NPR News Now: January 23, 2025, 6AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman | Release Date: January 23, 2025

Immigration and Border Security

President Trump's Border Initiatives

In the early segment, Korva Coleman reports on President Trump's recent directives concerning U.S. immigration policy. Tom Homan, President Trump's appointed border czar, informed Fox News that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) teams are prioritizing public safety without initiating large-scale raids. However, President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to deploy an additional 1,500 U.S. troops to the southern border to support existing Border Patrol and National Guard units.

Quill Lawrence elaborates on the Pentagon's involvement, stating that the military personnel will assist in both ground operations and aerial surveillance. "Military airlift may also be used for deportation flights of more than 5,000 people detained by Customs and Border Protection near San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas" (00:46). Additionally, troops will aid in constructing barriers to curb illegal crossings and smuggling activities. This move mirrors past deployments by both Presidents Biden and Trump during their respective terms.

FEMA and Disaster Relief under Scrutiny

President Trump's Critique of FEMA

In a subsequent report, President Trump addressed FEMA during a Fox News interview, casting doubt on the agency's effectiveness. He remarked, "FEMA is going to be a whole big discussion very shortly because I'd rather see the states take care of their own problems" (01:23). While acknowledging that the federal government can provide financial assistance during disasters, Trump criticized FEMA for obstructing state efforts. This statement arrives amid new wildfire outbreaks, specifically the Hughes Fire north of Los Angeles, which rapidly scorched 15 square miles in less than a day (02:01).

Judicial Response to Trump’s Pardons

Federal Judges Condemn January 6th Pardons

Sharp criticism has emerged from federal judges regarding President Trump's decision to pardon approximately 1,500 individuals implicated in the January 6th Capitol attack. NPR's Tom Dreisbach reports that District Judge Tanya Chutkin declared, "No pardon can change the tragic truth of what happened," emphasizing the severity of the events (02:23). Senior Judge Beryl Howell echoed these sentiments, referring to the rioters as "poor losers for the reaction to the 2020 election" and warned that pardoning them "raises the specter of future lawlessness."

Trump defends his actions by asserting that the pardoned individuals were "treated unfairly," including violent participants. Notably, one of the released individuals, Stuart Rhodes, founder of the far-right group Oath Keepers, was reported to be at Capitol Hill the previous day seeking meetings with lawmakers (03:05).

High School Shooting in Nashville

Deadly Incident at a Nashville High School

Tragedy struck in Nashville where a male student fatally shot a female classmate in the school cafeteria, with a third male student sustaining a grazed bullet wound. Authorities have yet to determine a motive or whether the victims were specifically targeted, as reported by Korva Coleman (03:17). The incident has prompted swift investigations by local law enforcement agencies.

Impeached South Korean President Faces Indictment

Yoon Song Yol Under Investigation for Insurrection

In international news, Impeached South Korean President Yoon Song Yol has been handed over to prosecutors facing insurrection charges. NPR's Anthony Kuhn provides details from Seoul, noting that Yoon has been detained for eight days without cooperating with anti-corruption investigators. Yoon contends that the prosecutors lack jurisdiction over insurrection-related matters. Investigators allege that Yoon orchestrated the deployment of special forces to parliament with orders to arrest lawmakers, a claim Yoon denies. "Yoon has refused to answer anti-corruption investigators' questions and argues that they have no authority to investigate cases involving insurrection" (03:40). The prosecutor’s office anticipates an indictment early next month, while a constitutional court trial is ongoing to determine the future of Yoon's impeachment.

Marriage Equality Achieved in Thailand

Historic Same-Sex Marriages Legalized

A landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights occurred in Thailand as same-sex couples were officially married under the new Marriage Equality Act. Organized by Bangkok Pride, the grand wedding event took place at a local mall, marking the culmination of over a decade of advocacy by LGBTQ+ activists in Thailand. The legislation grants married same-sex couples significant rights, including inheritance and adoption, representing a major societal shift. Korva Coleman highlights the significance of this achievement, underscoring Thailand's progress towards inclusivity (04:32).

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump (01:38): "FEMA is going to be a whole big discussion very shortly because I'd rather see the states take care of their own problems."

• District Judge Tanya Chutkin (02:23): "No pardon can change the tragic truth of what happened."

• Senior Judge Beryl Howell (02:23): "Allowing them to get away with their crimes raises the specter of future lawlessness."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments reported in the January 23, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.

Timestamps:

• 00:46: Quill Lawrence on Pentagon's border support
• 01:23: President Trump's comments on FEMA
• 02:01: Wildfires north of Los Angeles
• 02:23: Federal judges on Trump's pardons
• 03:05: Release of Stuart Rhodes
• 03:17: Nashville high school shooting
• 03:40: Impeached President Yoon's indictment
• 04:32: Thailand’s marriage equality act