NPR News Now: January 26, 2025, 10 AM EST

Hosted by NPR

U.S. Political Turmoil: Presidential Pardons Under Scrutiny

Timestamp: [01:18]

In a heated political landscape, President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his recent comments advocating for Jordan and Egypt to resettle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described the Gaza Strip as "a real mess and a demolition site," suggesting that relocating Palestinians could be either a temporary or long-term solution. His remarks have ignited fears of increased Palestinian displacement, especially as internally displaced Palestinians are currently awaiting Israeli approval to return to Gaza City following the recent conflict.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim responded sharply to Trump's proposal. At [00:35], Naim stated, “Palestinians endured war with Israel in order to stop staying on their land and will not accept any proposals, even if seemingly well-intentioned. Under the guise of reconstruction, he [Trump] called for the blockade on Gaza to be lifted so residents can rebuild.” This rejection underscores the deep-seated tensions and the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israeli airstrikes continuing to devastate Gaza and hinder reconstruction efforts.

Adding to the domestic political discourse, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has publicly criticized President Trump's decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. At [01:56], Graham remarked, “I don't like this. I don't like it on either side, and I think the public doesn't like it either. So if this continues, if this is the norm, there may be an effort to rein in the pardon power of the president as an institution.” Speaking during an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Graham also took aim at former President Joe Biden, criticizing his pardoning of family members just before leaving office. These comments highlight growing bipartisan concerns over the extent of presidential pardon powers and their implications for accountability and democratic norms.

International Affairs: South Korea and Belarus in the Global Spotlight

Timestamp: [02:07]

In South Korea, a historic event unfolds as President Yoon Suk Yeol becomes the first sitting South Korean president to be formally indicted. Prosecutors have charged Yoon with insurrection, a move that has significant political ramifications. According to NPR's Anthony Kuhn reporting from Seoul at [02:32], Yoon was scheduled for release on Monday, but prosecutors expedited his indictment after a court denied their request to prolong his detention for further questioning. Yoon, a former prosecutor general, remains uncooperative with inquiries, asserting that his declaration of martial law on December 3 was never intended to be enforced. He further contends that anti-corruption investigators lack jurisdiction over insurrection cases. Yoon's case will keep him in detention for up to six months as his trial progresses, marking a tumultuous period in South Korean politics.

Meanwhile, in Belarus, voters are heading to the polls amidst widespread skepticism about the fairness of the election. President Alexander Lukashenko is poised to secure a seventh five-year term. Both the United States and the European Union have condemned the election process, labeling it as neither free nor fair due to the jailing and exile of prominent opposition figures. The 2020 election had already triggered months of pro-democracy protests, resulting in the arrest of tens of thousands. The upcoming vote is viewed by many as a continuation of Lukashenko's authoritarian grip on power, raising concerns about the future of democratic movements in Belarus.

Crime and Security: High-Profile Museum Heist in the Netherlands

Timestamp: [03:10]

In a dramatic incident, Dutch authorities are seeking the public's assistance in locating individuals responsible for a daring museum heist in Assen, northeastern Netherlands. As reported by Terry Schultz at [03:55], surveillance footage captured three men forcibly entering a museum door and detonating an explosive device early Saturday morning. Within minutes, the thieves had stolen at least four gold artifacts, including a helmet dating back to 500 BC. These items were part of an exhibition featuring pre-Roman gold and silver pieces on loan from the National History Museum of Romania.

The swift nature of the theft, completed within three minutes, has alarmed experts who fear the artifacts might be melted down for their valuable materials, given their distinct and recognizable features. A delegation from Bucharest is scheduled to visit Asun on Sunday to assess the extent of the loss and determine if additional items were taken during the heist. The Dutch police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of these priceless cultural treasures, and Interpol has been enlisted to aid in the search.

Sports Highlight: Onyx Sinner Clinches Australian Open Title

Timestamp: [04:35]

In the world of sports, Italian sensation Onyx Sinner has triumphantly defended his Australian Open title, cementing his status as a rising star in tennis. At [04:35], Giles Snyder reported that Sinner, 23, defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets during today's men's final held at Melbourne Park. This victory marks Sinner's third Grand Slam title, making him the first Italian player to achieve this milestone. Sinner's exceptional performance throughout the tournament has garnered widespread acclaim, and his victory over Zverev, a seasoned competitor, highlights his growing dominance and potential to influence the future landscape of professional tennis.

Conclusion

The January 26, 2025 episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive roundup of critical global and national events. From the contentious debates surrounding presidential pardons in the United States to pivotal political shifts in South Korea and Belarus, the news segment underscored significant developments affecting international relations and domestic policies. Additionally, the daring museum heist in the Netherlands captured attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about cultural preservation and security. The sports segment provided a celebratory note with Onyx Sinner's impressive achievement, offering listeners a moment of triumph amidst the day's complex news landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Bassem Naim, Senior Hamas Figure: “Palestinians endured war with Israel in order to stop staying on their land and will not accept any proposals, even if seemingly well-intentioned. Under the guise of reconstruction, he called for the blockade on Gaza to be lifted so residents can rebuild.” (00:35)

• Senator Lindsey Graham: “I don't like this. I don't like it on either side, and I think the public doesn't like it either. So if this continues, if this is the norm, there may be an effort to rein in the pardon power of the president as an institution.” (01:56)

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the NPR News Now episode, providing a thorough overview for those who missed the live broadcast.