NPR News Now: January 22, 2025, 12 PM EST

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Department of Justice Targets Immigration Enforcement Obstruction

[00:13] Lakshmi Singh reports that the Department of Justice is mobilizing federal prosecutors nationwide to investigate any state or local efforts obstructing the Trump administration's immigration enforcement initiatives. A newly surfaced internal memo, referenced by multiple news outlets, reveals targeted cities, including Chicago, for potential mass deportation raids.

[00:47] Mawa Iqbal of WBEZ highlights Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's commitment to protect undocumented residents. Governor Pritzker expressed uncertainty about concrete plans from President Trump and emphasized the fear gripping Chicago’s immigrant communities.

[01:06] Governor Pritzker stated, “I was in businesses yesterday that were relatively empty because people are afraid to show up, because even documented immigrants, even citizens who are from another country but now are citizens of the United States have relatives who are undocumented. They're afraid.” [01:06]

[01:22] The Chicago City Council recently vetoed an ordinance that would have authorized Chicago police to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, further underscoring the city's resistance to federal deportation efforts.

Administration Halts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs

[01:33] Lakshmi Singh reports that the Trump administration has ordered all federal employees in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) roles to be placed on paid leave by 5 PM EST. This directive follows President Trump's executive orders aimed at ending DEI programs within the federal government.

[01:46] Representative James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, commented to CNN, “President Trump and I, and I think at least 50% of Americans, feel that this is a duplicative service within the federal government, an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.” [01:46]

[01:57] The administration's directive requires federal agencies to begin reduction in force actions against DEI staffers, signaling a significant shift in federal workplace policies.

Escalating Conflict in the Middle East

[01:57] Alongside domestic issues, international tensions persist as Israel engages in a new operation in the occupied West Bank, resulting in arrests and casualties among Palestinians.

[02:25] Ayah Batrawi provides a grim update on the Gaza Strip, where a fragile ceasefire with Hamas remains in effect for the fourth day. Gaza is devastated, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble from over a year of sustained Israeli airstrikes. The Health Ministry reports over 47,000 fatalities due to Israeli attacks, with approximately 150 bodies recovered since the ceasefire and an estimated 10,000 missing.

Wildfire Threats and Environmental Concerns in Southern California

[03:08] Continuing, Lakshmi Singh informs listeners that Southern California remains under red flag warnings for critical fire danger, expected to persist through the next day. While anticipated weekend rains offer relief, they also bring new risks such as landslides and toxic ash runoff.

[03:08] Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed emergency crews to prepare for these potential hazards by reinforcing hillsides and installing barriers to safeguard communities affected by recent wildfires. She stated, “We are taking proactive measures to protect our neighborhoods from the aftermath of the fires and the challenges that the rains may bring.” [03:08]

Challenges in Supporting Homeless Students in the Midwest

[03:57] Kevon Mansouri reports on the shortcomings of federal efforts to ensure homeless students have equal access to education in rural Midwest areas. An investigation by Midwest Newsroom reveals that many rural public schools lack the resources and capacity to identify and assist homeless students under the McKinney-Vento Act.

[04:17] Tara Bach, Missouri’s homeless education coordinator, explains, “Our urban school districts might have a team of people working on McKinney Vento. Those rural school districts probably just have one designated person, and it's probably also the superintendent or the principal or someone else holding other roles.” [04:17]

[04:30] Last year, the federal government allocated $129 million for McKinney Vento funding, yet rural districts continue to struggle with effectively utilizing these resources to support students facing housing instability.

U.S. Stock Markets Rise

[04:41] In financial news, U.S. stocks are experiencing gains, with the NASDAQ climbing more than 300 points, marking a 1.5% increase. Lakshmi Singh notes, “U.S. stocks are trading higher this hour, with the NASDAQ now up more than 300 points, or 1.5%.” [04:41]

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