NPR News Now: January 12, 2025, 10AM EST

Hosted by NPR's Giles Snyder, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on significant national and international events. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics covered.

Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Federal Response and Community Impact

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell provided an on-the-ground report from Los Angeles, highlighting the severe impact of recent wildfires that have reduced entire neighborhoods to smoldering ruins.

Deanne Criswell [00:25]: "When you come to one of these fires, it's people have lost everything. When you look at a hurricane and a tornado, people have something that they can come sift through and try to find their memories. But here they've lost the physical structure, but they've also lost so many of their memories, which makes this journey that they're going to have to go through that much more difficult in the coming weeks and months."

Current Measures and Ongoing Efforts

Giles Snyder reported that red flag warnings remain in effect through Wednesday, with active-duty U.S. military personnel prepared to assist in containing the fires. The death toll from the wildfires is rising, with authorities currently investigating 16 fatalities, including more expected as the situation evolves.

Tragic Losses in the Eaton Fire

NPR's Amy Held detailed the heartbreaking stories from the Eaton fire in Altadena, where eleven people are believed to have perished.

Amy Held [01:11]: "Many were elderly or had mobility issues, like Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee who used a wheelchair. He stayed behind with his son who had cerebral palsy. Both died."

Shelly Sykes shared her tragic experience attempting to save her son during the Palisades fire in Malibu.

Shelly Sykes [01:31]: "News first mom leave me and I no mom can leave the kid."

Due to downed phone lines, Shelly had to physically seek help, but by the time she returned, her son Rory Sykes had sadly died.

Shelly Sykes [01:39]: "I've got a broken out. I couldn't lift him."

In total, 32 victims have died while trying to protect their homes or pets, with search and rescue operations ongoing to locate additional victims.

Supreme Court Decision Looms Over TikTok Ban

Legal Battle and Potential Implications

Bobby Allen from NPR reports that the Supreme Court is set to decide on a law that could ban TikTok in the United States by January 19th. Lawyers for TikTok argue that shutting down the app could set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing lawmakers to target other companies.

Bobby Allen [02:08]: "TikTok is asking the Supreme Court to pause or overturn a law prohibiting the app from operating in the US unless it sheds its Chinese owner."

Lawyer Jeff Fisher questioned the selective targeting of TikTok compared to other Chinese apps.

Jeff Fisher: "Why lawmakers did not appear worried about other Chinese apps in its crackdown."

The Justice Department maintains that China's influence over TikTok poses risks to American data and security. President-elect Donald Trump has stated his intention to reverse the ban once in office.

Bobby Allen [02:38]: "President-elect Donald Trump says once in office, he will find a way to save the app."

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching effects on the tech industry and international relations.

Special Counsel Jack Smith Resigns from the Justice Department

Departure Amid Legal Controversies

Special Counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Department of Justice (DOJ), as disclosed in a recent court filing. His resignation, effective as of the previous Friday, comes amid ongoing legal disputes over a comprehensive report on President-elect Donald Trump, which Smith and his team prepared.

Giles Snyder [02:51]: "Smith left the DOJ amid legal wrangling over the two-volume report on President elect Donald Trump that he and his team had prepared."

The resignation marks a significant development in the DOJ's handling of investigations related to the incoming administration.

American Players Shine at the Australian Open

Overview of U.S. Competitors

Cristina Kukola provided an update from Melbourne on the commencement of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year. Over 30 American players are participating, with notable names in both the women's and men's singles draws.

Cristina Kukola [03:22]: "More than 30 American players are set to compete in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam for the year."

Key Performances and Matchups

In the women's singles, prominent American athletes such as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Danielle Collins Gough are competing. The 2023 U.S. Open winner, ranked number three globally, faces fellow American Sophia Kenin in the first round.

On the men's side, 14 American players, including Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe, are in the draw. Fritz, ranked number four in the world, will compete against Jensen Brooksby in his opening match.

Ongoing Competitions and Notable Players

Irina Sabalenka aims for her third consecutive Australian Open title after winning her first-round match against American Sloane Stephens.

Cristina Kukola [04:02]: "Irina Sabalenka is going for a third straight Australian Open title."

Novak Djokovic is set to begin his campaign for a record 25th Grand Slam title starting the next day.

South Korea's Impeached President Faces Trial Hearing

Legal Challenges and Political Tensions

A lawyer representing South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Sung Yeol, has announced that Yoon will not attend the initial hearing scheduled for Tuesday. The lawyer cited safety concerns amidst ongoing tensions with police following Yoon's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law last month.

Giles Snyder [04:02]: "A lawyer for South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Sung Yeol, says he will not attend the first hearing of his trial to determine whether he will be removed from office."

The situation underscores the volatile political climate in South Korea and the challenges faced by Yoon's administration.

President Biden Honors Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom

Recognition Amid Crisis

President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction this weekend. Originally planned to present the medal in person during a trip to Rome, Biden canceled the visit to remain in the United States to monitor ongoing wildfires in California.

Giles Snyder [04:02]: "President Biden has honored Pope Francis, awarding the pope this weekend with a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. Biden had planned to present the medal in person in Rome, but canceled the trip to monitor the wildfires in California."

This gesture signifies the strong relationship between the United States and the Vatican, even amidst domestic emergencies.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of critical events, including the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the pending Supreme Court decision on TikTok, significant developments within the Department of Justice, notable performances at the Australian Open, political tensions in South Korea, and President Biden's recognition of Pope Francis. These stories reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of current global and national affairs.