NPR News: 01-12-2025 6PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 12, 2025, 6 PM EST

Released January 12, 2025

1. California Wildfires and Emergency Response

Governor Gavin Newsom has ramped up efforts to combat the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles by deploying an additional thousand National Guard troops, bringing the total number of mobilized service members to approximately 2,500. These troops are tasked with assisting communities devastated by the fires and preparing for the imminent threat posed by the Santa Ana winds.

Steve Futterman reports that the primary concern lies in the forecasted strong winds expected to persist through Wednesday. L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney emphasized the severity of the situation:

“These winds will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles county very high.” [00:51]

Fire crews are proactively preparing for potential new outbreaks. Ryan Wimmer from Cal Fire has been meticulously inspecting fire hydrants to ensure readiness:

“I was just double-checking, making sure that that hydrant here along the main road is in service and available for use. I want to make sure our people have the resources they need to be successful.” [01:04]

The most intense winds are anticipated on Tuesday, heightening the urgency for fire departments to stay vigilant. The proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of the fires and safeguard the affected communities.

2. Federal Assistance and Mental Health Support for Fire Victims

FEMA Administrator Dan Criswell announced that over 24,000 residents affected by the Los Angeles wildfires have registered for federal financial assistance, with expectations of the number rising. In addition to financial aid, mental health support remains a critical resource for those impacted by the disasters.

Miriam Brown, Deputy Director of the LA Department of Mental Health, highlighted the establishment of crisis centers to provide essential mental health care:

“We probably touch over 300 individuals who were at the Pasadena Center. We do whatever it takes to provide them that support.” [01:56]

Brown emphasized the importance of addressing basic needs in the aftermath of such disasters to prevent long-term trauma:

“Experts say most people who endure a mass disaster like this will not develop post-traumatic stress disorder, but it's still important to meet people's basic needs in these early days and weeks. It can help prevent later trauma.” [02:04]

These efforts underscore the comprehensive approach being taken to support both the physical and psychological well-being of those affected by the wildfires.

3. Political Developments: Pardons for January 6th Protesters

In a significant political development, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot on his first day in office. However, his running mate, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, has expressed a more nuanced stance, asserting that only nonviolent protesters should receive pardons.

During an interview with FOX News, Vance clarified:

“If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn't be pardoned. And there's a little bit of a gray area there.” [02:40]

Vance further elaborated that while federal prosecutors have charged over 1,500 individuals in connection with the attack, he supports pardoning those who participated without violent actions:

“There are a lot of people we think in the wake of January 6th who were prosecuted unfairly. We need to rectify that.” [02:54]

This divergence within the incoming administration highlights potential complexities in addressing the fallout from the Capitol riot. Luke Garrett reports that approximately 140 police officers sustained injuries during the event, and efforts to overturn Trump's loss in the 2020 election continue, with Trump maintaining his claims of election fraud as he prepares for a second term.

4. International Relations: US-Canada Tariffs and South Korean Impeachment

US-Canada Relations:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded sharply to President-elect Trump's remarks about annexing Canada as a 51st state, labeling them a distraction from the threats posed by steep tariffs. Trudeau indicated that Canada would consider retaliatory tariffs on various US goods, including orange juice, toilets, and certain steel products, if the incoming administration follows through on its tariff threats.

South Korea's Political Turmoil:

South Korean President Yoon Sung Yol faces an impeachment trial following his brief declaration of martial law last month. Despite the scheduled first formal hearing on Tuesday, Yoon's attorney announced that the president will not attend due to ongoing criminal charges of insurrection against him. This absence may lead to the hearing being rescheduled or proceeding without Yoon if he fails to appear.

Anthony Kuhn reports that Yoon remains protected by his presidential security detail, which has obstructed police and investigators from executing an arrest warrant. Should Yoon not attend the hearing on Tuesday, it will either be moved to Thursday or continue in his absence.

“South Korea's parliament voted to impeach Yoon for his brief declaration of martial law last month. Now it's up to the constitutional court to uphold or overturn the impeachment.” [03:57]

Yoon's legal team argues that attending the hearing could compromise his safety, adding another layer of complexity to the political crisis in South Korea.

5. NFL Playoffs: Buffalo Bills Advance to Divisional Round

In sports news, the Buffalo Bills secured a decisive 31-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in a wild card playoff game. This triumph propels the five-time AFC East defending champions into the divisional round for a fifth consecutive postseason. The Bills will now face the third-seeded Baltimore Ravens, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the NFL playoffs.

Louise Schiavone reported:

“The Buffalo Bills scored a 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos in a wild card playoff game. The five-time AFC East defending champions advance to the divisional round for a fifth straight playoff season and they'll face the third seeded Baltimore Ravens.” [04:38]

This victory not only solidifies the Bills' dominance in the AFC East but also keeps their championship aspirations alive as the playoffs intensify.

