NPR News: 01-24-2025 8PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now Episode: January 24, 2025, 8PM EST Release Date: January 25, 2025

---

Senate Faces Uncertainty Over Trump's Defense Secretary Nominee

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate continues to deliberate on President Donald Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. As the vote looms tonight, concerns within the Republican Party are mounting regarding the nominee's approval. Two prominent GOP senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have declared their intention to vote against Hegseth's confirmation.

As the White House prepares for a decisive vote, President Trump expressed surprise over the opposition from Collins and Murkowski. At [00:49], Trump stated, “Pete's a very, very good man. I hope he makes it. I hope he makes it. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that.” Additionally, Trump hinted at the possibility of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell opposing the nomination, adding, “Mitch a no vote. How about Mitch, huh? What? Let's see what happens.”

Hegseth's nomination was advanced through a narrow 51-49 procedural vote this week. Given the slim majority, any further Republican dissent could jeopardize his appointment, intensifying the political drama surrounding the confirmation process. The outcome remains uncertain as senators prepare to cast their votes tonight.

---

El Paso Leaders Condemn New Immigration Enforcement Policies

El Paso, Texas – Faith community leaders and local officials in El Paso are raising alarms over the Trump administration's revised immigration policies. The new directives permit immigration enforcement officers to enter religious and educational institutions to apprehend individuals residing in the U.S. without legal authorization. This marks a significant shift from the longstanding protections in place since 2011.

Catholic Bishop Mark Seitz addressed the community from the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral, affirming the church's commitment amidst rising fears of deportations. At [01:53], Bishop Seitz emphasized, “We will work to protect our families, to witness to human dignity, to defend our religious liberty, to oppose the shutting down of our borders and our hearts.”

El Paso's county attorney has announced readiness to pursue legal action against the administration's policies, aiming to defend residents' civil and constitutional rights. Angela Kocherkin reported these developments, highlighting the community's resilience and determination to uphold their rights in the face of stringent enforcement measures.

---

Elon Musk Criticizes $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Plan

El Paso, Texas – A significant feud has emerged between tech magnate Elon Musk and the Trump administration over a proposed $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative. Musk took to his social media platform, X, to dispute the feasibility of the project, alleging, “They don't actually have the money.” This critique targets the collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and Japanese tech investor SoftBank, aimed at advancing artificial intelligence capabilities.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to Musk's allegations, stating, “As you surely know, White House officials are trying to de-escalate the feud over the AI megadeal.” The tension between Musk and Altman dates back years, with Musk having been an early investor in OpenAI. He has previously accused the organization of misleading him regarding its commitment to remaining a non-profit research lab. In retaliation, Altman remarked, “What is great for the country isn't always optimal for your companies,” underscoring the complex interplay between national interests and corporate strategies.

NPR's Bobby Allen provided in-depth coverage of the situation, noting that despite Musk's criticisms, the administration seeks to smooth over differences to advance the ambitious AI project, which could have far-reaching implications for technology and the economy.

---

Wall Street Reacts to Market Fluctuations

Wall Street, New York – The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a downturn today, falling by 140 points amid market volatility. Investors remain cautious as they navigate economic indicators and geopolitical tensions that continue to influence trading behaviors. While specific catalysts for today's decline remain under analysis, the broader market sentiment reflects ongoing uncertainties in both domestic and international arenas.

---

Severe Weather Brings Hurricane-Force Winds to Ireland and UK

Ireland and United Kingdom – Millions in Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom are heeding authorities' warnings to stay indoors due to hurricane-force winds wreaking havoc across the region. The intense storm has resulted in widespread power outages and significant travel disruptions, prompting forecasters to issue a red weather warning. This designation indicates a potential danger to life, urging residents to take all necessary precautions.

In Ireland, wind gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour have been recorded, leading to the downing of power lines and impassable roads. Central and southwest Scotland are also under threat, with emergency services mobilizing to address the storm's impact. The severe weather event underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena and the importance of preparedness in vulnerable regions.

---

Giant Pandas Make Triumphant Return to National Zoo

Washington, D.C. – After a 15-month hiatus, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao have been unveiled to the public at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. This highly anticipated event attracted thousands of visitors eager to witness the beloved animals once again in their new habitat.

Michael Brown Palsgrove, the panda curator, shared insights into the preparations, noting the extensive efforts to ensure the pandas' comfort and safety. At [04:11], Palsgrove remarked, “Bao Li is very gregarious and outgoing. Qing Bao is a little bit more reserved and independent,” highlighting the distinct personalities of the pair. He further explained that significant work has been invested in crafting enclosures that provide a secure and enriching environment for the pandas.

The public debut, which took place at 8:00 AM, marks a significant milestone for the zoo, symbolizing a return to normalcy and offering a moment of joy for panda enthusiasts following the prolonged absence of these charismatic creatures.

