NPR News: 01-20-2025 7AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 20, 2025, 7AM EST

Release Date: January 20, 2025

---

1. Donald Trump's Inauguration Amid Cold Weather

Host: Korva Coleman
Timestamp: [00:17]

Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the President of the United States today, January 20, 2025, at noon Eastern Time. Due to a significant drop in temperatures across Washington, D.C., the traditional outdoor ceremony on the west front of the U.S. Capitol has been relocated indoors. Trump announced this venue change last Friday in response to the dangerously low temperatures forecasted for the day.

Danielle Kurtzleben provides additional context:
Timestamp: [00:50]

"There's a service at St. John's Church, which is right next to the White House. Then the Bidens welcome the Trumps to the White House. Midday, there's that swearing-in ceremony, and many supporters will be crammed into that Capital One arena watching a live stream."

Following the inauguration, Trump is expected to engage in a ceremony that may include signing executive orders.

---

2. Ceasefire in Gaza and Hostage Situations

Host: Korva Coleman
Timestamp: [01:10]

A temporary ceasefire in Gaza remains in effect as part of ongoing negotiations. Israel has released approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, while Hamas has freed three Israeli hostages. Families of the hostages are actively advocating in Washington for the incoming Trump administration to secure the release of all captives.

Sarah McCammon reports:
Timestamp: [01:32]

"More than 90 hostages are believed to still be held captive by Hamas in Gaza, and many of their families have been putting pressure on world leaders to secure their release."

At a press conference on the National Mall, Jonathan Dekalchen, father of Israeli American hostage Sagi de Kalchen, emphasized the need for continued commitment from both the outgoing Biden and incoming Trump administrations:

Jonathan Dekalchen:
Timestamp: [01:57]
"We know their commitment. We feel their commitment. We need their commitment for all 98 to come home."

Additionally, Noah Argamani, a former hostage rescued by Israeli forces in June, voiced her concerns as her partner remains in captivity.

---

3. Wildfires and Wind Warnings in Los Angeles

Host: Korva Coleman
Timestamp: [02:16]

Firefighters in the Los Angeles area have regained significant control over two recent wildfires. However, crews remain on high alert due to new wind warnings threatening to exacerbate the situation.

Steve Futterman provides detailed insights:
Timestamp: [02:30]

"The Santa Ana winds are coming back, and the National Weather Service has issued new red flag warnings for widespread areas, including some that were hit by fires the last two weeks. These winds are not expected to be as powerful as the ones that helped ignite the Palisades and Eaton fires, but they are still viewed as a potential threat to either start new fires or reignite some hot spots that have been mostly extinguished. The strongest winds will hit the LA area on Monday evening and continue into Tuesday. One of the areas expected to be hit hard is Ventura County, just north of LA. In addition to the winds, relative humidity could be below 10%."

Firefighters are particularly concerned about the possibility of these conditions leading to new outbreaks or reigniting previously controlled areas.

---

4. Extreme Cold Across the United States and South Korean Political Developments

Host: Korva Coleman
Timestamp: [03:14]

The extreme cold weather affecting Washington, D.C., is part of a broader pattern sweeping across the United States. The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold warnings stretching from northern Michigan to southern Texas. Wind chills could plummet to as much as 50 degrees below zero in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas.

In international news, Yoon Song Yeol, the impeached former President of South Korea, has been formally arrested. He has been detained and has had his mugshot taken as authorities investigate his brief declaration of martial law last month.

---

5. Stock Market Reaction to Trump's Presidency

Host: Korva Coleman
Timestamp: [03:14]

Investors on Wall Street are closely monitoring the implications of Donald Trump's return to the White House. While Trump's presidency has been associated with stock market rallies, there are emerging concerns about certain aspects of his policy agenda.

Rafael Nam analyzes the situation:
Timestamp: [04:01]

"Investors are approaching the Trump presidency with a lot of optimism, but also some hesitation. A lot of what Trump has promised should be good for Wall Street, like lower taxes and less regulation. It's why stocks surged after he won in November. All three major indexes are still above where they were on Election Day, but it has been more volatile this month. That's because investors are concerned about some parts of Trump's agenda, like widespread tariffs. If carried out, they could [worsen] inflation."

Despite the initial surge in stock prices following Trump's election victory, the market remains cautious due to potential economic policies that may introduce volatility.

