NPR News Now: January 21, 2025, 4AM EST
Hosted by NPR
Presidential Pardons for January 6 Participants
Dan Ronan opens the episode with significant news regarding former President Donald Trump's actions shortly after being sworn in for his second term. Trump has issued 1,500 full pardons to individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack.
Dan Ronan reports:
"Approximately 1,500 for a pardon. Yes, full pardon." [00:17]
This move comes as part of Trump's initial executive actions. A bipartisan Senate report highlighted the severity of the January 6th events, noting fatalities among Capitol Police officers due to injuries and suicides, with over 140 officers injured. The pardons have sparked considerable debate across the political spectrum.
US-Mexico-Canada Trade Relations: Tariff Tensions Rise
Dan Ronan transitions to international trade tensions, focusing on the strained relationship between the United States and its neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Initially, President Trump did not mention tariffs in his inaugural address, providing temporary relief. However, this sentiment was short-lived as tariffs were later announced to potentially impact these countries starting February 1st.
Dan Karpenschuk provides further insight:
"Canadians had been bracing for the 25% tariffs to take effect immediately. Now leaders here say they are more hopeful that they have time to negotiate..." [01:22]
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Jolie expressed a dual approach of preventing tariffs while preparing countermeasures. Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned:
"Make no mistake about it, he's coming for us." [01:22]
Canada's federal government had been strategizing a phased counter-tariff response, now potentially delaying implementation to explore diplomatic resolutions.
Marco Rubio Confirmed as Secretary of State
In a historic appointment, Marco Rubio has been unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Secretary of State. Dan Ronan reports:
"Marco Rubio is making history as the first Latino to serve as secretary of state..." [02:04]
Claudia Grisales adds that Rubio's nomination benefited from bipartisan support, setting him apart from other Trump cabinet picks that face delays or opposition due to controversies. Notable nominees encountering challenges include:
- Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, whose confirmation is delayed amidst allegations of misconduct.
- Cash Patel for FBI Director.
- Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for an unspecified role.
Brief News Highlights
Dan Ronan offers a roundup of additional headlines:
- Ohio State University triumphs as the national champions of college football, defeating Notre Dame.
- Wall Street remains closed on Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, set to reopen the following day.
- Oil Prices see a significant increase for the fourth consecutive week, with West Texas Intermediate crude rising to $77 per barrel, marking a $7 increase since late December, influenced by the new Trump administration's policies.
Hubble Space Telescope Completes Comprehensive Andromeda Survey
A major milestone in astronomy was reported by Dan Ronan, featuring an in-depth segment by Jonathan Lambert:
"NASA's Hubble telescope has completed the widest look yet at the Andromeda Galaxy..." [03:50]
The Hubble Space Telescope's extensive survey, published in the Astrophysical Journal, added approximately 100 million stars to the southern half of Andromeda. This endeavor required over a decade and about 1,000 revolutions around Earth to gather the necessary photos. The comprehensive data is expected to enhance scientists' understanding of Andromeda's history, particularly its interactions and collisions with smaller galaxies.
Severe Winter Storm Threatens the Gulf States and Southeast
Concluding the episode, Dan Ronan alerts listeners to an impending winter storm poised to affect regions from Texas through the Gulf states into the Southeast. Key points include:
- Cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas in Texas could receive up to 5 inches of snow.
- The storm poses significant dangers due to the unusually cold temperatures gripping much of the nation.
Ronan emphasizes the breadth of the storm's impact:
"A winter storm now threatening to blanket areas from Texas through the Gulf states into the Southeast." [04:36]
Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions and potential disruptions.
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