NPR News Now: March 21, 2025

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Source: NPR News
Release Date: March 22, 2025

Israeli Military Demolishes Palestinian Homes in Jenin

Timestamp: [00:14] - [01:15]

In a significant escalation of Israel's military operations in the West Bank, the Israeli military has ordered the demolition of 95 residential buildings in the Jenin refugee camp. This directive comes from Israeli commander Avi Bluth and marks a pivotal moment in the two-month-long counterterrorism campaign aimed at destabilizing terrorist activities in the region.

Key Points:

• Operational Necessity: The Israeli military has characterized the demolitions as an "operational necessity" ([00:32] Kat Laundsdorf), emphasizing the strategic importance of clearing the area to eliminate potential threats.
• Forced Evictions: Over 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced due to the ongoing military operations. Israeli officials have declared that displaced individuals will not be permitted to return, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
• Access to Belongings: While the Israeli military has stated that residents can "explore the possibility of getting their belongings" ([00:32] Kat Laundsdorf), Palestinian officials report that Israel has yet to facilitate the collection of personal items by the displaced families.

Kat Laundsdorf of NPR News in Tel Aviv reported that the Jenin operations have rendered the refugee camp largely empty, with the demolition of homes serving as a stark testament to the continuing conflict in the occupied West Bank.

U.S. Deploys 500 Troops to West Texas Border

Timestamp: [01:15] - [02:17]

In a strategic move, the Trump administration has deployed 500 army troops to an isolated segment of the U.S.-Mexico border in West Texas. This deployment is part of a broader military initiative to bolster border security amid ongoing immigration challenges.

Key Points:

• Support Role: Major General Jared Stefani clarified that the troops will not be directly involved in arresting migrants. Instead, their role will focus on detection and monitoring, providing essential information to Border Patrol agents who will handle law enforcement tasks ([01:36] Travis Bubinik).
• Operational Area: The troops are stationed in the Big Bend region, a sparsely populated desert area with historically low rates of illegal border crossings. Last month, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported fewer than 200 apprehensions in this region.
• Equipment and Locations: The deployment includes the use of combat Striker vehicles, and some troops are stationed within Big Bend National Park, a unique placement that underscores the strategic significance of the area.

Travis Bubinik of Marfa Public Radio emphasized the supportive nature of this military assistance, aiming to enhance the efficacy of Border Patrol operations without engaging in direct law enforcement activities.

Heathrow Airport Reopens After Electrical Substation Fire

Timestamp: [02:17] - [04:08]

Europe's busiest airport, Heathrow, has begun to resume flights approximately 18 hours after a significant fire at a nearby electrical substation caused a widespread power failure, leading to the temporary closure of the airport.

Key Points:

• Impact on Flights: Nearly 1,400 flights were affected, creating substantial disruptions for travelers. The restoration of services is expected to continue over the next few days as airlines work diligently to return to normal operations.
• Response from Heathrow Leadership: Thomas Wilby, CEO of Heathrow Airport, described the incident as "unprecedented" and highlighted the airport's commitment to safety and operational continuity. He stated, "Unless they have severe safety concerns, contingencies" will be enacted to maintain airport functions ([02:43] Thomas Wilby).
• Investigation and Safety Assurance: Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire. The UK's Energy Secretary has reassured the public that there is "no suggestion of foul play" involved in the incident ([02:54] Jeanine Hurst).

Jeanine Hurst reported from Washington, noting the resilience of Heathrow Airport in managing the crisis and working towards restoring full flight operations.

Commemorating 65 Years Since Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa

Timestamp: [02:54] - [03:26]

South Africa marks the 65th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, a tragic event that played a crucial role in the nation's fight against apartheid.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: On March 21, 1960, apartheid-era police shot and killed 69 unarmed protesters in Sharpeville, Johannesburg. These individuals were demonstrating against the oppressive pass laws that severely restricted the movement of non-white South Africans.
• Legacy and Remembrance: The Sharpeville Massacre became a defining moment that galvanized international opposition to apartheid. Today, March 21 is celebrated as Human Rights Day in South Africa, serving as a public holiday dedicated to the memory of those who fought for freedom and equality.
• Current Observances: Political parties and communities across the country hold various commemorative events to honor the victims and reflect on the progress made since the end of apartheid.

Kate Bartlett of NPR News in Johannesburg reported on the nationwide commemorations, highlighting the enduring impact of Sharpeville on South Africa's journey towards democracy and human rights.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to Make Second Close Approach to the Sun

Timestamp: [03:26] - [04:08]

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to embark on its second close encounter with the Sun, aiming to gather unprecedented data about the star's outer atmosphere and the mechanisms driving the solar wind.

Key Points:

• Mission Objectives: Scientists hope that the upcoming pass will provide deeper insights into the Sun's corona and improve understanding of solar phenomena that affect space weather and, consequently, life on Earth.
• Record-Breaking Mission: The Parker Solar Probe made a record-breaking first pass in December, approaching within 3.8 million miles of the Sun—the closest any human-made object has ever come. Launched in 2018, the probe is currently the fastest spacecraft ever built.

Jeanine Hurst highlighted the significance of the Parker Solar Probe's mission, emphasizing its role in advancing solar science and contributing to our knowledge of the fundamental processes governing our star.

Wall Street Closes Higher

Timestamp: [04:08] - [04:52]

The U.S. stock markets saw positive gains at the closing bell on March 21, 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 32 points, the NASDAQ increased by 92 points, and the S&P 500 gained 4 points.

Key Points:

• Market Performance: The upward movement in major indices reflects investor confidence and positive economic indicators influencing market trends.
• Economic Implications: While specific drivers of the day's market performance were not detailed, the gains suggest stability and optimism within the financial sector.

Jeanine Hurst reported from Washington, providing a concise update on the day's economic activity and signaling ongoing positive momentum in the stock markets.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections, such as messages from Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Warby Parker, have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the newsworthy content.