NPR News Now: January 24, 2025, 3PM EST
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Source: NPR News
President Trump Targets FEMA and Offers Conditional Aid to States
In today’s top story, President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order aimed at “reform[ing], overhaul[ing] or possibly close[ing] the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)” (00:12). Citing FEMA’s perceived inefficiency, Trump criticized the agency as “too slow and bureaucratic” (00:12). He emphasized that states should manage their own natural resources, asserting that “they know best what they need” (00:38).
During his visit to North Carolina, Trump toured areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, highlighting the “catastrophic flooding” that resulted in “266 deaths” and widespread destruction (00:38). He is now set to travel to California to assess wildfire damage and meet with Governor Gavin Newsom. However, Trump stipulated that federal aid to California would be contingent upon the state implementing voter ID laws and relaxing environmental regulations. He criticized California’s wildfire response, pointing out the “lack of water and fire hydrants” (00:38).
Federal Judge Restricts Oath Keepers Leader’s Access to Washington D.C.
In related news, Ryan Lucas reports that federal Judge Amit Mehta has barred Stuart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group, from entering Washington, D.C. without court approval (01:29). Rhodes, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, had his 18-year sentence commuted by President Trump to time served, leading to his release from prison (01:29). Judge Mehta described Rhodes as an “ongoing threat to the country”, underscoring the seriousness of his restrictions (01:29).
Minnesota's State House Control in Legal Limbo
Minnesota faces political turmoil as both Republicans and Democrats vie for control of the state House amidst ongoing legal challenges. Dana Ferguson explains that the November election resulted in a tie, but Democrats subsequently lost a seat due to a residency challenge (02:24). Republicans argue they hold the majority and should thus lead legislative sessions, prompting Democrats to boycott these meetings (02:24).
The Minnesota Supreme Court is currently deliberating on challenges brought forward by House Democrats and the Secretary of State. Chief Justice Natalie Hudson acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “What we have is a co-equal branch of government that is completely dysfunctional” (02:52). The court faces three potential paths: maintaining the current power structure, striking it down, or forging an alternative solution (02:58).
President Trump Removes Federal Security for Dr. Anthony Fauci
In a significant development, President Trump has terminated the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the renowned infectious disease expert who advised him during the COVID-19 pandemic (03:07). Fauci now manages his own security arrangements. This move follows a trend of former Trump aides who have become vocal critics of the administration having their federal protection revoked, despite ongoing threats to their safety (03:07).
Anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s Death Highlights Kremlin’s Repression
As the first anniversary of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death approaches, NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports on the continued repression by the Kremlin. Navalny’s lawyer, Olga Mikhailova, currently residing in Paris, revealed that the Russian government is relentless in “seeking revenge by punishing Navalny's lawyers” (03:51). Recently, three of Navalny’s lawyers received multi-year sentences for their association with him, branding Navalny as an extremist (03:51).
Mikhailova, who narrowly escaped prosecution by being abroad during the October 2023 arrests, expressed her deepest regret: “being unable to convince Navalny not to return to Russia from Germany, where he'd been recovering from a poisoning” (03:51). Navalny was arrested upon landing in Moscow in January 2021 and died in prison two years later, amplifying international concerns over human rights in Russia (03:51).
Wall Street Dips Amid Economic Uncertainty
On the financial front, Wall Street is experiencing a downturn with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 150 points and the Nasdaq falling by 116 points (04:41). This decline reflects broader economic uncertainties impacting investor confidence.
Market Update:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: -150 points
- Nasdaq Composite: -116 points
For more detailed updates and continuing coverage, visit npr.org.