---

Conclusion

The January 12, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of critical issues ranging from natural disasters and emergency responses in Los Angeles to significant political developments in the US and internationally. Additionally, the episode touched on the latest in NFL playoffs, offering listeners a well-rounded update on current events.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

Support for NPR and the following message come from IXL Learning. IXL Learning uses advanced algorithms to give the right help to each kid, no matter the age or personality. Get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when you sign up [e-mail] NPR.

[Louise Schiavone]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone. California is sending an additional thousand National Guard troops to the Los Angeles region. Governor Gavin Newsom now says approximately 2,500 total service members are mobilized to assist communities devastated by fires in fire ravaged Los Angeles. They're bracing themselves for a new series of Santa Ana winds. Steve Futterman reports.

[Steve Futterman]

The increased winds, which are by far the biggest concern right now, are in the forecast through Wednesday, L.A. county Fire Chief Anthony Maroney.

[Anthony Maroney]

These winds will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles county very high.

[Steve Futterman]

Fire crews are getting ready for any new fires. Ryan Wimmer with Cal Fire has been examining fire hydrants.

[Ryan Wimmer]

I was just double checking, making sure that that hydrant here along the main road is in service and available for use. I want to make sure our people have the resources they need to be successful.

[Steve Futterman]

The strongest of the winds are forecast for Tuesday. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.

[Louise Schiavone]

FEMA Administrator Dan Criswell says more than 24,000 residents affected by the Los Angeles wildfires have registered for federal financial assistance so far. She says she expects the number of applicants to rise. Mental health support is one of the critical resources that first responders are providing in Los Angeles for people affected by the fires. NPR's Kadia Riddle has more.

[Miriam Brown]

The city set up at least three crisis centers where people can receive mental health care. Miriam Brown is deputy director of the LA Department of Mental Health. She says she and her staff have been working hard at one of these locations, the Pasadena Center.

[Louise Schiavone]

We probably touch over 300 individuals who were at the Pasadena Center. We do whatever it takes to provide him that support.

[Miriam Brown]

Experts say most people who endure a mass disaster like this will not develop post traumatic stress disorder, but it's still important to meet people's basic needs in these early days and weeks. It can help prevent later trauma. Katia Riddle, NPR News.

[Louise Schiavone]

President elect Donald Trump has vowed to pardon January 6th protesters on his first day in office. But Trump's running mate, J.D. vance, says violent protesters should not be pardoned. NPR's Luke Garrett has details on that.

[Luke Garrett]

Vice President Elect Vance tells FOX news not all January 6th protesters should be pardoned.

[Ryan Wimmer]

If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn't be pardoned. And there's a little bit of a gray area there.

[Luke Garrett]

Federal prosecutors charged more than 1500 people with crimes in connection with the January 6th attack, but Vance says nonviolent protesters should be pardoned.

[Ryan Wimmer]

There are a lot of people we think in the wake of January 6th who were prosecuted unfairly. We need to rectify that.

[Luke Garrett]

Around 140 police officers were injured during the violent January 6 riot on the US Capitol. Rioters tried to stop the certification of the 2020 election, which President Biden won. Trump still denies he lost in 2020 as he heads into the White House for a second term. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Louise Schiavone]

This is npr. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested today that President Elect Trump's talk about making Canada a 51st state is distracting public attention from the harm of the steep tariffs that Trump has been threat. Canada has said that if the incoming Trump administration follows through, Canada would consider retaliatory tariffs on US Goods, including orange juice, toilets and some steel products. South Korean President Yun Sung Yol will not attend the first hearing of his own impeachment trial, according to his attorney. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports from Seoul that the first formal hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

[Anthony Maroney]

South Korea's parliament voted to impeach Yoon for his brief declaration of martial law last month. Now it's up to the constitutional court to uphold or overturn the impeachment. But Yoon's lawyers say that because Yoon is wanted on separate criminal charges of insurrection, attending the impeachment hearing could jeopardize his safety, implying that he could be arrested. Yoon remains holed up in his residence, protected by the presidential security detail, which blocked police and investigators from executing an arrest warrant. If Yoon is absent on Tuesday, the hearing will be rescheduled for Thursday. And if he doesn't show up, then the proceedings can go ahead without him. Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Seoul.

[Louise Schiavone]

The Buffalo Bills scored a 317 win over the Denver Broncos in a wild card playoff game. The five time AFC east defending champions advance to the divisional round for a fifth straight poach season and they'll face the third seeded Baltimore Ravens. I'm Louise Schiavone, NPR News, Washington.

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Spectrum Business, who provides fast, reliable Internet, phone, TV and mobile services to help unlock the unlimited potential of your small business. Learn more at spectrum.com business.