NPR News: 01-27-2025 12AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 27, 2025

Host: Dale Willman
Release Date: January 27, 2025

NPR News Now delivers the latest updates in just five minutes. This episode covers a range of significant topics from international relations and political developments to impactful social movements and major sports events. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode’s key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

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1. Oracle’s Potential Acquisition of TikTok Denied by Trump

Timestamp: [00:11]

Host Dale Willman opens the episode by addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding former President Donald Trump’s assertions about Oracle’s involvement with TikTok. Despite reports and discussions within the White House about Oracle negotiating a substantial investment to acquire a significant stake in the popular video app, Trump has publicly denied any such dealings.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Denial: Trump stated, “I haven't talked to Larry about it,” referring to Larry Ellison, founder and chairman of Oracle. He further clarified, “I'd like Larry to buy it,” referencing initial attempts to broker the deal during his administration.

• Oracle’s Role: According to Reporter Bobby Allen at [00:31], Oracle, alongside Microsoft and other investors, is reportedly negotiating to purchase TikTok’s Chinese stake. The proposed deal includes Oracle overseeing the app’s data, algorithm, and software updates to ensure compliance and security.

• White House Discussions: Senior White House officials have been involved in talks to salvage TikTok’s operations in the United States, aiming to mitigate security concerns related to its Chinese ownership.

2. Senator Lindsey Graham Criticizes Presidential Pardons of January 6th Rioters

Timestamp: [01:13]

Host Dale Willman shifts focus to domestic politics, highlighting Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina’s criticism of President Trump’s recent pardons granted to individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Key Points:

• Graham’s Statement: Speaking on CNN, Graham expressed his disapproval, stating, “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” ([01:28]).

• Concerns Raised: Graham is particularly troubled by the pardons issued to rioters who engaged in violence against police officers. He emphasized that such actions do not contribute to the protection or support of law enforcement.

• Implications: The senator warns that continued use of pardons in this manner could lead to institutional challenges regarding the extent of presidential pardon powers.

3. Student-Led March for Gun Reform in Tennessee Following School Shooting

Timestamp: [01:39]

In light of the tragic school shooting in Nashville that claimed the lives of two students, Host Dale Willman reports on the burgeoning student-led movement advocating for gun reform in Tennessee.

Key Points:

• Groundswell Movement: Despite the Covenant School shooting in 2023 failing to influence legislative change, the recent incident has reignited activism among young students ([02:01]).

• Student’s Perspective: Jermaine Cole Jr., a law college student, voiced his frustration, saying, “I'm tired of doing this. Year after year I show up hoping that they'll do something about gun violence, and it never changes” ([02:25]).

• Legislative Response: The Tennessee House has responded by limiting public access to legislative chambers, reserving half of the gallery for lawmakers' guests, which critics argue stifles transparent discourse on essential issues like gun control.

• Planned Protests: Student organizers have scheduled a march at the State House to continue their demand for meaningful gun reform, despite skepticism about legislative receptiveness.

4. Escalation of Violence in South Lebanon as Israeli Forces Clash with Protesters

Timestamp: [02:45]

Host Dale Willman reports a tragic escalation in South Lebanon, where Israeli forces have opened fire on protesters demanding the withdrawal of troops from the region, resulting in significant casualties.

Key Points:

• Casualties: At least 22 people have been killed, and dozens more injured as Israeli forces confront demonstrators ([02:45]).

• Protesters’ Demands: The demonstrators are urging the removal of Israeli troops in line with a previously agreed ceasefire.

• Diplomatic Developments: Hours after the violence, the White House announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from the area to February 18th, aiming to de-escalate tensions.

5. Louvre Under Siege: French President Macron to Inspect Museum’s Issues

Timestamp: [03:27]

Host Dale Willman transitions to cultural news, highlighting urgent infrastructural challenges facing the Louvre Museum, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to announce a visit.

Key Points:

• Structural Concerns: Journalist Elaine Sciolino reports that the Louvre is experiencing significant deterioration, including a leaky roof and inadequate temperature control, as detailed by the museum’s director in a letter to the culture minister ([03:27]).

• Architectural Strain: The iconic glass pyramid designed by architect I.M. Pei is contributing to the museum’s woes. Sciolino describes it as not aiding the situation, citing issues like the “greenhouse effect” leading to excessive heat and noise ([03:40]).

• Visitor Overload: The Louvre, originally equipped to handle 4 million visitors annually, now accommodates twice that number, causing strain on facilities and diminishing visitor experience. The museum director has proposed a separate entrance for the Mona Lisa to manage the overwhelming crowds ([04:03]).

• Macron’s Visit: President Macron’s upcoming visit underscores the urgency of addressing these infrastructural deficiencies to preserve the museum’s legacy and operational integrity.

6. NFL Semifinals Highlight Stellar Performances and Set the Stage for the Super Bowl

Timestamp: [04:18]

Concluding the episode, Host Dale Willman covers the exhilarating outcomes of the NFL semifinal games, setting the stage for an anticipated Super Bowl matchup.

