NPR News Now - January 21, 2025, 11PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the January 21, 2025, episode.

1. Law Enforcement Discouraged by Presidential Pardons

Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Martin Casty

Two major police organizations—the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police—issued a joint statement expressing their dissatisfaction with recent clemency actions by Presidents Biden and Trump. These actions include pardons granted to individuals convicted of crimes that harmed law enforcement officers.

Key Points:

• Trump's Pardon: President Trump pardoned nearly all individuals arrested or convicted for crimes committed during the January 6th Capitol assault.
• Biden's Clemency: President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted 50 years ago for killing two FBI agents.

Notable Quote:

"You know, at the end of the day, the whole idea of backing the blue and the intern is all just crap."
— Michael Fanone (00:56)

Michael Fanone, a D.C. police officer involved in the Capitol incident, expressed his frustration, highlighting the strained relationship between law enforcement and the administrations' clemency decisions.

2. States Challenge Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Scott Greenstone

Eighteen states and two cities have filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts challenging President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship in the United States. Additional states, including Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and Arizona, are joining the legal battle.

Key Points:

• Washington State's Response: Attorney General Nick Brown filed an emergency order to prevent federal agencies from denying citizenship to babies born in Washington.
• Legal Standpoint: The executive order is deemed "plainly and obviously illegal" by Washington officials.
• Political Reactions: Republicans in Washington label the lawsuit as a "craven political move" and a distraction.

Notable Quote:

"The president's executive order claiming to end birthright citizenship in the United States is plainly and obviously illegal. Washington state will not abide by such harmful and unjust action."
— Washington Attorney General Nick Brown (01:38)

Scott Greenstone detailed the multi-state resistance against the executive order, emphasizing the legal and political tensions surrounding the issue.

3. Unusual Snowfall and Homelessness in the Deep South

Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: Grant Blankenship

For the first time in seven years, Macon, Georgia, experienced snowfall, impacting the region's homeless population. Outreach workers from the United Way of Central Georgia responded by extending shelter services.

Key Points:

• Shelter Efforts: Homeless outreach workers prioritized providing warmth and shelter to those affected by the unexpected snow.
• Community Response: Leaders like Jake Hall utilized the extended forecast to manage resources effectively, distributing bus passes and extending shelter hours.
• Ongoing Concerns: Despite current efforts, there remains apprehension about individuals who may still be unsheltered during cold conditions.

Notable Interaction:

Michael Fanone: "Anybody home?"
Pam Pinkston: "Hey there."
(02:32)

This brief exchange highlights the personal interactions between outreach workers and the homeless individuals they assist.

4. Wall Street Sees Gains Amid Economic Uncertainty

Host: Dan Ronan

The major stock indexes closed with notable gains:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 537 points
• Nasdaq Composite: Increased by 126 points
• S&P 500: Rose by 52 points

These movements indicate a positive trend in the stock market despite ongoing economic challenges.

5. Rupert Murdoch's Media Empire Faces Legal Settlements

Host: Dan Ronan
Reporter: David Folkenflick

Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper division has proposed substantial settlements to Prince Harry and veteran lawmaker Tom Watson to resolve a lawsuit tied to a longstanding phone hacking scandal.

Key Points:

• Allegations: The lawsuit accuses Murdoch's tabloids of illegally accessing voicemail messages and confidential information over the years.
• Key Figures: Will Lewis, former Washington Post publisher and a top Murdoch executive during the scandal, is implicated but not a defendant.
• Prince Harry's Stance: Harry refuses to settle, aiming to hold Murdoch papers accountable publicly, despite the potential financial burden.

Notable Quote:

"Harry had said he would not settle because he wants to make sure the Murdoch papers are publicly held to account. Yet he'd be on the hook for Murdoch's huge legal fees if he does not win a judgment greater than the settlement Murdoch offered."
— David Folkenflick (03:39)

David Folkenflick provided an in-depth analysis of the legal tensions between Murdoch's media outlets and the plaintiffs seeking accountability.

6. Baseball Hall of Fame Inducts New Members

Host: Dan Ronan

This summer, the Baseball Hall of Fame will welcome three distinguished inductees:

• Eichio Suzuki: A Japanese superstar primarily with the Seattle Mariners, Suzuki narrowly missed unanimous induction by one vote. He will become the first Japanese-born player inducted into Cooperstown.
• Cece Sabathia: Renowned pitcher for the New York Yankees.
• Billy Wagner: Celebrated Houston Astros pitcher, recognized as one of the game's great relief pitchers.

These inductees join legends like Dick Allen and Dave Parker, who were honored by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee earlier.

For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.