NPR News Now: January 11, 2025, 7AM EST
Host: Giles Snyder
Source: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
1. Escalating Wildfires in Los Angeles County
Giles Snyder opens the episode with a dire report on the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County. As of January 11, over 100,000 residents remain under evacuation orders due to the persistent threat of fires exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds. The most significant blaze, the Palisades Fire, has engulfed more than 21,000 acres, surpassing the size of all of Manhattan.
Elyse Hu provides a detailed account of the situation:
“Just one of LA's many fires has destroyed an area larger than all of Manhattan.” ([00:42])
In Altadena, near the Eaton Fire, authorities are preventing residents from returning to their homes amidst active search and rescue operations. Despite a temporary lull in wind activity, forecasts warn of another Santa Ana wind event early next week with gusts exceeding 40 mph on Monday and Tuesday, potentially reigniting the fires.
The devastation has resulted in at least 11 fatalities. California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded by ordering an independent investigation into the firefighting efforts. Marisa Lagos elaborates on the challenges faced by firefighters:
“Crews... have been stymied by low water pressure and fire hydrants running dry.” ([01:34])
Governor Newsom emphasized the need for a thorough review to prevent future incidents:
“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.” ([01:59])
State Attorney General Rob Bonta supports this initiative, highlighting its importance for improving response strategies. Newsom has also requested that Los Angeles officials conduct their own reviews and collaborate with state authorities to enhance firefighting and evacuation protocols.
2. Republican Strategy Meeting with President-Elect Donald Trump
In the political arena, Republicans are set to convene at Mar-a-Lago this weekend with President-elect Donald Trump. The meeting aims to discuss key topics such as cabinet nominations, an upcoming reconciliation package, and new policy initiatives. NPR's Deidre Walsh reports that Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman will be the highest-ranking Democrat in attendance:
“I'm 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.” ([02:31])
House Budget Chairman Jody Arrington and other House GOP lawmakers will also participate, focusing on advancing Trump's legislative agenda through Congress. The Republicans are strategizing to address border security, implement tax cuts, and develop energy policies, all while navigating around potential Democratic filibusters to ensure the passage of their initiatives.
3. Power Outages Easing in Georgia Amid Winter Storm Recovery
Shifting to weather-related news, the number of power outages in Georgia caused by a recent winter storm is decreasing. Initially, over 110,000 customers were left without electricity due to freezing rain and downed trees. This number has been reduced to approximately 80,000, primarily affecting the Atlanta area. State officials continue to advise residents to avoid travel until conditions improve, expecting road safety to enhance by midday.
4. Robust December Jobs Report Impacts Stock Market
Economic news highlights a strong December jobs report that has influenced the stock market significantly. The Labor Department announced that employers added more than a quarter million jobs in December, far exceeding expectations. The unemployment rate also fell to 4.1%, signaling a healthy job market. However, this positive data led to a sharp sell-off in the stock market, as investors anticipate that the Federal Reserve may delay cutting interest rates.
Scott Horsley explains the market reaction:
“A healthy job market means the Federal Reserve will likely take its time in cutting interest rates.” ([03:55])
With inflation rates still above the Fed's 2% target, investors now expect that interest rates may remain elevated for a more extended period. This anticipation weighed on major stock indexes for the week:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Fell about 1.9%
- S&P 500 Index: Dropped approximately 1.9%
- Nasdaq Composite: Declined by 2.3%
The robust jobs data, while positive for workers, has introduced uncertainty into the financial markets regarding future monetary policy adjustments.
5. College Football National Championship Advancing
In sports news, the college football national championship race is intensifying. Ohio State secured a victory against Texas in the Cotton Bowl 28-14, advancing to face Notre Dame on January 20th in Atlanta. This win marks Ohio State's first national championship appearance since 2014, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup that could determine the season's top team.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the major stories covered in the January 11, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with detailed insights into the day's most pressing issues.