---

6. Teamsters Union and Potential Nationwide Strike at Costco

Host: Korva Coleman
Timestamp: [04:36]

The Teamsters Union has announced that its members working in retail sectors, including at Costco, have authorized a nationwide strike. Although no official strike has been declared yet, the union has set a deadline at the end of the month to reach a new labor agreement. The Teamsters represent approximately 18,000 Costco workers, and negotiations are ongoing as the union seeks better terms for its members.

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the January 20, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of the day's most pressing news topics.

Transcript

[Unknown Sponsor]

This message comes from Bombus. Their socks are super plush, designed to support your arches and support people in need. One purchase equals one donated to those experiencing homelessness. Go to bombus.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off your first order.

[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. Donald Trump will become president again today when he takes the oath of office at noon Eastern Time. The swearing in will be held indoors at the US Capitol instead of outside on the west front of the Capitol. That's because temperatures have plunged to dangerously low levels in Washington, D.C. trump announced the change in venue last Friday. Thousands of his supporters will watch the inauguration at a nearby Washington Arena. Meanwhile, NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben says some traditional inaugural events begin next hour.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

There's a service at St. John's Church, which is right next to the White House. Then the Bidens welcome the Trumps to the White House. Midday, there's that swearing in ceremony, and many supporters will be crammed into that Capital One arena watching a live stream. After that, Trump has a ceremony midday that could involve signing executive orders.

[Korva Coleman]

NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben reporting. The ceasefire in Gaza continues to hold. Yesterday, Israel released about 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Hamas released three Israeli hostages. Families of hostages are in Washington. NPR's Sarah McCammon reports. They're calling on the incoming Trump administration to work toward bringing all the hostages home.

[Unknown Reporter]

More than 90 hostages are believed to still be held captive by Hamas in Gaza, and many of their families have been putting pressure on world leaders to secure their release.

[Unknown Speaker]

Bring them home now.

[Unknown Reporter]

At a press conference on the National Mall, Jonathan Dekalchen, father of Israeli American hostage Sagi de Kalchen, thanked both the Biden and incoming Trump administrations for working together on the deal.

[Jonathan Dekalchen]

We know their commitment. We feel their commitment. We need their commitment for all 98 to come home.

[Unknown Reporter]

Dech Al Khen was joined by other families and former hostage Noah Argamani. She was rescued by Israeli forces in June, and her partner remains a hostage in Gaza. Sarah McCammon, NPR News, Washington.

[Korva Coleman]

Firefighters in the Los Angeles area have gained much more control over two deadly and destructive wildfires, but Steve Futterman reports crews are worried about new powerful wind warnings for the LA region today.

[Steve Futterman]

The Santa Ana winds are coming back, and the National Weather Service has issued new red flag warnings for widespread areas, including some that were hit by fires the last two weeks. These winds are not expected to be as powerful as the ones that helped ignite the Palisades and Eaton fires, but they are still viewed as a potential threat to either start new fires or reignite some hot spots that have been mostly extinguished. The strongest winds will hit the LA area on Monday evening and continue into Tuesday. One of the areas expected to be hit hard is Ventura county, just north of la. In addition to the winds, relative humidity could be below 10%. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.

[Korva Coleman]

This is NPR News from Washington. The cold weather that's forced a change in the inaugural ceremony in Washington today is spread widely across the U.S. the National Weather Service has issued warnings of extreme cold from northern Michigan to southern Texas. Wind chills could be as much as 50 degrees below zero in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. Impeached South Korean President Yoon Song Yeol has been formally arrested. He has been in detention and has had his mugshot taken. Yoon is being investigated over his short lived declaration of martial law last month. Investors on Wall street are watching as Donald Trump returns to the White House. NPR's Rafael Nam reports. Stocks have rallied since Trump's election, but there are some worries about his upcoming term.

[Rafael Nam]

Investors are approaching the Trump presidency with a lot of optimism, but also some hesitation. A lot of what Trump has promised should be good for Wall street, like lower taxes and less regulations. It's why stocks surged after he won in November. All three major indexes are still above where they were on Election Day, but it has been more volatile this month. That's because investors are concerned about some parts of Trump's agenda, like widespread tariffs. If carried out, they could inflation worse. Rafael Nam, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

The Teamsters union says its members who work at retail or Costco, have authorized a nationwide strike. No strike has yet been declared. The deadline to reach a new labor agreement is at the end of the month. The Teamsters say they represent about 18,000 Costco workers. You're listening to NPR.

[Unknown Sponsor]

This message is brought to you by NPR sponsor Shopify. It's 2025, a new year with new opportunities. The best time to start your new business is right now. Go to shopify.com NPR allovercase to sign up for a $1 per month trial period today.