NPR News: 01-27-2025 2PM EST - NPR News Now

Summary

NPR News Now: Episode Summary – January 27, 2025

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

Pentagon Reorganization and Enhanced Border Security

On his inaugural full day as Defense Secretary, Pete Hagseth announced significant shifts within the Pentagon aimed at reinforcing the United States' territorial integrity, particularly along the southern border with Mexico. Speaking to reporters at [00:29], Hagseth emphasized, “We are reorienting this is a shift. This is not the way bigger this has been done in the past.” He detailed that the Defense Department will now support border defense through the deployment of reservists, National Guard members, and active-duty military personnel. These measures are being implemented in strict compliance with the Constitution, national laws, and the directives of the Commander in Chief.

U.S. Refugee Policy and the Plight of Afghan Asylum Seekers

Amidst Hagseth’s announcements, questions arose regarding the administration's stance on supporting U.S. allied Afghans. Following President Trump's executive order imposing a 90-day suspension on all foreign development assistance [00:50], Secretary Hagseth reassured, “We're going to make sure there's accountability for what happened in Afghanistan and that we stand by our allies” ([01:04]).

NPR correspondent Tia Hadid reported from Mumbai, highlighting the dire situation faced by thousands of Afghans who aided American forces and now find themselves stranded. With approximately 50,000 Afghans awaiting asylum processing, primarily in Pakistan, the suspension has led to widespread condemnation. Pakistan's government has been deporting Afghans, citing its inability to manage the influx, leaving many feeling “abandoned and betrayed” ([01:26]). This policy shift endangers the lives of those who collaborated with U.S. forces and sought refuge in the United States.

Escalating Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intense clashes have erupted in the city of Goma between Rwandan-backed rebel groups and the Congolese army. Emmett Livingstone reported from the ground at [02:27], describing a heightened level of violence marked by “deafening mortar blasts” and active street fighting near the main UN Peacekeeping base. The strategic importance of Goma as a trade and transport hub for a mineral-rich region underscores the fierce competition for control. Livingstone noted, “Mortar shells landed in the water a few hundred meters away,” illustrating the precarious situation as both factions vie for dominance and access to the area's valuable resources.

Financial Markets Update

The financial landscape saw mixed performances with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing by 174 points, while the NASDAQ experienced a significant drop of 668 points. Lakshmi Singh provided a concise overview of these market movements, reflecting the volatile economic environment ([02:58]).

Honors in Children's Literature

NPR’s Andrew Limbong reported on the prestigious Newbery and Caldecott Medals awarded for excellence in children's books. “First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly triumphed, earning the Newbery Medal ([03:30]). The novel, set in 1999, follows Michael Rosario, a 12-year-old grappling with the Y2K crisis, who encounters a time traveler fascinated with the era's culture. This marks Kelly's second Newbery Medal, following her 2018 win for “Hello, Universe.” Additionally, the Caldecott Medal was awarded to Rebecc Lee Kunz for "Chuch Helpt," a picture book that portrays a young girl's frustration with her helpful but messy toddler brother.

Lunar New Year Celebrations and Market Impact

Preparations for the Lunar New Year, celebrated by millions in China and across the globe, are in full swing with vibrant festivals and traditional feasts. This significant cultural event will be observed as a public holiday in parts of the United States, including New York State, as declared by Governor Kathy Hochul two years prior ([04:13]). The holiday has had an immediate impact on the financial markets, with the NASDAQ Composite Index falling by 681 points (3.4%) to 19,267 and the S&P 500 dropping by 1.8%, reflecting the broader economic implications of the holiday observances ([04:13]).

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of pivotal national and international issues, ranging from defense and refugee policies to global conflicts and cultural celebrations, all within a concise five-minute format.

Transcript

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Lakshmi Singh (0:13)

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh. On his first full day on the job, Defense Secretary Pete Hagseth is heralding sweeping changes at the Pentagon. They include additional military support at the US Border with Mexico.

Pete Hagseth (0:29)

We are reorienting this is a shift. This is not the way bigger this has been done in the past. This is the Defense Department will support the defense of the territorial integrity of the United States of America at the southern border to include reservists, national guard and active duty in compliance with the constitution, the laws of our land and the directives of the Commander in Chief.

Lakshmi Singh (0:50)

As he addressed reporters this morning, Hexseth was also asked about support for U. S allied Afghans in light of an executive order that imposes a 90 day suspension of all foreign development assistance pending further examination.

Pete Hagseth (1:04)

We're going to make sure there's accountability for what happened in Afghanistan and that we stand by our allies.

Lakshmi Singh (1:08)

While thousands of Afghans who worked for or fought alongside Americans and hoped to come to the US Are now in limbo after President Trump ordered the suspension of the country's refugee program. NPR's D. Hadid reports from Mumbai. The suspension is being condemned by former service members who have been advocating for the resettlement of Afghans.

Tia Hadid (1:26)

Resettlement advocates say Afghans who allied with the United States States before the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 face the risk of death for their actions. There's about 50,000 Afghans waiting to have their asylum applications processed. Many of them have been waiting in neighbouring Pakistan, but they aren't welcome there. The Pakistani government has been deporting hundreds of thousands of Afghans arguing it cannot shoulder the burden of hosting so many people. 5 Afghans who are expecting to fly to the United States with their families told NPR they feel abandone and betrayed. Tia Hadid, NPR News, Mumbai.

Lakshmi Singh (2:05)

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwandan backed rebels and the Congolese army are locked in street battles in Goma. The city is an important trade and transport hub for the mineral rich region. Competing factions have been fighting for years for control of DRC's potential wealth. And Rwanda wants a piece of that. Emmett Livingstone is in Goma where rivals are exchanging fire across a nearby border.