NPR News Now – January 9, 2025, 8 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR

1. Devastating Wildfires Continue to Ravage Los Angeles

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Korva Coleman opens the episode with an urgent update on the multiple wildfires engulfing Los Angeles, marking them as some of the most destructive in the region's history. "Firefighters in Los Angeles continue to battle several major wildfires, the most destructive in the region's history," Coleman reports. These infernos have tragically resulted in at least five fatalities and the destruction of over 2,000 homes and structures.

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Adrian Florido provides a detailed account of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by firefighting teams due to relentless winds. "Those winds have made it extremely difficult for firefighters to gain control of the two biggest blazes—the Palisades fire on the west side of LA and the Eaton fire on the east side," Florido explains. These fires have incinerated entire neighborhoods, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate overnight.

A new outbreak in the Hollywood Hills has escalated tensions, threatening iconic landmarks and leading to chaotic evacuations. LA Mayor Karen Bass announced efforts to bolster firefighting resources by calling in crews from other counties and states. Although the fierce winds that exacerbated the fires are momentarily subsiding, forecasts predict their return, maintaining a high risk of further spread and new ignitions.

2. National Mourning as Former President Jimmy Carter's Memorial Service Commences

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NPR's Korva Coleman transitions to a somber note, announcing the commencement of the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral. "The memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter begins later this morning at the Washington National Cathedral," Coleman states. Carter's body had been lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda since Tuesday, allowing citizens to pay their respects.

Amelia Carnell, a visitor at the memorial, shares her sentiments: "I think his legacy is really his time after his presidency that he shows that, like, he obviously reached the highest office in the land, but then went on to still fight for causes he believed in." Her reflection underscores Carter's enduring impact, not only during his presidency but also through his global humanitarian efforts with the Carter Center.

This day marks a national period of mourning for Carter, with federal government offices closed and regular mail deliveries suspended in his honor.

3. Controversial Plea Agreement for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Under Scrutiny

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Korva Coleman shifts focus to a significant legal battle involving Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the September 11 terror attacks. "A federal appeals court is considering whether to halt a plea agreement that would let the Mastermind in the September 11 terror attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, avoid the death penalty," Coleman reports. This development follows Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's attempts to block the plea deal, efforts that were initially overruled by two U.S. military courts.

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Sasha Pfeiffer delves deeper into the complexities of the case. "This complicated legal situation began when Secretary Lloyd Austin reversed plea deals reached with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three co-defendants last summer," Pfeiffer explains. However, an injunction from the judge mandates the continuation of the plea agreements. Austin's appeal to a federal court to block these pleas has so far been unsuccessful.

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Former Military Commission attorney Ian Moss criticizes the reversal, stating, "This is essentially snatching victory from the jaws of self-defeat. After so long with no to minimal progress, there's finally an opportunity to have closure." Moss argues that dismissing the deals could prolong the case indefinitely.

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Pfeiffer concludes by highlighting the potential repercussions: "If guilty pleas are halted, the 9/11 case could continue for years."

4. Major Winter Storm Forecasted to Impact Southern United States

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Switching to weather and economic updates, Korva Coleman informs listeners of an impending severe winter storm poised to strike much of the southern U.S. "The National Weather Service says much of the southern U.S. is going to be hit by a major winter storm in the next few days," she reports. States including Texas and Oklahoma, along with regions to their east, are bracing for several inches of snow and a significant ice accumulation.

The storm is expected to trigger dangerous driving conditions, widespread power outages, and school closures in affected areas, emphasizing the need for preparedness among residents.

5. Plant-Based Diets Linked to Healthier Gut Microbiomes

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In health news, Maria Godoy presents findings from a recent study emphasizing the benefits of plant-based diets on gut health.

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Ian Moss comments on the study's methodology and implications: "Researchers wanted to see how different diets shape the kind of bacteria that dominate the gut, so they analyzed stool samples from more than 21,000 people in the U.S., the UK, and Italy who were vegan, vegetarians, or omnivores. What they found is the more plant-based foods people ate, the more gut bacteria they had that are linked with better health, such as less inflammation and a stronger immune system."

Importantly, the study indicates that omnivores can achieve similar gut health benefits as vegans and vegetarians by incorporating a diverse array of plant-based foods into their diets. "The good news for meat eaters is that when it comes to good bacteria, their microbiomes looked a lot like those of vegans and vegetarians, so long as they ate lots of different plant-based foods," Moss adds. The research underscores that overall diet quality, particularly plant consumption, is crucial for a healthy gut microbiome. These findings are published in the journal Nature Microbiology.

6. Federal Stance on Grizzly Bears in the Rocky Mountains Remains Protective

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Korva Coleman updates listeners on the ongoing debate over the conservation status of grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains. The federal government has declared that grizzly bears will continue to be considered a threatened species. Despite some Western states advocating that grizzly populations are on the path to recovery, federal officials remain firm in maintaining substantial protections for these bears.

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