NPR News Now: January 8, 2025, 10 AM EST

Hosted by NPR's Korva Coleman

1. Southern California Wildfires Escalate Amid Powerful Santa Ana Winds

Korva Coleman reports from Washington: Several wildfires are ravaging Southern California, with the Eaton Fire in Pasadena and the Palisades Fire northwest of Los Angeles being the largest. A new Woodley Fire has emerged near the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County just over three hours ago. Authorities attribute the rapid spread to the fierce Santa Ana winds.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pasqua emphasized the severity of the conditions:

"[00:53] I've seen a lot of Santa Ana fires, you know, get up to 40, 50 mile an hour. But last night I saw light poles being blown over, utility poles being blown over just from the wind, not even from the fires."

Wind gusts have surged close to 100 miles per hour, prompting thousands to evacuate, including personnel from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Pasadena. Both Los Angeles and Ventura counties are under states of emergency as efforts to contain the flames continue.

2. Winter Storm Warnings Issued for the Southern United States

The National Weather Service has issued powerful winter storm warnings for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Residents in these areas brace for several inches of snow and ice, anticipating significant disruptions to daily life and infrastructure.

3. Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Linked to AI-Assisted Planning

A tragic incident unfolded in Las Vegas as authorities released details about the man who detonated a Tesla Cybertruck, resulting in his death. NPR's Kirk Siegler reports that the perpetrator, Matthew Livelsberger, utilized the AI service ChatGPT to orchestrate the attack.

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated:

"[01:48] The Cybertruck driver Matthew Livelsberger used artificial intelligence to learn how much explosives he'd need and where to buy them."

Surveillance footage revealed Livelsberger pouring racing fuel onto the vehicle, containing approximately 60 pounds of explosives that ignited after he took his own life. McMahill added:

"[02:01] Do we consider this a terrorist attack or an attempted terrorist attack? And I would just simply say that we haven't closed any doors on where our investigation is going to lead us."

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind choosing Las Vegas, noting that Livelsberger was a decorated 37-year-old active-duty Green Beret with no prior criminal record or known threats.

4. Federal Reserve Projects Continued Decline in Inflation

NPR's Scott Horsley covers the financial markets: Stocks opened mixed this morning following remarks from Fed Governor Chris Waller, who anticipates that inflation will continue to decrease throughout 2025, potentially paving the way for further interest rate reductions.

Chris Waller commented:

"[02:39] Although progress on inflation has largely stalled in recent months, I expect price pressures to continue to ease in 2025, clearing the way for additional interest rate cuts."

Waller also noted potential risks from geopolitical conflicts or tariffs but remained optimistic given the current low unemployment rates. The Labor Department is scheduled to release job gain figures for December on Friday, while new unemployment benefits applications have plummeted to their lowest in 11 months.

5. New Congress Advances Immigration Legislation

Korva Coleman introduces the latest on immigration: Just days after being sworn in, the new Congress is taking steps on immigration reform. NPR's Ximena Bustillo reports that the House passed the Lake and Riley Act with bipartisan support—48 Democrats alongside 216 Republicans.

Ximena Bustillo explained:

"[03:35] The Lake and Riley Act would require the detention of any unauthorized migrant charged with theft or burglary. The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed last year by a Venezuelan man who had entered the US illegally."

The act has gained momentum as a response to Blake and Riley's tragic death, which has become a focal point for Republicans critiquing the Biden administration's border policies. With the Senate now under Republican control, the legislation could reach the president's desk as soon as Friday, contingent on receiving Democratic support.

6. Former President Jimmy Carter's State Funeral and ACA Enrollment Milestone

Korva Coleman updates on national events: Former President Jimmy Carter is currently lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, with mourners paying their respects. His state funeral will proceed tomorrow at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Biden is expected to deliver the eulogy. Carter will then be laid to rest in Plains, Georgia, beside his late wife, Rosalynn Carter.

In healthcare news, the Biden administration announced a significant increase in enrollments for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, reaching a record 24 million participants. This marks a substantial rise from the approximately 12 million enrolled at the end of the Trump administration, highlighting the administration's successful efforts to expand healthcare coverage.

This summary captures the key discussions and insights from NPR News Now's January 8, 2025, episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.