NPR News Now: January 9, 2025, 11 AM EST Summary

Released on January 9, 2025

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events in its January 9, 2025, episode. Hosted by Korva Coleman, the five-minute broadcast covered significant news stories ranging from the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter to environmental crises and geopolitical developments. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and proper attributions.

1. State Funeral for Former President Jimmy Carter

Timestamp: [00:17 - 00:53]

The episode opened with the solemn announcement of the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. The service is being held at the Washington National Cathedral, attended by all five living U.S. presidents.

• Korva Coleman reported:

  "The memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter is underway at the Washington National Cathedral. The state funeral is being held for Carter, who died last week at the age of 100." [00:17]

• Joshua Carter, Jimmy Carter's grandson, delivered a heartfelt eulogy highlighting Carter's lifelong dedication to humanitarian efforts:

  "My grandfather spent the entire time I've known him helping those in need. He built houses for people that needed homes. He eliminated diseases in forgotten places. He waged peace anywhere in the world wherever he saw a chance. He loved people." [00:33]

• Korva Coleman further noted the presence of former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and President Elect Trump at the service. President Biden is scheduled to deliver another eulogy. The nation observes a day of mourning, leading to the closure of federal offices, the suspension of U.S. postal services, and the closure of stock markets— a tradition honoring Carter's legacy since the days of President Abraham Lincoln.

2. Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles Area

Timestamp: [00:53 - 02:56]

The broadcast shifted focus to the devastating wildfires plaguing the Los Angeles area, which have claimed at least five lives and destroyed approximately 2,000 structures. The fires have been exacerbated by powerful winds, though recent calmer conditions offer a glimmer of hope for containment efforts.

• Korva Coleman reported the ongoing crisis:

  "Three major wildfires are still burning out of control in the Los Angeles area. They've killed at least five people and destroyed about 2,000 structures." [00:53]

• Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pasqua provided insights into the changing weather conditions, conveying optimism for progress in firefighting efforts:

  "We have some calm winds actually right now, which is a very welcoming sight to see out here. I believe if it's days like this, we can actually turn a corner on these fires and make some progress today, some good progress." [01:42]

• The report included eyewitness accounts from Evacuation Official and affected residents:

  "Evacuation orders are in place for this area. Please leave immediately." [02:08]

  • Lisa Franz shared her harrowing experience fleeing the flames:

    "I've got my bags packed and when an alert came on my cell phone, I got ready to leave as fast as I could." [02:15]

  • A Concerned Resident expressed fears over limited firefighting resources:

    "I've seen what they do, you know, there's just not enough resources and they just can't fight everything. So if it catches here, if something an ember or something catches here, that's it." [02:33]

  • Lisa Franz added her gratitude for finding temporary shelter:

    "I'm grateful to have found a motel room for at least one night by the 405 Freeway for under $300." [02:44]

• Kirk Siegler, NPR News correspondent in Los Angeles, concluded the segment, emphasizing the ongoing evacuation and firefighting efforts.

3. Severe Winter Storms Across the Southern United States

Timestamp: [02:56 - 03:50]

The episode also addressed meteorological developments, highlighting a powerful winter storm impacting a vast portion of the southern United States. The storm has triggered multiple winter warnings, watches, and advisories from New Mexico to the Carolinas.

• Korva Coleman summarized the weather outlook:

  "Forecasters say a powerful winter storm is settling over much of the southern U.S. There are winter warnings, watches, and advisories stretching from New Mexico to the Carolinas. Quite a lot of snow is expected in northern Texas, Oklahoma, parts of Arkansas, and Louisiana. Areas that could get ice include Tennessee and Kentucky." [02:56]

The segment underscored the severe weather's potential impact on daily life, including travel disruptions and hazardous road conditions.

4. Political Developments in Lebanon

Timestamp: [03:50 - 04:40]

International news featured Lebanon's parliamentary decision to elect a new president after more than two years of political deadlock. The newly chosen president is Joseph Aoun, the country's army commander.

• Korva Coleman reported:

  "Lebanon's parliament has chosen a new president for the country. Its Lebanese army commander, Joseph Aoun, was selected after more than two years without a president due to political deadlock." [03:50]

• The report delved into Lebanon's multifaceted crises, including ongoing conflicts and economic hardships. Notably, Israel's attacks on the militant group Hezbollah within Lebanon and the nation's deteriorating economic situation compound the challenges.

5. Pope Francis Condemns Israel’s Campaign in Gaza

Timestamp: [03:50 - 04:40]

Religious and geopolitical tensions were further highlighted by Pope Francis's intensified criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. The Pope described the humanitarian situation as "shameful" and called for global intervention to address the ongoing conflict.

• Korva Coleman introduced the segment:

  "Pope Francis has intensified his criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. He's calling the humanitarian situation shameful. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports from Rome." [03:50]

• Ruth Sherlock, reporting from Rome, detailed the Pope's stance:

  "In his yearly gathering with diplomats, Pope Francis asked an aide to read his speech because he's recovering from a cold. The address focused on the pope's hopes that this will be the year that sees an end to the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. He called the humanitarian situation in Gaza very serious and shameful." [03:50]

• The Pope emphasized the dire consequences of the conflict:

  "We cannot accept that children are freezing to death or the bombing of civilians every night." [03:50]

• He advocated for international investigations into Israel's actions, suggesting potential genocide:

  "Jurists and international experts should investigate whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide." [03:50]

• The Israeli government responded defensively, arguing that the Pope ignored the broader context and Israel's security concerns:

  "The Israeli government responded angrily, saying the pontiff had ignored the wider context of the war and Israel's security concerns." [03:50]

6. Grizzly Bears Remain a Threatened Species in the Rocky Mountains

Timestamp: [04:40 - 04:57]

Environmental conservation was addressed with updates on grizzly bear populations in the Rocky Mountains. The U.S. government maintains that grizzly bears are still a threatened species, despite some Western states reporting recovery in their numbers.

• Korva Coleman reported:

  "The U.S. government says it will still consider grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains a threatened species. Some Western state officials say they consider grizzlies to be recovering in numbers. Grizzlies will still remain largely protected." [04:40]

This segment highlighted the ongoing debates between federal authorities and state officials regarding wildlife conservation and species protection.

Conclusion

The January 9, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a thorough overview of pressing issues both domestically and internationally. From honoring Jimmy Carter's legacy and battling wildfires to addressing severe winter storms, political instability in Lebanon, humanitarian crises in Gaza, and wildlife conservation efforts, the broadcast ensured that key narratives were effectively communicated with clarity and depth.

This summary is intended to provide a detailed and structured overview of the NPR News Now episode for those who have not listened to the broadcast.