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

Southern California Wildfires Rampage

Host Korva Coleman opens the episode with a dire report on the ongoing wildfires in Southern California. “The three major wildfires burning in Southern California remain out of control,” Coleman states at 00:15, detailing the destructive impact of the Eaton, Palisades, and Hearst fires. These conflagrations have devastated approximately 2,000 buildings and resulted in the tragic loss of five lives. With 130,000 residents ordered to evacuate, the situation has overwhelmed local fire authorities.

Firefighter Mark McMillan provides firsthand insight at 00:51, saying, “They also don't have water in their trucks. And so they have been setting up pumps that go from the pools in the neighbors on either side of this house.” McMillan describes the resource shortages and the immense challenge of combating fires that are “too big for two engines to be able to stop.”

The National Weather Service has issued a cautionary update at 01:05, noting that while winds fueling the fires have calmed, there is potential for them to intensify again later in the day, posing ongoing threats to firefighting efforts and affected communities.

President Carter’s State Funeral

Transitioning to national news, Korva Coleman announces at 01:05 that President Carter’s state funeral is underway, with a memorial service scheduled at the Washington National Cathedral. NPR’s Tamara Keith provides comprehensive coverage at 01:28, highlighting that all living U.S. presidents are expected to attend.

Keith emphasizes President Biden’s unique role, noting, “President Biden, who has known Carter since the 1970s, is the only one with a speaking role.” She relays the White House’s sentiments: “He will remember Carter as a man of great character, decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong, thanks to Carter's incredible longevity.”

Additionally, Keith shares poignant moments to be part of the service, including eulogies by the sons of Gerald Ford and Walter Mondale, both of whom had written eulogies for Carter before their untimely passings. The musical tribute will feature country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performing John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Carter’s favorite song.

President-Elect Trump’s Legislative Strategy

At 02:08, Coleman shifts focus to Washington politics, reporting that President-elect Trump has met with Senate Republicans in a closed-door session to discuss his top legislative priorities. NPR’s Barbara Sprunt elaborates at 02:24, explaining the internal GOP dynamics: “Trump has previously said he wanted one bill on big components of his agenda, border security and tax cuts,” aligning with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance. However, the Senate shows a preference for a two-bill approach.

Trump’s response, captured at 02:40, reflects flexibility: “We had a great meeting. There's great unity. Whether it's one bill or two bill. It's going to get done one way or the other. I think there's a lot of talk about two and there's a lot of talk about one, but it doesn't matter. The end result is the same.”

Sprunt comments at 02:53 on the ambiguity of Trump’s position, noting, “This doesn't provide the clear marching orders that many in the party were hoping for.” She anticipates that post-inauguration, with unified Republican control, the initial legislative actions will set the tone for the administration’s agenda.

International and Additional News

Continuing the news cycle, Coleman reports at 03:10 that Lebanon’s parliament has elected Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army commander, as the new president after a prolonged two-year political deadlock. Lebanon faces multifaceted crises, including Israel’s offensives against Hezbollah and severe economic turmoil.

In trade news, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has released a critical report at 03:10 addressing the rampant issue of counterfeit and illegal online pharmacies. Tai warns, “Nearly all 35,000 online pharmacies around the world are being run illegally,” with many operating without proper licenses and selling medications without necessary prescriptions or safety information.

Billboard Charts Shake-Up

Music enthusiasts are treated to fresh chart news as Stephen Thompson reports at 04:07 on the latest Billboard rankings. The previous week’s dominance by holiday-themed hits has given way to a resurgence of popular tracks from the fall. Notably, the new number one spot is claimed by “Die With a Smile,” a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Thompson highlights the track’s persistent climb: “Even though it debuted in the top 10 last August, it didn't hit the top spot until its 20th week on the chart.”

Tamara Keith echoes this excitement at 04:34, confirming, “And Die with a Smile.”

Closing Remarks

Coleman wraps up the news segment at 04:49, ensuring listeners are up-to-date with the day’s most pressing issues before the program concludes.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a spectrum of urgent topics, from environmental crises and significant national events to political maneuvering and cultural milestones. With detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, listeners gain a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, enriched by insightful quotes and expert analysis.