NPR News Now: January 17, 2025, 3 PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Producer: NPR
Release Date: January 17, 2025

Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban Amid National Security Concerns

The Supreme Court has upheld a federal law that could see TikTok banned in the United States starting Sunday, unless the popular short-form video app divests from its Chinese ownership. With approximately 170 million American users, TikTok's potential exclusion stems from fears that the Chinese government might exploit the platform to access sensitive information from U.S. citizens.

In the wake of this decision, former President Donald Trump made headlines by revealing that he and Chinese Leader Xi Jinping discussed TikTok alongside other pressing issues such as illegal fentanyl trafficking and the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. This development underscores the high-stakes nature of the regulatory actions being taken against Chinese tech firms operating in the United States.

Biden Administration Targets More Medications for Medicare Price Negotiations

NPR’s Sidney Lupkin reports that the Biden administration is intensifying its efforts to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Under the authority granted by the Inflation Reduction Act, the administration has identified 15 additional medications slated for price negotiations. Notably, popular drugs like Ozempic, a blockbuster treatment for type 2 diabetes, and its obesity-related counterpart Wegovy are included in this list, alongside treatments for various cancers, asthma, psoriasis, and bipolar disorder.

Sidney Lupkin explains, "The federal government and the pharmaceuticals industry are about to go head to head once again" (01:05). These negotiations are expected to commence in the coming months, adhering to eligibility criteria established by the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure that only appropriate medications are selected for price discussions.

European Union Expands Investigation into Elon Musk’s X Platform

In Brussels, European Union regulators are deepening their investigation into X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, owned by Elon Musk. This probe focuses on X's adherence to EU regulations concerning content moderation and the platform's recommendation algorithms.

Terry Schultz of NPR reports, "The European Commission is asking X for more details on its system of recommending online content to users" (01:55). There are suspicions that X may be manipulating its algorithms to amplify far-right messages, thereby violating the EU's Digital Services Act. EU Commission spokesperson Thomas stated, "This will help us in our fact-finding on content moderation and virality of accounts" (02:21). X has been instructed to preserve all relevant data and provide comprehensive documentation by February 15th to facilitate this investigation.

Ohio Appoints New Lieutenant Governor as J.D. Vance Transitions to Vice Presidency

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has selected his lieutenant governor, John Houston, to fill the vacancy left by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Houston, alongside Bernie Moreno—recently elected to the Senate—will join the freshman class of the 119th Congress representing Ohio.

In a statement, John Houston expressed confidence in his new role: "I have worked with him. I have seen him. I know his knowledge of Ohio. I know his heart. I know what he cares about. I know his skills" (02:46). This appointment ensures continuity in Ohio's representation at the federal level and brings experienced leadership to the state's delegation in Congress.

Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles County, Causing Significant Losses

Emergency services remain on high alert as three active wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles County, resulting in at least two dozen fatalities among civilians and firefighting personnel. The most severe blaze, the Palisades fire, has consumed 24,000 acres and is currently 31% contained. Significant progress is also being made against the 14,000-acre Eaton fire, which is now 65% contained, and a smaller 61-acre fire in Ventura County, which stands at 85% containment.

These wildfires highlight the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and habitat management in California, as authorities strive to protect communities and restore affected areas.

French Catholic Church Investigates Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Revered Monk

A shocking turn of events has unfolded in France as the Catholic Church calls for a thorough investigation into a beloved monk, Abbey Pierre, who dedicated his life to aiding the homeless. Recent allegations suggest that he committed dozens of acts of sexual abuse, shaking the nation's faith institutions to their core.

NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports, "In an interview on French radio Friday, the head of the French Conference of Bishops said they've called for a judicial investigation" (04:05). Monsignor de Moulin Beaufort emphasized the need for accountability: "I asked the Paris prosecutor to open an inquiry into Abbey Pierre because it's the only way to find other victims and accomplices and expose it all" (04:21). Despite Abbey Pierre's death in 2007 and his esteemed reputation—having been voted France's most beloved person in an annual national poll sixteen times—the new revelations necessitate a re-examination of his legacy and the protection of vulnerable individuals within religious communities.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key developments reported in the January 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with essential insights into national security, healthcare policy, international regulatory actions, political appointments, natural disasters, and significant institutional investigations.