NPR News Now: January 9, 2025, 5 PM EST

Host: Jack Spear
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Wildfires in Los Angeles: Containment Efforts and Climate Concerns

Timestamp: [00:13]
Reporter: Jack Spear

Firefighters in the Los Angeles area are making strides in slowing the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the region. Despite the progress, officials remain cautious, acknowledging the fluid and unpredictable nature of the situation. The current death toll stands at five, but with inaccessible areas, there is concern it may rise.

Timestamp: [00:40]
Speaker: Brent Pasqua, Battalion Chief with Cal Fire
Quote: “This welcomed break in the winds is going to allow us to get that number to come up to at least get some containment on this fire because the last two days with those strong winds, 80 mile an hour winds, there was just nowhere to anchor in and start putting this fire out. It was just trying to save lives.”

With winds calming down, Pasqua expressed optimism that containment efforts would accelerate. Approximately 180,000 people remain under evacuation orders as at least four wildfires continue to consume tens of thousands of acres across the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and the Hollywood Hills.

President Biden has pledged to cover 100% of the costs for 180 days of fire recovery, underscoring the administration's commitment to addressing the crisis.

Timestamp: [01:22]
Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED

New research highlights the role of climate change in exacerbating these wildfires. After two unusually wet years, grasses in Southern California grew almost twice their average rate. Subsequent dry spells left these grasses highly susceptible to ignition. UC Merced climatologist Janna Botzoglu, a co-author of the study, described the phenomenon as “hydroclement whiplash,” a rapid transition between wet and arid conditions that creates ideal wildfire conditions.

Timestamp: [01:45]
Speaker: Janna Botzoglu
Quote: “It seems like that is the recipe.”

Botzoglu warned that such extreme swings in weather patterns are likely to become more frequent as global temperatures continue to rise, setting the stage for more severe wildfire seasons in Southern California.

New Orleans Strengthens Security with Former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton

Timestamp: [02:01]
Reporter: Jack Spear

In a strategic move to enhance city security, New Orleans has enlisted former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton to review and bolster the city's defenses against potential future attacks. Bratton, renowned for his “broken windows” policing approach, aims to address both petty and serious crimes to create a safer community.

Timestamp: [02:11]
Speaker: Janna Botzoglu

Bratton brings extensive experience, having previously served as the police chief of Los Angeles and Commissioner of the NYPD. His appointment comes at a time when Chief Ann Kirkpatrick is determined to prevent further attacks following last week's truck incident on New Year's Day.

Timestamp: [02:26]
Speaker: Maria Aspen
Quote: “He is here to serve all of us. This is a community endeavor.”

Chief Kirkpatrick emphasized her commitment to collaborating closely with Bratton over the forthcoming months to implement effective security measures without resigning in the wake of recent tragedies.

Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter: A National Mourning

Timestamp: [02:43]
Reporter: Jack Spear

Washington witnessed a poignant farewell as the nation bid goodbye to former President Jimmy Carter during a funeral service attended by all five living US Presidents. Carter, the nation's longest-living president, passed away last month at the age of 98. His body has been transported to Plains, Georgia, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

President Joe Biden delivered a moving eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral, celebrating Carter’s legacy and contributions. Family members also shared heartfelt tributes, honoring the former president's enduring impact on the country.

Stock Market Closes in Honor of President Carter

Timestamp: [03:25]
Reporter: Maria Aspen, San Pierre

In tribute to former President Carter, U.S. financial markets have closed today as part of a national day of mourning. This closure aligns with a longstanding tradition dating back nearly 160 years to the closure following President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865.

Timestamp: [03:48]
Speaker: Brent Pasqua
Quote: “We also did it for President Roosevelt, President Kennedy, President Nixon, President Reagan. Collectively, we want to make the decision to honor former President Carter.”

NASDAQ President Tal Cohen confirmed that the closure was coordinated with other exchanges, regulators, and key financial industry entities to ensure a unified sign of respect.

Timestamp: [03:57]
Speaker: Maria Aspen
Quote: “Cohen says his company coordinated its one day closure with other exchanges, regulators and other entities within the financial industry.”

The stock market's closure serves as a somber reminder of President Carter’s enduring legacy and the nation's respect for its leaders.

US-Canada Trade Tensions Rise Over Proposed Tariffs

Timestamp: [04:08]
Reporter: Jack Spear

Trade tensions between the United States and Canada have escalated as President-elect Donald Trump has signaled the imposition of 25% tariffs on all Canadian products. Senior Canadian officials are contemplating retaliatory measures, targeting American goods such as orange juice, sinks, toilets, and certain steel products.

Trump’s rhetoric emphasizes the use of economic coercion to pressure Canada into becoming the 51st state, reflecting a more aggressive stance on international trade relations.

Meanwhile, crude oil futures prices have surged by 60 cents a barrel to reach $73.92 per barrel. This increase is attributed to the anticipation of higher demand for heating fuel oil due to colder winter weather forecasts in the US and Europe.

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