NPR News Now - NPR News: 01-21-2025 12AM EST

Episode Date: January 21, 2025

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Okay, so does this sound like you? You love NPR's podcasts, you wish you could get more of all your favorite shows, and you want to support NPR's mission to create a more informed public. If all that sounds appealing, then it is time to sign up for the NPR Plus bundle. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Roman. President Trump has declared a national emergency at the southern U.S. border. NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran reports the Republican actions will unlock additional border security funding. President Trump's executive order calls for the deployment of armed forces, including

the National Guard, to the southern border. The order says it's needed to obtain, quote, complete operational control of the southern border of the United States. Trump is also asking the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to continue building barriers at the border and to secure detention space and transportation for the immigration enforcement operations. It's important to note that Trump is transportation for the immigration enforcement operations. It's important to note that Trump is inheriting a relatively quiet border. Although it's true that unauthorized crossings hit an all-time high in 2023 during the Biden administration, that number has sharply dropped to COVID era figures, in part due to Biden's asylum restrictions

at the border. Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News, Washington. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ravishami will no longer co-chair President Trump's Doge commission focusing on government spending. NPR's Elena Moore reports. Trump transition spokesperson Anna Kelly thanked Ramaswami for his work on Doge and said in a statement that Ramaswami's intended election bid makes him unable to stay on the committee. Ramoswami briefly ran for president during the 2024 Republican primary and is now reportedly considering a run for governor in Ohio. He hasn't confirmed the move yet, but said on X that he would have more to say soon on his plans in the

state. The move leaves tech billionaire Elon Musk in charge of the new committee. Musk is the richest man in the world and has become a leading player in conservative politics and a close ally of Trump. Alaina Moore, NPR News, Washington. The Senate has passed a bill that requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain any person in the country without legal status who has been charged with theft or burglary. NPR's Deidre Walsh reports. Twelve Democrats joined all Republicans in passing the Lake and Riley Act, a bill named

after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan man who was in the U.S. illegally. Alabama GOP Senator Katie Britt stressed the bill was targeted. If you come here illegally and you commit a crime, you should not be free to roam the streets of this nation. The House is expected to take up the measure later this week, after the Senate made small changes to the version the lower chamber approved earlier this month. President Trump mentioned the bill during comments during his inauguration events and said he expected to sign the bill within a week or so. Deirdre Walsh, NPR News, the Capital.

Ohio State is the national champs of college football. Last night they beat Notre Dame 34-23 in Atlanta. This is NPR News. As President Trump takes the oath of office once again, Republicans around the country say they're optimistic for a second term. NPR's Stephen Fowler reports from a watch party in Atlanta. It's 60 degrees and rainy at the National Croquet Center, but the mood of Republicans gathered here

is far from dampened. Palm Beach County GOP Chair Carl Cascio said this inauguration marks a new era for the U.S. But this is just the beginning. This is not going to be the time to sit back on our laurels and to just wait and let things happen as you've seen over the last four years. The raucous crowd of more than 100 cheered throughout Trump's address that declared quote America's decline is over and outlined his day one priorities Stephen Fowler NPR news West Palm Beach, Florida

Residents across the country are facing frigid temperatures this week even in typically balmy Gulf South Audrey hubbress Excuse me, you house of member station WWNO reports some parts of Louisiana could get record breaking snowfall. And at least a few inches of snow and sleet, as well as ice, are forecast for pretty much the entire region. Here's the state's governor, Jeff Landry. This creates a very dangerous situation,

not only for travel, but for people, pipes, pets, and plants. Louisiana is borrowing plows and salt spreaders from Arkansas, since the state doesn't have its own. Still, Landry says some roads and bridges will be closed, and people should plan to stay home. This is the time when you can cook you a big pot of gumbo.

You won't even have to keep it in the refrigerator, he says. Just put it outside. For NPR News, I'm Aubrey Yuhas in New Orleans. This is NPR. Lately on the NPR Politics Podcast, we Aubrey Yuhas in New Orleans.