnsdorf explains that Israel has reactivated the Netzerim Corridor, a strategic area that previously served as a passageway within Gaza. Initially closed as part of ceasefire agreements, the corridor has seen fluctuating access, now being partially restricted again following renewed military offensives.

[02:10]
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 70 Palestinians in a single day, as reported by local health officials. Israel justifies its actions as necessary to pressure Hamas into renegotiating the ceasefire terms established in January. However, Hamas remains committed to the original agreement, with ongoing discussions mediated by third parties.

4. Financial Markets Update

[02:54]
Turning to economic news, Lakshmi Singh provides a snapshot of the current U.S. stock market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has risen by 58 points to 42,026, while the Nasdaq has declined by 41 points, and the S&P 500 is down by 6 points. This mixed performance reflects the market's volatility amid various national and international developments.

5. Potential Ownership Change for the Boston Celtics

[02:54]
In sports news, Singh announces that the Boston Celtics may soon be changing ownership. Boston Basketball Partners LLC has revealed plans to sell the team to an investment group led by William Chisholm for a record-breaking $6.1 billion. The sale is pending final approval from the NBA Board of Governors, a necessary step before the transaction is finalized.

6. Vernal Equinox Celebrations Worldwide

[02:54]
The episode also touches upon global cultural events, noting the arrival of the vernal equinox. Stonehenge at sunrise in Southeast England served as a grand backdrop for celebrations marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Countries including Iran, Japan, and Mexico are hosting various festivities to honor the seasonal transition.

7. Study Advocates for Free Admission to Art Museums

[04:10]
A new study suggests that art museums across the United States should eliminate entry fees to enhance public access. Reporter Chloe Veltman outlines the research conducted by the Re:Museum think tank, which analyzed operational costs and visitor statistics of over 150 U.S. museums.

[04:14]
Stephen Riley, founding director of Re:Museum, emphasizes, “High entry fees are a major reason why people don't go to art museums” ([04:14]). The study indicates that removing admission charges could lower the cost per visitor, particularly benefiting small and mid-sized institutions.

[04:30]
Mark Diminstein counters, stating, “Museums are not businesses. They're philanthropic institutions providing a public good for people” ([04:30]). He argues that while the move towards free admission has merits, it doesn't suit every museum, and the study does not explore alternative revenue streams to compensate for lost income.

[04:35]
Stephen Riley acknowledges the complexities, noting that not all museums may find it feasible to operate without entry fees and that further research is needed to explore sustainable financial models for free access.

8. Closing Remarks

[04:46]
Lakshmi Singh wraps up the news segment from Washington, summarizing the key developments and their implications both domestically and internationally.

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues ranging from labor disputes and military strategies to economic trends and cultural developments. Through detailed reporting and inclusion of expert opinions, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of the current events shaping the United States and the world.