NPR News Now Episode: NPR News: 01-20-2025 11PM EST | Release Date: January 21, 2025
Presidential Pardon Updates: Trump Forgives January 6 Defendants
In a significant move, former President Donald Trump has issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the violent January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. NPR's Tom Dreisbach reports that this unprecedented action effectively ends the prison sentences for every defendant involved in the day’s insurrection.
Tom Dreisbach [00:41]: "Trump has given nearly all of those defendants an unconditional pardon, except for just 14 who are getting commutations."
The pardon spree covers those who actively engaged in violent actions, including assaults on police officers using weapons such as pepper spray, stun guns, and hockey sticks. Despite President Trump's assertion that the defendants were "treated horribly," most individuals had previously pleaded guilty to their charges.
Biden's Final Acts: Pardoning Family Members
In a controversial and unprecedented decision, President Joe Biden has preemptively pardoned several members of his own family before leaving office. NPR's Asma Khalid sheds light on this unusual move.
Asma Khalid [01:30]: "The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that they did anything wrong, but it's a sign of the distrust Biden has for the new administration."
Biden’s pardons include his brother James and his wife, his sister Valerie and her husband, along with his other brother Francis. He cited ongoing "unrelenting attacks and threats" against his family as the rationale. This action follows Biden’s earlier pardon of his son Hunter for gun and tax-related convictions, highlighting a pattern of familial leniency that contrasts with his public commitment to the rule of law.
Marco Rubio Confirmed as Secretary of State
The Senate has unanimously confirmed Florida Republican Marco Rubio as the next U.S. Secretary of State. NPR's Michelle Kellerman provides insights into Rubio's forthcoming role and priorities.
Michelle Kellerman [02:19]: "Marco Rubio has been a hawkish voice in the Senate on China, and in his confirmation hearing, he described China as a potent and dangerous adversary."
Rubio is set to assume his position as early as Tuesday, where he will engage with foreign ministers from India, Japan, and Australia as part of the Quad alliance. This partnership is pivotal in the Pacific region, aimed at countering China's growing influence. Rubio emphasized the necessity for the United States to bolster its domestic industrial base to reduce dependency on Chinese goods, reflecting his strategic approach to foreign policy.
Severe Weather Alerts: Winter Storm and Fire Risks
A dangerous winter storm is set to impact a broad swath of the United States, spanning from Texas through the Gulf states and into the Southeast. NPR reports that the majority of the nation is experiencing frigid temperatures, posing significant challenges.
Firefighters in Southern California are particularly on high alert as extreme weather conditions re-emerge, potentially exacerbating wildfire risks. Meteorologists forecast wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour along the coast, with even higher speeds anticipated in the mountains and Los Angeles foothills through Tuesday.
MLK Day Celebrations Amid Political Tensions
Communities across the United States commemorated Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy amidst the presidential inauguration festivities. Brian Bull from Eugene, Oregon, reports on the annual MLK Jr. Celebration held on MLK Boulevard.
Damond Hawkins [04:09]: "If we were fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion before, it didn't matter if Kamala Harris was in office or Donald Trump in office. We were gonna still have to fight for diversity, equity and inclusion."
Approximately 300 individuals braved below-freezing temperatures to participate in the event. Damond Hawkins of the Eugene Springfield NAACP expressed resilience in the face of President Trump's rollbacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, emphasizing that the fight for these values transcends political administrations. The celebration featured parades, speeches, and musical tributes honoring Dr. King's civil rights contributions.
In Memoriam: Cecil Richards
The news also marks the passing of Cecil Richards, the former President of Planned Parenthood, who succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 67. Richards, a prominent figure who steered the organization through some of its most challenging periods, was honored posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November. She was the daughter of the late Texas Governor Ann Richards, highlighting her influential legacy in both political and social spheres.
Market Update: Wall Street Observes MLK Holiday
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Wall Street remained closed, affecting pre-market trading activities. As the nation reflects on Dr. King's legacy, U.S. futures are showing mixed signals in response to the holiday observance.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the major news developments covered in the January 21, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with detailed insights into presidential pardons, political appointments, severe weather conditions, community celebrations, and significant obituaries.