NPR News Now: March 21, 2025 – Episode Summary
Hosted by Dave Mattingly
1. President Trump's Executive Order to Dismantle the Department of Education
Reporter: Deepa Shivaram
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at significantly reducing the scope of the Department of Education. While the department won’t be entirely eliminated—an action requiring congressional approval—the order seeks to scale down its operations. President Trump justified this move by pointing to declining reading and math test scores during the pandemic.
“We're not doing well with the world of education and in this country, and we haven't for a long time,” Trump stated [00:53].
Despite the reduction, essential programs such as Pell grants, Title I resources, and funding for students with disabilities and special needs will continue. These programs will be managed by other federal departments and agencies, ensuring that support for vulnerable student populations remains intact.
Key Points:
- The executive order targets a significant reduction of the Department of Education.
- Complete elimination would require an act of Congress.
- Programs supporting disadvantaged students will continue under different management.
2. Justice Department Charges Individuals in Violent Attacks on Tesla Facilities
Reporter: Windsor Johnston
The Justice Department has charged three individuals in connection with a series of violent attacks on Tesla dealerships and facilities across the United States. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled these attacks as acts of domestic terrorism.
“These attacks represent a clear and present danger to our communities and the stability of our society,” stated AG Pam Bondi [01:14].
Details of the charges include:
- Oregon: A suspect was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership while armed with an AR15 rifle.
- Colorado: Another individual faced charges for attempting to ignite Tesla vehicles.
- South Carolina: A third person was charged with vandalizing Tesla charging stations with anti-Trump messages before setting them on fire.
Authorities have linked these attacks to resentment over mass layoffs orchestrated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years.
Key Points:
- Three individuals charged with attacks on Tesla facilities.
- Attacks deemed acts of domestic terrorism.
- Motivated by anger over Tesla’s mass layoffs.
3. NTSB Recommends Urgent Bridge Safety Assessments
Reporter: Jennifer Homendy
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that 68 bridges across the United States undergo evaluations to assess their vulnerability to catastrophic collapse from vessel collisions. This urgent safety measure affects 19 states.
“The lack of timely assessments can lead to preventable tragedies,” emphasized NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy [02:26].
Homendy criticized the Maryland Transportation Authority for failing to assess the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore for decades. Last year, a cargo ship collided with the bridge support, causing large sections to collapse and resulting in the deaths of six maintenance workers.
Key Points:
- 68 bridges recommended for safety evaluations.
- Focus on preventing collapses from vessel collisions.
- Criticism of Maryland Transportation Authority’s inaction on the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
4. Heathrow Airport Closure Due to Electrical Substation Fire
Heathrow Airport in London experienced significant disruptions as a fire at a nearby electrical substation knocked out power to the facility. The closure affected thousands of airline flights, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Key Points:
- Fire at electrical substation led to Heathrow Airport shutdown.
- Major disruptions to flights affecting thousands of passengers.
- Highlights the impact of infrastructure failures on global transportation hubs.
5. Kirsty Coventry Elected as First Female and African President of the IOC
Reporter: Dave Mattingly
In a historic election, Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the International Olympic Committee’s first female president and the first African to hold the position. Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Zimbabwe, was chosen from among seven candidates and will serve an eight-year term.
Key Points:
- Kirsty Coventry breaks barriers as first female and African IOC president.
- Brings a diverse perspective to the leadership of the International Olympic Committee.
- Coventry’s background as an Olympic champion underscores her commitment to sports.
6. Boston Celtics Sold for a Record $6.1 Billion
Reporter: Tovia Smith
A consortium led by Tech CEO William Chisholm of Symphony Technology Group has agreed to purchase the NBA’s Boston Celtics for a staggering $6.1 billion, setting a new record for a sports franchise in North America. Current CEO Wick Grousbach will remain with the team for the next three years pending approval by the NBA Board of Governors.
“Chisholm appreciates the importance of the Celtics and burns with a passion to win,” stated Wick Grousbach [03:52].
This sale follows the record-breaking $315 million contract signed by superstar Jayson Tatum last summer, reflecting the escalating financial landscape of professional sports.
Key Points:
- Boston Celtics sold for a record $6.1 billion.
- Purchase led by William Chisholm of Symphony Technology Group.
- Current CEO to stay on for three years; awaiting NBA approval.
- Reflects the increasing valuation of major sports franchises.
7. McNeese State University's Historic NCAA Basketball Upset
Reporter: Dave Mattingly
In a landmark moment for McNeese State University, the men's basketball team, seeded 12th, upset the 5th seed Clemson Tigers with a close score of 69-67 in the NCAA tournament. This victory marks the school's first-ever tournament win, making it one of the most memorable days in the university's history.
Key Points:
- McNeese State's men's basketball team achieves first NCAA tournament win.
- Defeated 5th seed Clemson with a score of 69-67.
- Represents a significant milestone for the university’s athletic program.
This summary provides an overview of the key stories covered in the NPR News Now episode released on March 21, 2025. For detailed updates and continuous news coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now.