---

Target Reduces Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

National Retail Sector – In a move that aligns with recent trends among major U.S. corporations, Target has announced plans to scale back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This decision follows similar actions by industry giants like Walmart and other leading firms, signaling a potential shift in corporate strategies regarding workplace diversity and organizational culture.

The reduction in DEI efforts comes amidst broader discussions about the role and effectiveness of such programs in fostering inclusive environments. Critics argue that scaling back could hinder progress towards equity and representation within the corporate sector, while proponents may cite cost-cutting measures or a reevaluation of strategic priorities as driving factors.

As Target joins the ranks of companies modifying their DEI commitments, stakeholders and employees alike will be closely monitoring the implications of these changes on the company's culture and public image.

---

This summary is based on the transcript of NPR News Now's episode released on January 25, 2025. It captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Greenlight. Parents rank financial literacy as the number one most difficult life skill to teach. With Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families, kids learn to earn, save and spend wisely. Get started risk [e-mail] NPR Live from.

[Jack Spear]

NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. With the Senate still moving towards a vote tonight on President Donald Trump's controversial nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, there appear to be mounting concerns among some Republicans as to whether the votes are there. Two GOP lawmakers, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said they are no votes. As he was leaving the White House for trips to North Carolina and California today, Trump speculated as to whether Another Republican, Mitch McConnell, could break ranks as well.

[Donald Trump]

Pete's a very, very good man. I hope he makes it. I hope he makes it. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course, m there's always a no vote, I guess. Mitch a no vote. How about Mitch, huh? What? Let's see what happens.

[Jack Spear]

Hag Seth's nomination was moved forward in a procedural vote this week, but by a slim 51 to 49 margin, meaning any additional Republican no votes could sink the nomination. Faith community and elected leaders in El Paso, Texas, are speaking out about the Trump administration's new immigration policies. Member station KTEP Angela Kocirga has more.

[Angela Kocherkin]

The change in policy allows immigration enforcement officers to enter churches and schools to arrest people living in the US without legal status. Those places were protected under a long standing policy dating back to 2011. On the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Catholic Bishop Mark Seitz vowed to continue the church's mission amid growing fears some residents could face deportation.

[Donald Trump]

We will work to protect our families, to witness to human dignity, to defend our religious liberty, to oppose the shutting.

[Angela Kocherkin]

Down of our borders and our hearts. El Paso's county attorney says her office is ready to take legal action to support organizations fighting to protect residents civil and constitutional rights. For NPR News, I'm Angela Kocherkin.

[Jack Spear]

EL PASO the Trump administration is trying to contain criticism from White House adviser Elon musk of a $500 billion AI infrastructure plan. As NPR's Bobby Allen explains, Musk's been attacking the project known as starg.

[Elon Musk]

They don't actually have the money. That's what Elon Musk wrote on his social platform X about a White house partnership between ChatGPT maker OpenAI Software Co. Oracle and Japanese tech investor SoftBank. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shot back, saying Musk was wrong, quote, as you surely know, White House officials are trying to de escalate the feud over the AI megadeal. But things between Musk and Altman have been tense for years. Musk, who runs his own AI company, was an early investor in OpenAI and has claimed in a lawsuit that the firm deceived Musk and into believing it would stay a non profit research lab. In another post, Altman told Musk what is great for the country isn't always optimal for your companies. Bobby Allen, NPR News.

[Jack Spear]

On Wall street, The Dow fell 140 points today. You're listening to NPR. Millions of people in Ireland and parts of the UK are taking authorities warnings seriously and remaining at home. That's as a result of hurricane force winds that have been bringing down power lines and causing massive travel disruptions. Forecasters issued a red weather warning, meaning a potential danger to life across Ireland and parts of central and southwest Scotland. In Ireland, there were reported wind gusts of more than 100 miles an hour. After a 15 month absence, giant pandas are back on public display at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. justin O'Neill from member station WAMU has more on preparations for their public debut today.

[Michael Brown Palsgrove]

On Thursday morning, crews were preparing to welcome thousands of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the zoo's newest stars, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Panda curator Michael Brown Palsgrove says that if either panda shows any interest in the throngs who show up, it will more likely be the male Bao Li.

[Elon Musk]

Bao Li is very gregarious and outgoing. Qing Bao is a little bit more reserved and independent.

[Michael Brown Palsgrove]

The pandas arrived in Washington in October, and Brown Paulsgrove says that a lot of work has gone into making sure that the pandas feel safe and confident in their new enclosures. He says that the public unveiling of the pandas, which happened this morning at 8:00am was months in the making. For NPR news, I'm Justin O'Neill in Washington.

[Jack Spear]

Big box retailer Target, the latest major US company to announce plans to cut back its corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Target following rival Walmart and some other major firms in scaling back on DEI initiatives. I'm Jack Spier, NPR News, in Washington.

[NPR Sponsor]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Boland Branch. Change your sleep with the softness of Bowland Branch's 100% organic cotton sheets. Feel the difference with 15% off your first set of [e-mail] with code NPR exclusions apply. See site for details.