NPR News Now: March 23, 2025, 9 PM EDT

NPR News Now delivers the latest news updates every five minutes. In the March 23, 2025, episode hosted by Luis Schiavone, the program covered a range of significant topics from international relations to local U.S. politics, as well as notable obituaries. Below is a detailed summary of the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from this episode.

Venezuela Resumes Repatriation Flights Amid U.S.-Venezuelan Tensions

Timestamp: [00:16] - [00:40]

Luis Schiavone opens the episode with a report on Venezuela's decision to resume repatriation flights for its citizens deported from the United States. This move comes after a halt imposed by Venezuela's leadership and threats from the Trump administration to impose additional sanctions if flights did not resume.

NPR's Carrie Kahn provides an in-depth look into the situation:

• Announcement: Jorge Rodriguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly, declared the resumption of flights via Instagram. Rodriguez emphasized that "migration is not a crime and Venezuela will not rest until it secures the return of all those who require it."
• Context: Recently, over 200 Venezuelan migrants were sent to El Salvador by the U.S., with claims that most were affiliated with violent gangs. Venezuelan President Maduro denounced these deportations as kidnappings and demanded their return.
• Economic Implications: The agreement to accept repatriation flights coincides with Trump's consideration to extend Chevron's oil operating license in Venezuela, a crucial source of revenue for the beleaguered nation.

Carrie Kahn concludes that the resumption of flights is a strategic move by Venezuela to ease diplomatic tensions and secure essential economic benefits.

Public Outcry at Kentucky Town Hall Over Congressman Andy Barr’s Policies

Timestamp: [01:24] - [02:22]

In Lexington, Kentucky, a sizable public turnout marked a "people's town hall" aimed at holding Congressman Andy Barr accountable for his recent actions and policies. According to reporter John McGarry from WEKU:

• Event Details: Over 900 attendees gathered at the historic Kentucky Theater, with dozens openly expressing their frustration and anger towards Congressman Barr.

• Key Concerns: Cancer survivor Kim Edwards voiced significant worries regarding the Trump administration's stance on research funding, highlighting the administration's "freeze the court interventions, the drastic cuts to any IH grants," which she believes have disrupted critical cancer research that saved her life.

  Quote from Kim Edwards [01:56]:

  "His freeze the court interventions, the drastic cuts to any IH grants, all of these have thrown our nation's research on cancer into chaos."

• Organizers’ Perspective: The town hall was spearheaded by "Gathering for Democracy," a group positioning itself as cross-partisan. This initiative came after Barr announced his own teletown hall earlier in the week, which he had projected could attract up to 75,000 participants.

John McGarry underscores the community's demand for greater accountability and support for scientific research, reflecting broader national concerns about funding priorities.

Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia Lack Direct Ukrainian-Russian Engagement

Timestamp: [02:22] - [03:13]

Luis Schiavone reports on the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, focusing on the upcoming ceasefire talks scheduled in Saudi Arabia. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley provides comprehensive coverage:

• Negotiation Dynamics: Ukrainian and Russian delegations will not engage directly during the ceasefire talks. Instead, discussions will be mediated by U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

• Kiev's Skepticism: Ongoing drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities have fostered deep mistrust in the negotiating process. Hanadi Harasimov, a taxi driver from Kyiv, expressed her doubts:

  Quote from Hanadi Harasimov [02:34]:

  "The fact is it's a big show, really. There will be no truce, because Putin does not want peace and Trump doesn't look like the leader of a big country that's defending democracy."

• Path to Peace: Harasimov asserts that the only viable solution to end the war is for the West to assist Ukraine in repelling Russian forces effectively.

  Quote from Harasimov [02:34]:

  "The only way to end this war is if the west helps Ukraine beat back Russian forces."

Eleanor Beardsley concludes that without genuine commitment from both parties and substantial international support for Ukraine, the prospects for a meaningful ceasefire remain bleak.

Remembering Kitty Dukakis: Advocate for Mental Health and Addiction Support

Timestamp: [03:13] - [04:14]

NPR reports the passing of Kitty Dukakis at the age of 88, honoring her legacy as a dedicated advocate for individuals battling mental illness and addiction. Lisa Mullins from WBUR provides a heartfelt tribute:

• Personal Legacy: Kitty Dukakis, wife of former Massachusetts Governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Mike Dukakis, was renowned for her openness about her struggles with depression and addiction. Her son, John Dukakis, confirmed that she "died peacefully overnight with her family at her side."

• Advocacy Efforts: Phil Johnston, who served under Governor Dukakis, praises Kitty for leveraging her position to raise awareness and provide tangible support to those in need.

  Quote from Phil Johnston [04:03]:

  "She was as caring a human being as I've ever met."

• Impact on State Government: Johnston highlights her proactive approach in assisting state government officials facing addiction issues, ensuring they received the help necessary to overcome their challenges.

Kitty Dukakis’s dedication transformed her personal experiences into widespread positive change, leaving an enduring mark on mental health and addiction support initiatives.

The Beloved Bald Eagle Murphy Passes Away Following Severe Storms

Timestamp: [04:24] - [04:55]

In a poignant local news story, NPR reports the death of Murphy, a male bald eagle who had captured public affection over the years. Luis Schiavone details Murphy's life and untimely passing:

• Murphy’s Fame: Known for his unique attempt to incubate a rock and his impressive lifespan surpassing the average 25 years, Murphy became a symbol of resilience and charm at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri.
• Cause of Death: Murphy sustained head trauma during violent storms that swept through Missouri recently. The storms were severe enough to destroy homes and claim lives, and it's believed that the extreme weather conditions led to Murphy's injury and subsequent death.

Luis Schiavone notes, "It's believed the bald eagle was injured during violent storms in Missouri last week," emphasizing the broader impact of the storms beyond human communities.

Murphy's passing marks the end of an era for the sanctuary's visitors and the local community who had grown to love this remarkable bird.

Conclusion

The March 23, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing global issues, local political tensions, and touching human-interest stories. From international diplomatic maneuvers in Venezuela and Ukraine to the heartfelt remembrance of Kitty Dukakis and the sorrowful loss of a cherished bald eagle, the episode encapsulated a broad spectrum of newsworthy events, offering listeners insightful perspectives and poignant reflections.