NPR News Now: January 20, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. President Biden Pardons January 6th Committee Members

[00:12]
In an unprecedented decision, President Joe Biden has issued pardons to several individuals linked with the January 6th Committee, including high-profile figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley. This move comes as these individuals face potential investigations and prosecutions spearheaded by President Elect Donald Trump and his allies.

Tamara Keith elaborates on the rationale behind the pardons:

"The people he is pardoning are public servants who do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions."
[00:36]

Biden emphasized that these pardons extend beyond prominent names to include committee staff and law enforcement members who testified about the events of January 6, 2021. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Biden stated that this action should not be misconstrued as an admission of wrongdoing.

2. Inauguration of President Elect Donald Trump

[01:13]
President Elect Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office in a ceremony moved indoors at the U.S. Capitol due to severe cold temperatures. Originally planned for the west front of the Capitol, the event has been relocated to ensure safety against the extreme weather forecasted.

Supporters eager to attend are being directed to local arenas to watch a live stream of the inauguration. Trump mentioned his intention to visit these venues post-ceremony:

"I will swing by after the event."
[01:13]

3. Surge in Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Amid Ceasefire

[01:13 - 01:55]
Amid the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Gaza is witnessing a significant influx of humanitarian aid after 15 months of intense conflict. Aya Batrawi reports on the relief efforts:

"A long line of trucks carrying food, winter supplies, and fuel entering the territory."
[01:55]

The UN Humanitarian Affairs Office confirmed that over 630 trucks of aid entered Gaza on the first day of the ceasefire, marking one of the largest single-day deliveries since the war's onset. Previously, aid shipments were minimal and often intercepted by armed gangs, hindering distribution to those in need. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many residents still struggling to access basic necessities.

4. Wildfires and Extreme Winds Threaten Los Angeles

[02:40]
Dangerous winds are making a return to the Los Angeles area, reminiscent of the conditions that fueled devastating wildfires last year, resulting in at least 27 fatalities. Louisiana County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney addressed the challenges ahead:

"We have to make a community that can withstand 80 to 100 mile an hour winds associated with a wildfire."
[02:58]

The region faces rebuilding efforts after fires destroyed over 14,000 structures, with officials emphasizing the need for more resilient infrastructure to mitigate future disasters.

5. Search for Missing U.S. Journalist in Syria

[03:07]
The mother of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice, Deborah Tice, has initiated a journey to Syria in hopes of locating her son, who vanished in 2012. Tice seeks assistance from the incoming Trump administration to aid in her search, following scarce sightings, including a video showing Austin in the custody of armed individuals shortly after his disappearance.

6. Chinese Vice President Attends U.S. Inauguration

[03:44]
Han Zheng, China’s Vice President and President Xi Jinping's special envoy, is present at the U.S. inauguration. John Ruich reports on Zheng's engagements:

"Beijing is willing to work with the US to promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations."
[03:44]

Zheng highlighted that despite ongoing tensions, there are substantial common interests and opportunities for cooperation between the two nations. He encouraged strengthening dialogue through separate meetings and welcomed American businesses, including Tesla, to explore opportunities within China.

7. Extreme Cold Weather Strikes the United States

[04:24]
A severe cold front is sweeping across much of the United States, with wind chills projected to plummet to 50 degrees below zero in regions like the Dakotas. The National Weather Service issued extreme cold warnings from North Dakota to Texas, accompanied by a rare and significant winter storm affecting the southern Gulf Coast states. These weather conditions are unusual for the impacted areas, prompting concerns over preparedness and safety.

Korva Coleman concludes:

"There are extreme cold warnings from North Dakota to Texas. Some areas in the Dakotas could get wind chills of 50 degrees below zero."
[04:24]

Notable Quotes:

• Tamara Keith on Biden's pardons:

  "The people he is pardoning are public servants who do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions."
  [00:36]

• Anthony Maroney on wildfire preparedness:

  "We have to make a community that can withstand 80 to 100 mile an hour winds associated with a wildfire."
  [02:58]

• Han Zheng on China-US relations:

  "Beijing is willing to work with the US to promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations."
  [03:44]

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of pivotal events spanning political pardons, the inauguration of a new U.S. president, humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, environmental challenges, and international diplomatic interactions. By highlighting these key stories with timely updates and expert insights, the program ensures listeners are well-informed on critical national and global developments.