NPR News Now: January 18, 2025, 8 PM EST

Host: Jack Spear

1. Imminent Mass Deportations Under President-Elect Donald Trump

Timestamp: [00:17]

In the lead story, Jack Spear reports from Washington on President-elect Donald Trump's aggressive stance on immigration. Trump has vowed to initiate mass deportations of individuals residing in the United States without legal status as early as next week following his inauguration.

Sergio Martinez Beltran from NPR reports:

“Immigrant rights groups are bracing for Trump's actions, anticipating a range of scenarios.”

Felicia Gomez, Senior Policy Advocate at the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, emphasizes the preparedness of immigrant organizations:

“We are prepared to meet the impending Trump administration head-on.” (00:40)

The AcLU has been proactive, conducting "Know Your Rights" training for migrants in multiple languages and establishing rapid response teams to address potential home and workplace raids. A recent NPR/PBS News-Marist Poll indicates that 49% of Americans approve of mass deportations, highlighting the contentious nature of this policy change. (00:40)

2. President Biden Declares the Equal Rights Amendment as Constitutional Law

Timestamp: [01:21]

Shifting to national policy, Jack Spear introduces President Biden’s symbolic declaration regarding the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). While President Biden asserts that the ERA is part of the Constitution, the National Archives clarifies that certification requires further congressional or judicial action.

Danielle Kurtzleben from NPR elaborates:

“In a statement, Biden declared the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.” (01:36)

The ERA, originally passed by Congress in 1972, had a deadline for ratification by 1982. Although the required 38 states had not ratified it by then, the ratification process continued, culminating in Virginia's ratification in 2020, completing the necessary threshold. Senior administration officials indicate that while Biden seeks the archivist to publish the amendment, he is not mandating immediate action. (01:36)

3. Polar Vortex Brings Record Cold to Much of the United States

Timestamp: [02:11]

A severe polar vortex is set to blanket large portions of the United States with frigid temperatures this weekend. Jack Spear reports that millions from the Rockies eastward will face wind chills plunging as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Jacqueline Diaz from NPR warns:

“There will be relatively few areas in the US free from bone-chilling cold in the coming days.” (02:24)

The National Weather Service forecasts that even regions unaccustomed to extreme cold, such as the South and Mid-Atlantic, will experience freezing or below-freezing temperatures. This sustained cold spell is expected to last several days, impacting three out of four NFL playoff games and necessitating the relocation of President-elect Trump's inauguration indoors due to life-threatening cold conditions. (02:24)

4. Wall Street Experiences Significant Rally Led by Tech Stocks

Timestamp: [03:02]

Economically, Wall Street enjoyed a robust rally, achieving its best week in two months, predominantly driven by gains in the technology sector. Jack Spear details:

“The Dow rose 334 points. The Nasdaq was up 291 points today.” (03:02)

This surge reflects investor confidence and the tech sector's resilience amidst volatile market conditions.

5. Wildfires in Los Angeles Disrupt School Operations

Timestamp: [03:02]

In California, ongoing wildfires around Los Angeles have escalated to the point of destroying infrastructure and displacing thousands. Jack Spear reports:

“Two elementary schools were destroyed in the Palisades fire. Seven schools in the LA Unified School District are in evacuation zones and remain closed.” (03:02)

Students affected by the fires are being relocated to alternative campuses, with Palisades Turner High School seeking temporary classrooms for up to 3,000 students. The situation poses significant logistical challenges for the school district as they navigate the aftermath of the Palisades fire.

6. Tribute to the Late Actress Joan Plowright

Timestamp: [03:02]

NPR pays homage to the passing of British actress Joan Plowright, aged 95, renowned for her roles in classics such as A Taste of Honey and Enchanted April.

An Unknown Speaker provides a heartfelt remembrance:

“Dignified in her later years... Plowright became closely associated with Olivier's stage work. After his death, she came into her own in such films as Tea with Mussolini and her Oscar-nominated performance in Enchanted April.” (03:59)

Bob Mondello from NPR adds depth to her legacy, noting her transition from stage to screen and her enduring impact on the acting community.

7. Crude Oil Prices Dip Amid Market Fluctuations

Timestamp: [04:44]

In energy markets, crude oil futures closed lower, with oil prices decreasing by 80 cents per barrel, settling at $77.88 in New York. Jack Spear summarizes:

“Crude oil futures prices closed lower today. Oil was down 80 cents a barrel to end the session at $77.88 a barrel.” (04:44)

This decline may reflect shifting market dynamics and investor responses to recent economic and geopolitical developments.

Advertisements and Additional Content

Throughout the episode, NPR includes brief advertisements relevant to the audience. Notably, messages from Home Instead, offering aging care services, and Warby Parker, promoting their eyewear options, are included but are not part of the news content and have been omitted from this summary.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, including potential mass deportations under the new administration, significant legislative developments with the Equal Rights Amendment, extreme weather impacts, economic trends on Wall Street, environmental challenges in Los Angeles, a tribute to a beloved actress, and fluctuations in the oil market. The inclusion of expert insights and notable quotes provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of each topic.