NPR News Now: January 22, 2025, 7 AM EST

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Federal Immigration Policy Changes Ignite Concerns

Kansas City, January 22, 2025 – The Trump administration is intensifying its focus on immigration enforcement, signaling a potential increase in federal raids targeting cities that previously vowed to protect undocumented migrants. Korva Coleman reports that while no major raids are currently scheduled, groundwork is being laid for future actions in areas where such operations were previously restricted.

Jimene Bastillo elaborates on the shift in policy, noting, "Old rules said that schools as well as places of worship, health care facilities and a list of other areas were off limits for arrests of people suspected of being without legal status. Now, the acting secretary of Homeland Security has rescinded those guidelines, which the Trump administration says limit law enforcement from doing its job" (00:37).

This policy reversal has sparked significant backlash, with several states launching lawsuits against the administration. These legal battles center around President Trump's executive actions aimed at overturning birthright citizenship—a provision firmly rooted in the U.S. Constitution. The states argue that such moves undermine foundational legal protections and could lead to broader implications for immigration policy nationwide.

Defense Secretary Nominee Faces Allegations of Misconduct

In a developing story, Korva Coleman introduces allegations against President Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Luke Garrett reports that Danielle Hegseth, the former sister-in-law of Hegseth, has submitted a sworn affidavit to the Senate accusing him of abusive behavior towards his second wife (01:25).

Danielle Hegseth claims that Pete Hegseth has an alcohol problem and was physically abusive, stating, "At times, Hegseth's second wife hid in a closet from him out of fear" (01:25). This affidavit was presented following a request from Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, who is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Although Senator Reed described the allegations as "disturbing and potentially disqualifying," the committee nonetheless endorsed Hegseth's nomination along party lines, facilitating its progression to a full Senate vote.

In response, Hegseth's legal team has dismissed the allegations, and NPR has reached out for comment. The outcome of this nomination process remains uncertain, pending further scrutiny and the Senate's final decision.

Devastating Wildfires in Los Angeles Prompt Presidential Visit

The Los Angeles region is grappling with severe wildfires that have resulted in at least 28 fatalities and the destruction of over 15,000 structures this month. Korva Coleman reports that President Trump is scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Friday to assess the damage firsthand and discuss disaster relief efforts (02:08).

Tamara Keith adds that President Trump is considering tying disaster relief funds to other legislative agendas. During a meeting with Republican congressional leaders, Trump discussed expanding tax cuts and increasing resources for immigration enforcement, suggesting that the wildfires could serve as a catalyst for garnering support. "It's been in some ways made simpler by Los Angeles because they're going to need a lot of money. And generally speaking, I think you find that a lot of Democrats are going to be asking for help. So I think maybe that makes it more one sided. I think we're going to do very well. Look, we're going to take care of Los Angeles going there" (02:48).

Additionally, President Trump's itinerary includes a stop in North Carolina, where ongoing hurricane recovery efforts are still underway, highlighting the administration's focus on managing multiple natural disasters simultaneously.

Severe Winter Storm Hits the Southeast

A powerful winter storm is currently impacting the Southeastern United States, with warnings extending from northern Florida to southern Virginia. Korva Coleman details that regions are experiencing several inches of snow, an unusual event for areas like New Orleans, which was hit by at least eight inches of snowfall yesterday. At one point, blizzard warnings were issued for coastal Louisiana, emphasizing the storm's intensity (03:14).

The unexpected snowfall has disrupted daily life, impacting transportation, utilities, and local economies. Authorities are working to manage the fallout, while residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during the ongoing severe weather conditions.

FDA Expands Approval for Antidepressant Nasal Spray Spravato

In the realm of healthcare advancements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its approval of the antidepressant nasal spray Spravato, allowing it to be used as a standalone treatment for depression. Korva Coleman introduces the story, and John Hamilton provides further insights (03:50).

Spravato, composed of esketamine—a mirror image molecule of the anesthetic ketamine—was initially approved in 2019 for adults with major depressive disorder who did not respond to at least two other antidepressants. The original approval mandated that patients using Spravato continue taking an oral antidepressant concurrently. However, based on a recent large-scale study demonstrating that Spravato alone was more effective than a placebo, the FDA has revised its guidelines to allow the drug's standalone use.

This decision is not only a significant milestone for patients seeking alternative treatments for depression but also a substantial financial success for Johnson & Johnson, Spravato's manufacturer, which reported approximately $780 million in sales during the first nine months of 2024.

Prince Harry Settles Lawsuit Against Murdoch-Owned Tabloids

In a notable legal settlement, Britain's Prince Harry and a senior British lawmaker have resolved their lawsuit against several tabloid newspapers owned by billionaire Rupert Murdoch. Korva Coleman reports that the settlement effectively ends the possibility of a high-profile trial in London, which was anticipated to unveil potentially damaging evidence against Murdoch and his tabloid executives (04:29).

The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that the tabloids engaged in phone hacking and invaded the privacy of Prince Harry and the lawmaker. By reaching a settlement, both parties have agreed to dismiss the case without proceeding to trial, thereby preventing further public disclosure of the contentious activities alleged against the media outlets. This resolution underscores the ongoing tensions between public figures and media organizations over issues of privacy and ethical journalism.

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