NPR News Now: January 10, 2025, 11 AM EST
Hosted by Korva Coleman
1. Former President Trump Sentenced in New York
Korva Coleman opened the episode with breaking news about former President Donald Trump. Trump has been sentenced in a New York courtroom for his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges are connected to his attempts to conceal an affair prior to the 2016 presidential election.
Andrea Bernstein provided further details, explaining that New York State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchand emphasized the balance between treating Trump as an ordinary defendant and the exceptional legal protections afforded to the Office of the President. Despite the convictions, Trump will not face any jail time. During a brief hearing on Friday morning, Trump appeared via remote video link, steadfastly proclaiming his innocence and criticizing prosecutor Alvin Bragg.
In Trump’s words at [00:31]:
"I remain innocent of all charges and will vigorously appeal this unjust verdict."
Prosecutors noted that Trump's attacks on the legal system during the case had "corroded the rule of law", yet they accepted a sentence of no jail time and no additional conditions. Trump has announced his intention to appeal the jury's verdict.
2. Devastating Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles
The podcast continued with updates on the California wildfires, which have tragically resulted in at least 10 deaths. Five major blazes are currently burning in and around Los Angeles, with the Eaton Fire in Pasadena consuming over 20 square miles and remaining entirely uncontained. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the wildfires, has scorched more than 30 square miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Steve Futterman, reporting from Pacific Palisades, provided a report at [01:41]:
"It may not be much, but for the first time there is some containment in the largest of the fires, the Palisades fire."
Firefighters have made some progress due to diminished winds, allowing them to utilize helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft more effectively. Additionally, National Guard troops are arriving in LA to support law enforcement and fire crews. The search for victims continues as the community grapples with the extensive damage.
3. Senator John Fetterman to Meet with President-Elect Trump
In political news, Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman has accepted an invitation to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump at his Florida resort. Deirdre Walsh reports that Fetterman expressed his commitment to representing all Pennsylvanians, regardless of party affiliation.
At [02:19], Fetterman stated:
"I am the senator for all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats, and will meet with and have a conversation with anyone if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation."
Fetterman has already engaged with some of Trump's cabinet nominees, showing support for certain appointments. Additionally, House Budget Chairman Jody Arrington and groups of House GOP lawmakers are preparing to advance Trump's legislative agenda through Congress. An unnamed Congressional Republican remarked at [02:46]:
"He cares about the outcomes."
Fetterman highlighted that Republicans are crafting legislation on key issues like border security, tax cuts, and energy, utilizing strategies to circumvent Democratic filibusters.
4. Economic Update: Robust Job Growth and Wall Street Decline
Korva Coleman provided an update on the economy, noting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.5%. However, there is positive news from the Labor Department, which reported that employers added 256,000 new jobs in the past month. This December data surpassed economic forecasts, indicating a stronger-than-expected job market.
5. Sacramento Organization Empowers Black Students with Disabilities
The podcast shifted focus to Sacramento, California, where a dedicated organization is making significant strides in supporting black students with disabilities. Srishti Prabha reported on the efforts of Black Parallel School Board, a community organization that helps families navigate the educational system to secure necessary services for their children.
Parent Malik shared his experiences at [03:42]:
"Even though I'm aware of what rights my son had, it seemed like there was always a fight for it and I always felt outnumbered."
Thanks to the support from Black Parallel School Board, Malik’s son now thrives academically with a 3.8 GPA after being placed in a school equipped with appropriate resources. The organization successfully sued the school district in 2019 over the disproportionate segregation and discipline of black students with disabilities. In 2023, a settlement was reached, and the district has committed to becoming more inclusive and less punitive.
6. Massive Winter Storm Impacts Across the United States
Concluding the episode, Korva Coleman reported on a massive winter storm sweeping across the country. Winter storm warnings have been issued from the Texas Panhandle to Virginia's Atlantic coast. The storm has left tens of thousands without power in Texas and Arkansas, and has caused a ground stop at Atlanta’s airport.
Residents are advised to prepare for a mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions and power outages. Authorities are urging people to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during the ongoing severe weather.
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