NPR News Now: January 27, 2025, 8 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines in five minutes, updated hourly. This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode released on January 27, 2025.

1. US-Colombia Tensions Escalate Over Military Deportation Plans

Reporter: Jeanine Herbst

President Donald Trump has initiated retaliatory measures against Colombia, a longstanding US ally, following Colombia's refusal to permit two US military deportation planes to land. This escalating tension has drawn international attention and prompted responses from both nations.

• Trump's Statement: In a post on Truth Social at [00:41], Trump declared that Colombia's decision "has jeopardized the national security and public safety of the United States." He outlined several punitive actions:

  • Imposition of a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, escalating to 50% the following week.
  • Travel ban implementation.
  • Revocation of visas for Colombian government officials.
  • Introduction of additional financial sanctions.
  • Increased inspections of Colombian citizens and cargo at US borders.

• Colombia's Response: Colombia's President Gustavo Petro announced plans to retaliate by imposing tariffs on U.S. goods. Additionally, the Colombian government has committed to providing a presidential plane for migrants, signaling further diplomatic strain.

2. Trump Denies Oracle's Plans to Acquire TikTok Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Reporters: Jeanine Herbst & Bobby Allen

Amidst persistent rumors, President Trump has publicly denied that Oracle is planning to take over the popular video app TikTok. This comes despite reports of senior White House officials discussing a potential Oracle-led deal to manage TikTok's operations in the United States.

• Trump's Denial: At [01:25], Trump was asked about NPR's report on Oracle's significant investment in TikTok. He responded dismissively, stating, "I haven't talked to Larry," referring to Larry Ellison, Oracle's founder and chairman.

• Context of the Denial:

  • Trump previously attempted to broker a sale of TikTok to Ellison during his first term.
  • Just days prior, Trump expressed interest, stating, "I'd like Larry to buy it."

• Behind-the-Scenes Developments: According to sources involved in White House discussions, Oracle, along with Microsoft and other investors, is assembling a deal to buy out TikTok's Chinese stake. The proposed arrangement would grant Oracle oversight of TikTok's data algorithms and software updates, aiming to address national security concerns related to data handling and user privacy.

3. Southern California Receives Critical Rainfall Amid Wildfire Containment Efforts

Reporter: Chandelyse Duster

Recent thunderstorms have delivered much-needed rain to Southern California, aiding firefighters in their efforts to contain ongoing wildfires. However, the rains also bring heightened risks of mudslides and exposure to toxic ash, posing new challenges for residents and emergency services.

• Weather Impact: At [02:20], Duster reports that the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the region. The rains are beneficial for wildfire suppression but raise concerns about subsequent natural hazards.

• Public Health Concerns: Dr. Barbara Furrier, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, warns at [02:50], "Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic can come from burned electronics and building materials, and even a brief exposure can potentially cause skin irritations and lead to more serious illness."

• Safety Advisories: Residents returning to their homes are advised to exercise caution due to the presence of toxic materials. Additionally, authorities recommend wearing an N95 mask to prevent inhalation of smoke and ash particles.

4. President Macron to Inspect Deteriorating Conditions at the Louvre Museum

Reporter: Eleanor Beardsley

French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit the Louvre Museum amidst reports highlighting significant structural and environmental issues threatening the world's most visited museum.

• Current State of the Louvre: Eleanor Beardsley reports at [03:29] that the museum is grappling with a leaky roof and a severe lack of temperature control. These problems have been detailed in a letter from the museum's director to the French culture minister, as revealed by the French press.

• Insights from Elaine Ciolino: New York Times journalist and author of a forthcoming book on the Louvre, Elaine Ciolino, describes the situation at [03:40], stating, "The Louvre is like a leaky aircraft carrier." She criticizes architect I.M. Pei's iconic glass pyramid, noting at [03:55], "The pyramid... is in terrible shape. There's a greenhouse effect, so it's hot, it's noisy."

• Visitor Management Issues: Designed to accommodate 4 million visitors annually, the Louvre is currently handling twice that number. The museum director has proposed establishing a separate entrance for Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to better manage the overwhelming crowds concentrated around this masterpiece.

5. Latvia Seeks NATO Assistance Following Damage to Undersea Data Cable

Reporter: Jeanine Herbst

Latvia has reached out to Sweden and other Baltic Sea NATO allies for support as it investigates the damage to an underwater fiber optic data cable connecting to Sweden. This incident has implications for regional cybersecurity and infrastructure integrity.

• Incident Details: At [04:20], Latvia's Prime Minister announced on platform X (formerly Twitter) that a data cable on the seabed to Sweden has been damaged within Swedish territorial waters.

• NATO's Response: In response, Latvia, along with Sweden and other NATO members in the Baltic region, are investigating the cause of the damage. Additionally, measures have been taken to increase patrols in the affected maritime area to prevent further incidents and ensure the security of critical communication infrastructure.

• Market Reactions: Concurrently, U.S. futures contracts are showing declines, with Dow futures down about 0.3% and Nasdaq futures down about 1.5%, possibly reflecting investor concerns over geopolitical tensions affecting global markets.

This summary provides an overview of the critical discussions and developments covered in the January 27, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For comprehensive coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full broadcast.