Key Points:

• Philadelphia Eagles Dominate Washington Commanders: The Eagles secured a decisive victory with a score of 55-23, propelled by Jalen Hurts’ impressive performance, rushing for three touchdowns ([04:18]).

  • Coach Nick Sirianni’s Confidence: Post-game, Sirianni expressed unwavering support for Hurts, stating, “We've been through a lot together, right? A lot of wins, some down times. But that's what forges relationships. And I don't want anybody else leading this team, you know, at quarterback other than him” ([04:30]).

• Kansas City Chiefs Edge Buffalo Bills: In a closely contested game, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 32-29 victory, accounting for three touchdowns ([04:42]).

• Super Bowl Showdown: These results set up a highly anticipated Super Bowl clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles next month, promising an intense and exciting finale to the NFL season.

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This summary encapsulates the major narratives and discussions from the January 27, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, offering listeners a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day’s pivotal news stories.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Visit pemco.com prevention live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. President Donald Trump is denying that software company Oracle is planning to take over TikTok. As NPR's Bobby Allen reports, Trump's comments come despite senior White House officials discussing an Oracle deal to save the video app.

[Bobby Allen]

When asked on Air Force One about an NPR report describing how Oracle is working on a deal to put up tens of billions of dollars for a large stake in TikTok, Trump was dismissive. Trump said he hasn't talked to Larry about it. That's Larry Ellison, founder and chairman of Oracle. Some context Trump tried to broker a deal to sell TikTok to Ellison in his first term. Trump said just days ago, quote, I'd like Larry to buy it. About TikTok and Oracle already has a huge contract with TikTok for web hosting. Two people involved with the White House talks who weren't authorized to speak publicly told NPR Oracle, Microsoft and other investors are put a deal to buy out TikTok's Chinese stake. Negotiators say under the deal, Oracle would have oversight of the app's data, algorithm and software updates. Bobby Allen, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

A key ally of President Donald Trump says Trump's pardon of some January 6th rioters is sending the wrong signal. Speaking on CNN, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also expressed concern about the future ramifications of the issuance of sweeping clemencies.

[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.

[Dale Willman]

Graham particularly questioned the pardons issued to rioters who fought with police. He said the pardons are not what you do to protect police. Student organizers in Tennessee are planning to march Monday at the State House to demand gun reform following Wednesday's school shooting in Nashville. Two students died, including the shooter. Mariana Bakiao of member station WPLN reports.

[Mariana Bakiao]

Groundswell movement for gun reform in 2023 after the deadly Covenant School shooting did not sway Tennessee's Republican supermajority, which refused a call from its Republican governor to pass a red flag. Law college student Jermaine Cole Jr. Says he doesn't expect the recent shooting at Antioch High School to change any minds, but he's still going to march at the Capitol.

[Jermaine Cole Jr.]

I'm tired of doing this. Year after year I show up hoping that they'll do something about gun violence, and it never changes.

[Mariana Bakiao]

The Tennessee House has already restricted the public's access to the chamber by reserving half of the gallery for guests of lawmakers. For NPR News, I'm Mariana Bakeyao in Nashville.

[Dale Willman]

Israeli forces in south Lebanon opened fire today on protesters. They killed at least 22 people and injured dozens of others. The protesters were demanding the withdrawal of those Israeli troops in accordance with a ceasefire agreement. Hours after the shooting, the White House announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troops to leave the area. Now it will be February 18th. You're listening to NPR News. French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Louvre this weekend following reports that the world's most visited museum is deteriorating. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley has more on our story.

[Elaine Sciolino]

A leaky roof and a dangerous lack of temperature control were among a list of complaints detailed by the museum's director to the culture minister in a letter obtained by the French press.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

The Louvre is like a leaky aircraft carrier.

[Elaine Sciolino]

That's New York Times journalist Elaine Sciolino, whose new book on the Louvre will be out in April. She says architect I.M. pei's iconic glass pyramid at the museum's entrance is not helping matters either.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

The pyramid, which everybody loves and is supposed to be modelled darnite and everything, is in terrible shape. There's a greenhouse effect. So it's hot, it's noisy.

[Elaine Sciolino]

Set up to receive 4 million visitors a year, the Louvre welcomes twice that many. The director called for a separate entrance for Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, which is thronged by visitors all day long. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Paris.

[Dale Willman]

Jalen Hurts rushed for three touchdowns tonight as the Philadelphia Eagles pounded The Washington Commanders 55, 23 in their NFL semifinal game. Afterward, coach Nick Sirianni said He's happy with QB1.

[Nick Sirianni]

We've been through a lot together, right? A lot of wins, some down times. But that's what that's what kind of forges relationships. And I don't want anybody else leading this team, you know, at quarterback other than him.

[Dale Willman]

Patrick Mahomes, meanwhile, accounted for three touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs rally to beat the Buffalo Bills 32 to 29. The Bills and the Eagles meet in the super bowl next month. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

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