NPR News Now: January 10, 2025, 6 PM EST

Hosted by NPR, this episode of "NPR News Now" provides a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news stories, delivered in a clear and engaging format. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. Rising Death Toll from Los Angeles Fires and Governor's Response

[00:19] Jack Spear

The episode opens with a somber update on the devastating fires engulfing areas in and around Los Angeles. The death toll has tragically risen to at least 10 fatalities.

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken decisive action by ordering an independent investigation into the firefighting efforts. The primary concern centers around the challenges firefighters are facing in accessing sufficient water to combat the flames effectively.

[00:44] Marisa Lagos Marisa Lagos reports that fire crews in the Pacific Palisades and near Pasadena have been repeatedly hindered by low water pressure and dry fire hydrants, severely impacting their ability to fight the blazes and execute evacuation plans.

In a letter to local officials, Governor Newsom acknowledged, “While water supplies from hydrants are not designed for widespread blazes, losing supplies likely impaired firefighting and evacuation efforts.” He has mandated that state water and fire officials investigate the matter thoroughly.

[01:09] Rob Bonta State Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed the governor's sentiments, stating, “You always want to do better, get to the root cause of any challenges that you have so that they don't happen again and that you're better the next time.”

[01:15] Marisa Lagos Furthermore, Newsom has requested that Los Angeles officials conduct their own review and share their findings with the state to prevent future occurrences.

2. Biden Administration Targets Russia's Energy Sector with New Sanctions

[01:23] Jack Spear

In international news, the Biden administration has announced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector—a move aimed at crippling what officials describe as the largest revenue source fueling Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

[01:35] Jackie Northam

Jackie Northam provides further details, explaining that the sanctions target some of Russia's largest oil companies, as well as associated traders, oil fields, service providers, and liquefied natural gas projects. These measures are projected to cost Russia billions in energy reserves.

This strategic move comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office. Notably, Trump has been skeptical about imposing new sanctions on Russia, contrasting with the Biden administration's aggressive stance. Since the invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, the U.S. has imposed over 5,000 sanctions and export controls on Russia.

3. Supreme Court Set to Uphold Potential TikTok Ban in the U.S.

[02:11] Jack Spear

Turning to technology and national security, the Supreme Court appears poised to uphold a law that would ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok in the United States, with the ban set to take effect later this month.

[02:11] Jack Spear

Justices are deliberating on a conflict between free speech advocates and concerns that TikTok's Chinese parent company could potentially spy on U.S. users. Chief Justice John Roberts was among those voicing apprehensions regarding the app's foreign ownership and its implications for national security.

4. Severe Winter Storm Strikes Southern United States, Causing Widespread Power Outages

[02:45] Josie Lenora

A massive winter storm has swept through the southern regions, leading to the closure of schools and businesses and causing significant power outages. Little Rock Public Radio's Josie Lenora reports that tens of thousands of residents are currently without power amid freezing temperatures.

[02:45] Josie Lenora

Most of the outages are concentrated in the southwestern corner of Arkansas, with the National Weather Service noting that parts of the state have experienced nearly a foot of snow since Thursday afternoon. A winter storm warning remains in effect for much of the state until midday Saturday, with temperatures expected to hover around 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Energy Arkansas, serving over one and a half million customers, has stated that the power issues are anticipated to be resolved by Saturday afternoon.

5. Stock Markets Dip as Delta Airlines Reports Strong Earnings

[03:10] Jack Spear

In financial news, stock markets closed sharply lower at the end of the week, with Wall Street seeing the Dow Jones Industrial Average drop by 696 points.

However, amidst the downturn, Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings. The airline attributed its success to robust demand during the holiday season and declining fuel costs.

For the three months ending in December, Delta earned $843 million and is forecasting full-year earnings that will exceed Wall Street estimates, signaling resilience in the aviation sector.

6. Israel Launches Airstrikes in Yemen Against Houthi Rebel Targets

[03:51] Jack Spear

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Israel has conducted new airstrikes in Yemen targeting what it identified as Houthi rebel military installations. This comes a day after the Houthis launched multiple drone attacks on Israel.

[03:51] Kat Launsdorff

Kat Launsdorff of NPR reports that the strikes were executed on Yemen's western coast and inland. The Israeli military stated that they targeted civilian infrastructure exploited by the Iran-backed Houthis, including a major power station and several ports.

The extent of the damage remains unclear, though pro-Houthi media have reported that at least one person was killed and nine others wounded. Houthi leadership has condemned the strikes, calling them a "crime" and a "dangerous escalation."

In retaliation, the Houthis have fired several drones and missiles toward Israel in recent weeks, including a barrage of three missiles simultaneously the previous day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that the Houthis "will continue to pay a heavy price for their aggression against Israel."

7. Passing of Anita Bryant, Noted Opponent of LGBTQ Rights

[04:32] Jack Spear

The episode also marks the passing of Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma who gained fame as a singer and a prominent opponent of gay rights. At 84 years old, Bryant was renowned for her campaigns against LGBTQ rights in the 1970s.

During that era, Bryant led a successful movement to repeal an ordinance in Florida's Miami-Dade County that aimed to prohibit discrimination against gay individuals. Her efforts were backed by influential figures like Reverend Jerry Falwell, and she remained a vocal opponent of what is now widely recognized as LGBTQ protections.

[04:32] Jack Spear

Anita Bryant's legacy is a complex one, reflecting the contentious social and political battles over civil rights that continue to resonate today.

This summary encapsulates the major news stories covered in the January 10, 2025, episode of "NPR News Now," providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events across various sectors.