NPR News: 01-09-2025 6PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 9, 2025, 6PM EST

Host: Jack Spear

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1. Devastating Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

Timestamp: [00:12]

Los Angeles is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with officials reporting that over 2,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in a series of relentless fires striking the nation's second-largest city. The recent easement of Santa Ana winds provided a much-needed respite, allowing fire crews to mount a more effective offensive against the blazes both on the ground and from the air.

Reporter Steve Futterman detailed the intense firefighting efforts:

"Fire crews went on the attack going after the destructive fires both on the ground and from the air. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft spent the day dropping water and retardant on hot spots amidst the damage and destruction."
[00:31]

Despite these efforts, containment remains a challenge as the fires continue to burn. Additionally, the crisis has led to 20 arrests on suspicion of looting. LA Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the administration's firm stance on maintaining order:

"If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest. I hope that is as clear as I can make it."
[00:40]

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2. Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter

Timestamp: [01:16]

The nation bid farewell to former President Jimmy Carter at a solemn state funeral held at the National Cathedral. Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, was commemorated in a service filled with heartfelt tributes from political leaders, friends, and family.

NPR's Elena Moore reported on the event:

"Political leaders, friends, and family described Carter as both a powerful president and politician and a thoughtful and giving man."
[01:30]

President Joe Biden, a longtime friend and colleague of Carter, delivered a poignant eulogy that not only lauded Carter's character and legacy but also conveyed a message of hope for the future:

"Many think he was from a bygone era, but in reality, he saw well into the future."
[01:49]

Notably, all four living former presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump, attended the funeral, marking a significant moment of unity and reflection as Trump prepares to assume office in less than two weeks.

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3. Pennsylvania Senators Engage with President-Elect Donald Trump

Timestamp: [02:10]

In a historic move, Pennsylvania senators, including the first Democrat, have accepted invitations to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence. NPR's Deidre Walsh provided insights into these meetings:

"John Fetterman says he's the senator for all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats, and will meet with and have a conversation with if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation. He's met with some of Trump's Cabinet nominees and expressed support for some already."
[02:20]

House Budget Chairman Jody Arrington is also scheduled to join groups of House GOP lawmakers to strategize the advancement of Trump's extensive agenda through Congress.

Steve Futterman shared highlights from these discussions:

"I think he said already he's open to whatever process we end up with and wherever we land one or two bills. What he cares about is the outcomes."
[02:47]

Deidre Walsh added that Congressional Republicans are actively crafting legislation on border security, tax cuts, and energy, utilizing mechanisms designed to circumvent potential Democratic filibusters.

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4. Kentucky Settles Opioid Prescription Lawsuit with Kroger

Timestamp: [03:07]

The state of Kentucky has reached a $110 million settlement with the grocery store giant Kroger concerning opioid prescriptions dispensed at its pharmacies. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the settlement, which aims to address the widespread opioid crisis that has devastated the state, contributing to some of the highest overdose death rates in the nation.

Kroger has yet to issue an official statement regarding the settlement.

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5. Lebanon Appoints New President Amidst National Challenges

Timestamp: [03:07]

After more than two years without a president, Lebanon has finally selected Josef Aoun as its new leader, a critical step towards stabilizing a country beleaguered by economic turmoil, financial system collapse, and the devastation wrought by conflict with Israel.

NPR's Emily Fang reported from Beirut:

"The to-do list for the new president is extensive, addressing a decimated economy, financial system, and the destruction from a war with Israel."
[03:07]

In a celebratory ceremony, Aoun, who also serves as the commander of Lebanon's military, was declared president by the Speaker of Parliament. His election, supported by a diverse coalition of Lebanon's sectarian groups, is pivotal for implementing a ceasefire with Israel and moving the nation towards recovery. Notably, Aoun had to navigate constitutional restrictions that typically prevent holding multiple offices simultaneously, a challenge he overcame due to broad political support.

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6. European Space Agency's Beppo Colombo Captures Close-Up Images of Mercury's North Pole

Timestamp: [04:34]

The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with Japanese partners, has successfully launched the Beppo Colombo spacecraft. During its sixth flyby of Mercury, the mission has transmitted some of the closest and most detailed photos ever captured of the planet's North Pole. These stunning images promise to enhance our understanding of Mercury's geology and magnetic field.

