NPR News Now: January 23, 2025

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Episode: NPR News: 01-23-2025 1AM EST
Host: Dan Ronan
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Presidential Interview and January 6th Pardons

In his first television interview since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump addressed several contentious issues, including his recent executive orders, the TikTok situation, and his administration's stance on former President Joe Biden.

Interview Highlights:

• Pardoning January 6th Defendants:
  President Trump defended his decision to pardon nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Speaking with Fox's Sean Hannity, Trump elaborated on his rationale behind these pardons.
  Donald Trump at [00:36]:
  "I went through four years of hell. I spent millions of dollars in legal fees and I won. But I did it the hard way. It's really hard to say that they shouldn't have to go through it. Also, it is very hard to say."

• Criticism of the Biden Administration:
  Trump also criticized President Biden's handling of natural disasters, specifically the administration's response to hurricanes. Additionally, he made several misleading or false claims regarding foreign governments and U.S. prisons.

Reactions from Law Enforcement:

The pardons sparked significant backlash from various law enforcement groups and members of the U.S. Capitol Police. During a press conference on Wednesday, Metropolitan Police Officer Dan Hodges expressed his frustration and determination to continue safeguarding the Capitol.

Dan Hodges at [01:30]:
"Who attacked us on January 6th are free now. They can try it again and they'll know if they try it again in the next four years, they know they'll get pardoned again. But that doesn't matter myself. I'll be there if I'm needed. I'll do it all again. Members of the Capitol Police MPD will be there."

2. Southern California Wildfires

Southern California continues to grapple with severe wildfire conditions, with ongoing efforts to control two major destructive fires.

Current Situation:

• Hughes Fire in Castaic:
  The Hughes Fire erupted late Wednesday morning in the northern LA County community of Castaic. Within hours, it expanded from a few dozen to several thousand acres, leading to evacuations and road closures.
  McKenna Sivertson reports from [02:07]:
  "The Hughes fire broke out late Wednesday morning in the northern LA county community of Castaic. It jumped from a couple dozen acres to a few thousand in a matter of hours, prompting evacuations and road closures."

• Weather Conditions and Forecast:
  The region remains under red flag conditions due to severely dry weather and strong winds, expected to persist into Friday. However, relief could be on the horizon with forecasts predicting widespread rain and cooler temperatures over the weekend. While most areas are expected to receive under half an inch of rain, there's a minor risk of thunderstorms that could cause debris flows, especially in recently burned areas.

3. Financial Markets Update

On Wednesday, U.S. financial markets closed positively across all major indices.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Increased by nearly 131 points.
• Nasdaq Composite: Rose by 252 points.

This upward trend reflects investor optimism amid ongoing economic developments.

4. Legislative Developments

a. Lake and Riley Act Passed

The House of Representatives has successfully passed the Lake and Riley Act, now awaiting President Trump's signature. Named in honor of Georgia nursing student Riley Lake, who was tragically murdered in February of the previous year by a Venezuelan national without legal status in the U.S., the legislation aims to strengthen immigration enforcement.

• Key Provisions:
  The act grants federal immigration officials the authority to deport individuals without legal status, even if they are detained for minor offenses such as theft or shoplifting.

• Bipartisan Support:
  The legislation garnered wide support, passing both the House and Senate by significant margins, reflecting a bipartisan consensus on immigration issues.

b. Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees Announced

The Songwriters Hall of Fame revealed its 2025 class of inductees, showcasing a diverse array of talent across various music genres.

Sydney Madden reports at [03:54]:
"George Clinton, Ashley Gormley, Rodney Darkchild, Jerkins, Mike Love, Tony Macaulay, and three members of the Doobie Brothers—Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, and Patrick Simmons—have officially been added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This is the first class since 2017 to include no women on the list. Songwriters like Janet Jackson and Sheryl Crow were nominated but didn't make the cut this year. The new honorees will be inducted on June 12 at a ceremony in New York City."

5. Local Crime Update

In San Antonio, a shooting incident on Wednesday night resulted in injuries to four police officers. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety.

Stay Informed:
For continuous updates and comprehensive news coverage, tune into NPR News Now.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on January 23, 2025. Notable quotes are included with speaker attributions and timestamps to provide context and depth to the reported events.