NPR News Now: January 28, 2025, 9 AM EST

Host: Kristen Wright

U.S. Immigration and Mexico's Migrant Intake

[00:16] Kristen Wright opens the episode by highlighting the ongoing mass deportations orchestrated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Trump's administration. Since President Trump’s return to the White House, ICE has arrested thousands of individuals lacking legal status in the country.

Nina Kravinski, reporting from Hermosillo, Mexico, elaborates on Mexico's role in the migrant situation:

"Now, it wasn't immediately clear if those 4,000 people are all deportees or if some are migrants who were turned away at the border." [00:41]

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hopes to reach an agreement with the Trump administration to accept only Mexican citizens. However, Sheinbaum noted the complexities involved, stating:

"Mexico has in the past accepted non-Mexican migrants... strained diplomatic relations between the third country and the US make it hard to repatriate those people directly back to their country of origin." [00:41]

This situation underscores the intricate challenges Mexico faces in managing migrant populations, balancing humanitarian responsibilities with diplomatic constraints.

U.S. Military and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Programs

At [01:20] Kristen Wright reports on a significant shift in the U.S. military's internal policies. The White House has issued an executive order mandating the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. The administration characterizes these initiatives as promoting "divisive concepts," aiming to refocus military efforts away from such programs.

Senate Confirmations: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Sean Duffy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Secretary of Health faces intense scrutiny. Kristen Wright discusses the contentious confirmation hearings:

President Trump claims Kennedy will "restore gold standard scientific research." [02:06]

However, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin sharply opposes his confirmation:

"Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is dangerously, dangerously unqualified and entirely irresponsible in his judgment." [01:58]

Durbin’s strong statement reflects deep concerns within the Senate regarding Kennedy’s credibility, particularly his skepticism toward vaccines and other controversial stances.

In contrast, the Senate is also moving forward with voting on Sean Duffy's nomination as Secretary of Transportation. This nomination appears to be less controversial, with substantial support poised for confirmation.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Negotiations

[02:06] Kristen Wright transitions to international affairs, focusing on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Daniel Estrin, reporting from Tel Aviv, provides insights into the negotiation dynamics:

Under the current agreement, known as the first phase, Hamas will release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, with 25 confirmed alive and eight deceased:

"And eight are dead, and Israel has shared those details with their families." – David Mentzer [02:52]

Looking ahead, both parties are preparing for the next phase of negotiations. The second phase aims to secure the release of all remaining living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. An official involved in the talks mentioned:

"Israel and Hamas are discussing the framework for talks next week on the next phase of the deal, including the release of all the remaining living hostages." [02:58]

The progression of these talks remains critical for regional stability and the humane treatment of hostages.

Resignation of Serbia’s Prime Minister Amid Protests

[03:12] Kristen Wright reports on significant political upheaval in Serbia. Rob Schmitz, based in Berlin, details the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic:

"The collapse of a railway station in Serbia's second largest city that killed 15 people in November had cast a shadow over the country and, quote, from that moment, Serbia seemed to be stuck in that accident." [03:28]

The tragedy has sparked widespread daily protests in Belgrade, with demonstrators blaming government corruption:

"Protesters blame the disaster on corruption within the government of populist President Alexander Vucic." [03:28]

As the highest-ranking official to step down since the protests erupted two months ago, Serbia's Parliament now faces a critical 30-day window to either form a new government or call for snap elections, signaling potential further instability.

International Criminal Court Targets Sudan’s Darfur Atrocities

[04:10] Kristen Wright shifts focus to international justice as the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for individuals accused of committing atrocities in Sudan's West Darfur region. Addressing the UN Security Council, the prosecutor asserted:

"Both government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide." [04:10]

The prolonged conflict in Darfur, now nearing two years, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and left millions in dire need of humanitarian aid. The ICC's actions represent a significant move towards accountability and justice for the affected populations.

Kilauea Volcano's Ongoing Eruptions in Hawaii

In a lighter yet impactful local update, Kristen Wright reports on Kilauea volcano's renewed activity:

"It's one of the world's most active, and now it's spewing lava for the seventh recorded time in recent weeks." [04:10]

Fortunately, the latest eruptions pose no immediate threat to nearby communities, allowing residents and authorities to monitor the situation without significant alarm.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, from immigration and military policies in the U.S. to geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Hamas, political instability in Serbia, international justice efforts in Sudan, and natural events in Hawaii. Through timely reporting and insightful commentary, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current global landscape.

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