NPR News Now: January 22, 2025, 10 AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman
Immigration Policy and Executive Actions
Timestamp [00:18]:
Korva Coleman opens the episode discussing President Trump's latest executive actions on immigration. Despite no major raids currently underway to detain illegal migrants, the administration asserts that federal agents now have the authority to enter previously restricted areas such as children’s schools, hospitals, and churches to remove migrants illegally present in the U.S.
These actions also include an attempt to terminate birthright citizenship, a right long protected by the U.S. Constitution. This move has sparked significant legal challenges, with New Jersey and several Democratic-led states filing lawsuits. New Jersey State Attorney General Matthew Platkin strongly opposes the executive actions, stating:
[00:54] Matthew Platkin:
"It's been upheld by the Supreme Court multiple times. This is until Monday night, not something that was ever contested by a president who signed an order that was extraordinary, unprecedented and upended the rule of law."
Energy Policies and Alaska’s Resource Development
Timestamp [01:10]:
Coleman transitions to President Trump's executive actions on energy, emphasizing the administration's push to boost resource development in Alaska. Republican leaders in Alaska have welcomed these measures, seeing them as a fulfillment of their long-standing goals.
Timestamp [01:28]:
Liz Ruskin of Alaska Public Media reports on the intense opposition from environmental groups. The executive order covers extensive Alaska land use issues, including:
- New oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
- Construction of roads across protected federal lands to facilitate logging and mining.
Ruskin highlights the controversy by noting:
"It's exactly what Alaska's all Republican congressional delegation wanted. But Alaskans who advocated for these protections are seeing years of work erased."
Furthermore, conservation advocates are preparing to challenge the order legally, particularly the decision to revert Mount McKinley's name back to its original designation, Denali. A recent poll by Alaska Survey Research indicates that a significant majority of Alaskans prefer the name Denali.
Dismantling DEI Programs and Treasury Nomination
Timestamp [02:09]:
President Trump has issued another executive order aimed at dismantling all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Consequently, any federal employee involved in DEI initiatives has been placed on paid leave immediately.
Timestamp [02:35]:
Scott Horsley reports on the stock market reacting positively to Trump’s Treasury Secretary nominee, Scott Besant. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 115 points following Besant’s progress toward confirmation. The Senate Finance Committee voted 16 to 11 to advance his nomination to the full Senate.
If confirmed, Besant is expected to significantly influence the administration's policies on taxes, tariffs, and broader economic strategies. Notably, Trump has indicated that new tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico could commence as early as February 1st, potentially affecting crude oil supplies from Canada and contributing to a rise in retail gasoline prices by 4 cents a gallon in the past week.
Additionally, Netflix has seen its stock rise after reporting better-than-expected financial results, coupled with a strategic decision to increase subscription prices by $1 to $2.50 monthly.
Israel-Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire
Timestamp [03:14]:
The podcast shifts focus to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Korva Coleman reports that Israel has initiated a new operation in the occupied West Bank, resulting in arrests and deaths among Palestinians. Despite these aggressive actions, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has held firm for the fourth consecutive day, approximately 50 miles away from the conflict zone.
Timestamp [03:37]:
Eya Batrawi provides an in-depth look at the situation in Gaza. She describes the region as being in ruins due to over a year of warfare and sustained Israeli airstrikes. Key points include:
- Destruction: Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, transforming cities into "gray mounds of rubble."
- Casualties: Gaza’s health ministry reports over 47,000 fatalities caused by Israeli fire throughout the conflict.
- Recovery Efforts: Local health officials have managed to recover around 150 bodies since the ceasefire commenced on Sunday, with estimates suggesting more than 10,000 people remain missing beneath the rubble.
Batrawi emphasizes the bleak outlook for Gaza, with little respite in sight despite the temporary halt in hostilities.
Sports and Cultural News
Timestamp [04:21]:
In sports, three new members have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame:
- Ichiro Suzuki: Former Seattle Mariners star who gained fame in Japan before excelling in Major League Baseball.
- Cece Sabathia: Renowned pitcher with a distinguished career.
- Billy Wagner: Celebrated closing pitcher known for his remarkable performances.
In cultural news, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jules Pfeiffer has passed away at the age of 95. Pfeiffer was best known for his long tenure at the Village Voice and for illustrating the beloved children’s book, The Phantom Tollbooth. His wife confirmed his passing, marking the end of a significant era in political and children's illustration.
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