NPR News Now: January 26, 2025, 3 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest updates in five minutes. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the January 26, 2025, episode.

1. U.S.-Colombia Diplomatic Tensions Over Deportation Flights

[00:40]

Host Luis Schiavone opens the episode with a report by John Otis on the escalating tensions between the United States and Colombia regarding President Trump's stringent migration policies. The Trump administration has initiated deportation flights to several Latin American countries, including attempts to deport migrants to Colombia. However, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has refused to accept these deportees, citing concerns over their treatment.

Petro emphasized the need for dignity in deportations, stating on social media platform X, "A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with dignity" [00:40]. In response, President Trump threatened Colombia with steep tariffs on exports, financial sanctions, and visa restrictions targeting government officials and relatives of President Petro. This diplomatic standoff highlights the complexities of international migration policies and their impact on bilateral relations.

2. Trump’s Dismissal of Independent Inspectors General and GOP Reactions

[01:26]

In a significant development, President Trump has fired multiple independent inspectors general responsible for overseeing government agencies. Luis Schiavone introduces a report by Eleanor Moore that delves into the Republican lawmakers' defense of Trump's actions amidst criticism over the lack of timely notice to Congress.

Senator Lindsey Graham expressed support for Trump’s decision, arguing, "The question is, is it okay for him to put people in place that he thinks can carry out his agenda? Y he won the election. What do you expect him to do, just leave everybody in place in Washington before he got elected? This makes perfect sense to me" [01:56]. Despite bipartisan acknowledgment that proper procedures were not followed, Graham continues to back the president's move.

Conversely, Senator Chuck Grassley, chair of the Judiciary Committee, has demanded more transparency, stating, "There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so" [02:08]. This incident underscores the ongoing debates within the GOP regarding executive authority and congressional oversight.

3. Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Breakdown and Renewed Violence

[02:25]

Luis Schiavone transitions to an international conflict involving Israel and Lebanon. Emily Fang reports that Israel has failed to withdraw from Lebanon by the agreed-upon deadline of a ceasefire with the militant group Hezbollah. This failure led to renewed violence, resulting in 22 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Over the weekend, villagers attempting to return home near the Israel-Lebanon border were reportedly fired upon by Israeli forces. The Israeli army maintained that it had issued warning shots to "suspects who were approaching their troops" [02:43]. Additionally, the Lebanese army confirmed the death of one of its soldiers at the hands of Israeli forces and criticized Israel for not fully adhering to the ceasefire terms. Israel's insistence on ensuring Hezbollah's complete withdrawal of fighters before pulling back adds to the tension, reflecting the fragile nature of peace agreements in conflict zones.

4. China’s Lunar New Year Travel Rush Reaches Peak

[03:17]

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Alwen Tsao reports on the massive travel surge in China, marking the Year of the Snake. Beginning on January 14, this annual migration sees approximately 9 billion trips over 40 days, predominantly by car. The festival is a pivotal time for family reunions, especially for China's migrant workers who often reserve their vacation days solely for this period.

Alwen Tsao highlights the cultural significance of the holiday, noting, "The festival is traditionally a time for families to reunite. Many of China's migrant workers use all their vacation days for this annual trip, often their only chance to see parents and children" [03:30]. This massive movement underscores the importance of the Lunar New Year in Chinese society and the logistical challenges associated with managing such a vast migration.

5. NFL Playoffs: Eagles vs. Commanders and Chiefs vs. Bills

[04:01]

Shifting to sports, Luis Schiavone covers the intense NFL playoff action. The Philadelphia Eagles are set to face the Washington Commanders for a coveted spot in the Super Bowl. Frank Lankford provides on-the-ground insights from Lincoln Financial Field, capturing the vibrant atmosphere and key player concerns.

Lankford observes, "When you talk to fans, when you talk to analysts, the key questions in this game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' knee—Will he be able to be mobile and be able to get run out of the pocket? And then finally, Jaden Daniels, the rookie phenom quarterback for the Washington Commanders, pinpoint passing and extraordinary poise" [04:10]. The outcome of this game will determine who advances to the Super Bowl.

Additionally, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC title game, with the Chiefs aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl victory [04:44]. This matchup promises high stakes as both teams vie for dominance in their respective conferences.

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