NPR News Now: January 19, 2025, 2PM EST

Released on January 19, 2025

Release of Israeli Hostages Amid Ceasefire Agreement

Nora Ram opens the episode with breaking news about the release of three Israeli women held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. This development is part of a broader ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

Greg Myre provides an in-depth report on the situation:

"[00:30] Hamas released the three Israeli women in a chaotic scene in Gaza City. Masked Hamas gunmen drove a van carrying the women to a crowded square packed with Palestinians. The women were handed over to the Red Cross, which in turn delivered them to the Israeli military. They were then whisked back to Israel."

The women, aged between 24 and 31, were capable of walking independently upon release. However, details regarding their overall condition remain undisclosed. The initial seizure by Hamas on October 7, 2023, marked the beginning of the current conflict. Both parties are expected to continue exchanging hostages and prisoners over the coming weeks, intensifying the precariousness of the ceasefire.

President-Elect Trump's Move to Pause TikTok Ban

In a significant policy development, Nora Ram reports that President-elect Donald Trump intends to pause the TikTok ban that was enforced the previous night. This pause is part of his strategy to negotiate a deal for the app's sale.

Bobby Allen elaborates on the complexities of this decision:

"[01:26] Trump says he will issue an executive order Monday to provide TikTok the ban it is under so Trump can work out a deal to resolve the Chinese ownership issue."

However, this move faces pushback from some Republican lawmakers who argue that Trump may be overstepping his authority:

"[01:26] ...some Republicans in Congress say Trump cannot delay the ban start date since the law has already started."

Moreover, Trump's promises to offer legal protection to companies supporting TikTok, such as Apple, Google, and Amazon, are met with skepticism from legal experts who assert that only Congress holds the power to determine liabilities under the existing law.

Nora Ram continues with updates on the TikTok situation:

"[02:05] TikTok says it's working on an agreement with its Web hosting providers to fully restore service, but Apple and Google are not expected to bring TikTok back into app stores."

This uncertainty underscores the ongoing tension between national security concerns and the interests of major tech companies.

Inauguration Adjustments Due to Weather and Security Enhancements

President-elect Trump made a solemn visit to Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier amidst the inauguration period's heightened security measures.

Due to frigid weather conditions, traditional inauguration events have been relocated indoors. Notably, the presidential oath of office will now be administered inside the Capitol Rotunda rather than on the Capitol steps.

Major General John Andoni, commanding the D.C. National Guard, assures the public of the robust security plans in place:

"[02:51] I can tell you that our plan is sound and anything that might have be changed can be easily adjusted. A lot of it has to do with just different locations, different security requirements for those locations, but we have the manpower available to do that work. No problem."

With nearly 8,000 National Guardsmen deployed from various states, the administration emphasizes its preparedness to handle any security challenges during the inauguration.

CDC Advises Testing for Bird Flu in Hospitalized Patients

Nora Ram brings attention to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest advisory concerning bird flu. Health care workers are now urged to test patients hospitalized with flu symptoms for bird flu within 24 hours of admission.

Scott Masione of WYPR provides context to this advisory:

"[03:29] The CDC advisory underscores increasing concern over the potential for bird flu to spread... Earlier this month, a Louisiana man became the first person in the US to die of the disease."

Additionally, there have been multiple cases of domestic cats contracting the virus, likely from exposure to contaminated materials such as raw milk or pet food. While the bird flu has not yet mutated to allow human-to-human transmission, a recent study by Scripps Research indicates that the virus may be nearing that capability. This development raises concerns, especially after a child in California contracted bird flu without any known animal contact late last year.

The CDC remains vigilant, monitoring the virus's evolution to prevent a potential public health crisis.

Updates on the Ukraine Conflict and President Biden's Pardons

Nora Ram reports that Russia asserts continued advances in eastern Ukraine, claiming the capture of two settlements in the Donetsk region. Despite these claims, Russia does not maintain full control over these annexed territories, and Ukrainian forces retain positions in Russia's Kursk region.

Both nations are reportedly preparing for peace talks, influenced by the impending change in U.S. administration. As President Biden nears the end of his term, he utilizes his clemency powers, having pardoned or commuted the sentences of seven individuals on this last full day in office. Notably, one of today's pardons is posthumous, honoring Marcus Garvey, the renowned early 20th-century civil rights leader.

Biden's actions mark him as the U.S. President with the most pardons and commutations during his tenure, reflecting his administration's approach to justice and reconciliation.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of significant global and national events, including the resolution of a hostage situation in Gaza, policy shifts concerning TikTok, adjustments to presidential inauguration plans due to security and weather, health advisories on bird flu, and updates on the Ukraine conflict alongside President Biden's extensive use of clemency powers. Each segment was enriched with expert insights and firsthand quotes, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the current news landscape.