Jack Spear highlighted the achievement:

"A spacecraft launched by the European Space Agency in Japan has beamed back some of the closest photos ever of the planet Mercury's North Pole pictures released today by the European Space Agency."
[04:34]

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This summary encapsulates the key developments reported in the NPR News Now episode from January 9, 2025. For those seeking a comprehensive overview of the day's major news stories, these sections provide detailed insights and direct quotations from the broadcast.

Transcript

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[Jack Spear]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. In Los Angeles, officials say more than 2,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the series of wildfires hitting the nation's second largest city today. Fire crews got a much welcomed bit of weather relief. Reporter Steve Futterman is there.

[Steve Futterman]

With the Santa Ana winds less intense, fire crews went on the attack going after the destructive fires both on the ground and from the air. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft spent the day dropping water and retardant on hot spots amidst the damage and destruction. 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting. LA Sheriff Robert Luna says it will not be tolerated. If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest. I hope that is as clear as I can make it. Even though fire officials are hopeful that they can make progress, the fires are still largely uncontained and continue to burn. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Pacific Palisades, California, former President Jimmy Carter.

[Jack Spear]

Was honored at National Cathedral this morning. It concludes more than a week of public tributes to the 39th president who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100. As NPR's Elena Moore reports, Carter's state funeral was packed with heartfelt and poignant remembrance.

[Elena Moore]

Political leaders, friends and family described Carter as both a powerful president and politician and a thoughtful and giving man. President Biden, who was a longtime friend and colleague of the 39th president, delivered a eulogy at the service. He praised Carter's character and legacy, casting a forward looking message.

[Jack Spear]

Many think he was from a bygone era, but in reality, he saw well into the future.

[Elena Moore]

In addition to Biden, all four living former presidents attended the funeral, including President elect Donald Trump, who takes office in less than two weeks. Elena Moore, NPR News, Washington.

[Jack Spear]

Pennsylvania senators, the first Democrat who's accepted an invitation to meet with President elect Donald Trump at mar a lago. NPR's Deidre Walsh reports. A host of Republicans are also meeting with Trump in coming days.

[Deidre Walsh]

John Fetterman says he's the senator for all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats, and will meet with and have a conversation with if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation. He's met with some of Trump's Cabinet nominees and expressed support for some already. House Budget Chairman Jody Arrington is also heading down along with groups of House GOP lawmakers to chart out how to move Trump's big list of agenda items through Congress.

[Steve Futterman]

I think he said already he's open to whatever process we end up with and wherever we land one or two bills. What he cares about is the outcomes.

[Deidre Walsh]

Congressional Republicans are crafting legislation addressing border security, tax cuts and energy, using a process to get around a Democratic filibuster. Deirdre Walsh, NPR News, the Capitol.

[Jack Spear]

You're listening to NPR News in Washington. The state of Kentucky says it has reached a $110 million settlement with grocery store chain Kroger over opioid prescriptions at its pharmacies in that state. Kennedy, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announcing the settlement today. His office had sued Kroger last year, claiming the chain helped fuel the opioid crisis in his state. Kentucky has some of the nation's highest rates of overdose deaths. Kroger did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the settlement. Lebanon has a president after more than two years without one. Selecting a leader is a step towards addressing a decimated economy, financial system and destruction from a war with Israel. CNPR's Emily Fang reports. The to do list for the new president is.

[Emily Fang]

A celebratory ban played as Lebanon's speaker of parliament declared Josef Aoun, Lebanon's next president. The Parliament had failed 12 previous times to agree on a president, but this time opposition to Aun, primarily from the fighting group Hezbollah, largely vanished. Aoun is also the commander of Lebanon's military, which by convention, like the president's office, should be held by a Maronite Christian. And he had to bypass constitutional restrictions that forbid him from running for president while holding another office. But he commands support from a coalition of Lebanon' diverse sectarian groups, and he will be crucial to implementing a ceasefire with Israel. Emily Feng, NPR News, Beirut.

[Jack Spear]

A spacecraft launched by the European Space Agency in Japan has beamed back some of the closest photos ever of the planet Mercury's North Pole pictures released today by the European Space Agency. It was the sixth flyby of Mercury by the Beppo Colombo spacecraft. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News, in Washington.

[Carvana]

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