NPR News Now Episode: March 23, 2025, 8 PM EDT | Released: March 24, 2025
Ceasefire Negotiations in Saudi Arabia
Host: Windsor Johnston
Negotiations aiming to establish a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict have commenced in Saudi Arabia today. These talks involve Ukrainian and American delegations and are set against the backdrop of upcoming discussions between the U.S. and Russia scheduled for Monday.
Quote:
"President Trump says he wants to end the war, but Moscow launched massive drone attacks on Kyiv this weekend that killed at least three people." — Ellen Governor Beardsley [00:17]
The conflict remains tense as Moscow intensifies its military efforts despite international calls for de-escalation.
Drone Attacks Devastate Kyiv
Reporter: Eleanor Beardsley
Last Saturday night, Kyiv faced a substantial drone assault, overwhelming the city's air defenses. The attack resulted in significant casualties, including the loss of at least three lives. The following day, mourners gathered at the site of an apartment block struck by the drones, highlighting the pervasive fear and grief among the city's residents.
Quote:
"It's everyday bombing and it's every day, like every night. It's a terrible sound and you're just laying in your bed and thinking, oh my God, this bomb going to my house or near." — Tatiana, Kyiv Resident [00:59]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his Sunday evening address, emphasized Russia's role in prolonging the conflict. He appealed to Ukraine's international allies to intensify pressure on Russia to bring an end to the war.
Quote:
"It should be clear to everyone that Russia is the one who is dragging this war out." — President Volodymyr Zelensky [01:11]
U.S. Support for Israel and USPS Protests
Host: Windsor Johnston
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, reaffirming American support for Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza. Rubio also addressed the administration's commitment to restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
Concurrently, substantial protests erupted nationwide as one of the largest unions representing U.S. Postal workers organized rallies to oppose the Trump administration's proposals to restructure the USPS. The administration has suggested bringing the independent postal agency under White House control, a move that has sparked significant backlash.
Quote:
"U.S. mail is not for sale." — Kevin Abernathy, NALC Union Steward [02:08]
Kevin Abernathy expressed deep concerns regarding the potential privatization of the postal service, warning of the adverse effects on small businesses, seniors, veterans, rural families, and the general public who rely on USPS services.
Quote:
"If they carve up and sell the postal service, we will lose small businesses, seniors, veterans, rural families and everyday customers who trust us to deliver." — Kevin Abernathy [02:35]
Legal experts have indicated that the proposed changes may violate federal law, intensifying the union's resolve to protect the independence of the postal service. The Union of Rural Letter Carriers is scheduled to hold a rally on Capitol Hill Tuesday to further their cause.
U.S. Interest in Greenland Sparks Tensions
Host: Windsor Johnston
The White House announced that Second Lady Usha Vance will travel to Greenland this week to visit historical sites. This visit is part of President Trump's ongoing interest in purchasing Greenland, a proposition he has reiterated multiple times. However, the Prime Minister of Greenland has publicly criticized Trump's proposal, asserting that the island is not for sale.
Sports Highlight: Alex Ovechkin's Pursuit of Gretzky's Record
Hockey enthusiasts are closely monitoring Washington Capitals' star Alex Ovechkin, who is on the verge of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time career goal record. Ovechkin needs only seven more goals in the Capitals' remaining 12 games this season to achieve this milestone, marking a significant moment in hockey history.
Breakthrough Research: Seals' Oxygen Perception
Reporter: Jonathan Lambert
Groundbreaking research published in the journal Science reveals that gray seals possess the ability to perceive internal oxygen levels, allowing them to avoid drowning more effectively than previously understood. Unlike virtually all other mammals, where the urge to breathe is triggered by rising carbon dioxide levels, gray seals respond directly to oxygen levels.
Quote:
"The higher the oxygen levels, the longer seals stayed under. But carbon dioxide levels had little effect, suggesting seals evolved a new way of not drowning." — Jonathan Lambert [03:45]
This discovery marks the first demonstration of such an ability in animals, offering new insights into marine biology and the evolutionary adaptations of marine mammals.
Conan O'Brien to Receive Mark Twain Prize
Host: Windsor Johnston
Late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien is set to receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center tonight. O'Brien was announced as the recipient in January, shortly before President Trump intervened in the leadership of the traditionally nonpartisan organization by removing the longtime president and appointing board members aligned with his administration. Subsequently, the board named Trump as the chairman, a move that has stirred controversy regarding the organization's independence.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the NPR News Now episode from March 23, 2025. For detailed coverage and updates, tuning into the full episode is recommended.