NPR News Now – January 10, 2025, 1 AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Producer: NPR
Release Date: January 10, 2025

Wildfires Ravage Southern California

00:18 – 01:24

The episode opens with a grim update on the ongoing wildfires in Southern California. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, with more than half of these losses attributed to the Palisades Fire. Tragically, at least 10 fatalities have been reported. NPR's Kirk Sigler provides a detailed account, noting that close to 180,000 people are currently under evacuation orders in the LA basin. Out of the five major blazes burning in the region, two remain out of control.

Kirk describes the challenging firefighting conditions:
“The winds have died down some and there's a tinge of humidity in the air. It's a small piece of good news compared to the dusty, erratic gusts of the Santa Ana's blowing in from the desert.” [00:45]

The Santa Ana winds have been particularly destructive, fanning flames into densely populated urban areas. In an emotional interview, evacuee Will Cook shares his personal loss:
“I'm really sad about, you know, what it is. But I got what matters most and that's my kids.” [01:02]

The chaotic evacuation process has added to the stress for residents, with inaccurate text alerts causing confusion. At one point, authorities mistakenly sent out a city-wide evacuation order that was later retracted, further unsettling the population.

Sports Disrupted by Emergency

01:24 – 02:01

The severity of the wildfires has had a direct impact on local events. Notably, the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings has been relocated from Southern California. The wild card game is now scheduled to be played approximately 400 miles away in Glendale, Arizona on Monday night, ensuring the safety of all involved and attendees.

Trump's Pending Sentencing and Legal Battle

01:24 – 02:15

In legal news, President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on Friday for his conviction of falsifying business records in 2016. The charges allege that Trump engaged in these activities to hide a past extramarital affair.

Judge Juan Merchan has refused to delay the sentencing, indicating that he will not impose jail time. Despite this, Trump is gearing up to appeal the decision. In his remarks, Trump expressed his frustration:
“Well, they called for an appeal and as you know, they acknowledge what the judge said about no penalty. And there's no penalty, but we're going to appeal anyway, just psychologically because frankly, it's a disgrace.” [02:01]

Trump continues to assert his innocence, maintaining that he did nothing wrong, as he faces the legal repercussions of his actions.

Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter

02:15 – 03:13

The nation bids a final goodbye to Former President Jimmy Carter, who was laid to rest in Plains, Georgia. Sam Greenglass reports that Carter was buried in the small town where he had lived for nearly a century. The ceremony was a heartfelt event, with visitors and neighbors lining the main street, waving American flags to honor his legacy.

Terry Wooden, a local resident, reflects on Carter's impact:
“There are not a lot of resources, not a lot of attention and frankly, not a lot of hope sometimes. But to see someone who could come from the meager beginnings and be able to be one of the most powerful people in the world, you know, it just it says to them, you're not boxed in, that anything is possible.” [02:42]

TwigWooden adds that Carter’s story serves as a beacon of hope and possibility for the community, inspiring future generations. Carter's family hopes that his life story will continue to inspire, as reflected in the sentiment expressed by his granddaughter:
“She wanted to be here so she can tell her grandchildren about the man from Plains who became president.” [03:06]

Supreme Court to Hear TikTok Ban Delay Request

03:13 – 04:03

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Friday regarding whether to delay a government ban on TikTok. The ban, which was approved by Congress a year ago, is slated to take effect on January 19, coinciding with President-elect Trump's inauguration.

During his first term, Trump issued an executive order mandating that TikTok’s China-based parent, ByteDance, divest from the company or face a ban in the U.S. Now, he is requesting the high court to delay the enforcement of this decision, seeking more time to navigate the legal and political implications.

Cultural Intersection: Scientists Honor Jay Chou

03:13 – 04:40

In a unique fusion of science and pop culture, a Chinese scientist has named 16 newly discovered spider species after songs by Taiwan-born Mandopop artist Jay Chou. Professor Mi Xiaoqi from Tongren University in southwestern China credits Chou's influence for the popular and memorable names.

One such species is named after Chou's early hit single, “Starry Mood (Xingqing)”. This creative endeavor has garnered significant attention on Chinese social media, with users celebrating Professor Mi as "Jay Chou's ultimate fan." Mi expressed his hope that this initiative would bridge the gap between scientific research and the general public, fostering greater interest in conservation efforts.

Ashish Valentine, reporting from Taipei, highlights the positive reception and the potential for such initiatives to increase public engagement with science.

Record-Breaking Global Temperatures Predicted for 2024

04:40 – 04:57

Climate news paints a concerning picture as global temperatures soared to another record high last year. Forecasts from three government climate agencies in Europe and Japan indicate that 2024's average temperature will easily surpass the record heat experienced in 2023. This trend underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and aggressive climate action to mitigate the escalating impacts of global warming.

Notable Quotes

• Will Cook on personal loss due to wildfires:
  “I'm really sad about, you know, what it is. But I got what matters most and that's my kids.” [01:02]

• Donald Trump on his sentencing appeal:
  “Well, they called for an appeal and as you know, they acknowledge what the judge said about no penalty. And there's no penalty, but we're going to appeal anyway, just psychologically because frankly, it's a disgrace.” [02:01]

• Terry Wooden on Jimmy Carter's legacy:
  “There are not a lot of resources, not a lot of attention and frankly, not a lot of hope sometimes. But to see someone who could come from the meager beginnings and be able to be one of the most powerful people in the world, you know, it just it says to them, you're not boxed in, that anything is possible.” [02:42]

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of the most pressing issues as of January 10, 2025. From the devastating wildfires in Southern California and their broad-reaching impacts, to significant legal developments involving former President Donald Trump, the network covers a spectrum of news that highlights both local and global concerns. The heartfelt farewell to Jimmy Carter and the innovative blending of culture and science with the naming of new spider species add depth to the day's reporting. Additionally, the alarming projections of global temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis. NPR continues to deliver timely and in-depth news updates, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the critical events shaping our world.