NPR News Now: January 13, 2025, 9 AM EST

Hosted by NPR’s Korva Coleman, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest developments from around the globe, covering a range of pressing issues from natural disasters to economic challenges. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed:

1. Devastating Firestorm in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA has been severely impacted by a catastrophic firestorm that swept through the area last week. The firestorm, driven by destructive winds reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, has resulted in at least 24 fatalities.

• Korva Coleman introduces the segment:
  “Los Angeles authorities say at least 24 people have been killed by the firestorm that struck the area last week. It was fueled by destructive winds that gusted up to 100 miles per hour.” [00:12]

• Steve Futterman provides further details on the response efforts:
  “Officials here in Southern California say they are ready. They are prepared for these new winds. Many fire crews and engine companies have been pre-positioned in places that are thought to be vulnerable to either new fires or a reigniting of these previous fires.” [00:41]
  He also notes that while strong winds are expected over the next three days, they are anticipated to be less severe than those that caused the majority of the damage earlier in the week.

2. Surge in Los Angeles Rental Home Prices

In the aftermath of the fires, Los Angeles is experiencing a significant spike in rental home prices as thousands seek new housing options.

• Korva Coleman transitions to the housing market issue:
  “Rental home prices in LA are spiking as the fires forced thousands to look for new housing.” [01:10]

• David Wagner reports from LAist, highlighting dramatic rent increases:
  “The furnished four bedroom home in Bel Air was listed Saturday morning, days after the fires broke out for $29,500 per month. That's up from $15,900 in September.” [01:28]

• Fiora Aston, a rental agent with Compass, explains the situation:
  “Are desperate and you can probably get good money and you should move out.” [01:45]
  She also mentioned that the listing was removed shortly after her interview, indicating a volatile market. Experts predict that the fires will continue to drive up rents in the foreseeable future.

3. Lebanon’s New President Faces Economic Turmoil

Beirut, Lebanon has elected a new president amid dire economic conditions, including a 6% contraction in the economy and inflation exceeding 200%.

• Korva Coleman introduces the political shift:
  “Lebanon has a new president and he is facing several challenges. Lebanon's economy contracted by nearly 6% last year. Inflation topped 200%.” [02:11]

• Emily Feng provides insights into the political landscape:
  “It's been more than two years since Lebanon has head of president. But last week, under pressure from the US and Saudi Arabia, Lebanon elected the current commander of the Army, Joseph Aoun, as its new leader.” [02:27]
  She outlines the complexities of forming a government that adheres to Lebanon’s power-sharing agreements, highlighting potential candidates for Prime Minister, including Najab Makati and Nawaf Salam, each with differing international affiliations.

4. Natural Disasters: Tsunami Advisory in Japan and Tropical Storm in Mayotte

• Tsunami Advisory in Japan:
  Following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, authorities in Japan’s southeastern coast have issued a tsunami advisory.
  “Officials in Japan have issued a tsunami advisory for parts of Japan's southeastern coast. This comes after a strong earthquake rocked the region today.” [03:09]
  Fortunately, there are no initial reports of damage or injuries.

• Tropical Storm Hits Mayotte:
  The French island territory of Mayotte was recently battered by a tropical storm, just a month after a powerful cyclone caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
  “Another tropical storm has swept by the French island territory of Mayat, that's off East Africa. It's only been a month since a powerful cyclone killed scores of people in Mayotte and destroyed much of the island's infrastructure.” [03:09]

5. Extinct Saber Tooth Cats’ Specialized Teeth

A fascinating study sheds light on the evolutionary traits of extinct saber-toothed cats, suggesting their highly specialized teeth may have contributed to their extinction.

• Jonathan Lambert explains the research findings:
  “Canine teeth have two main be sharp enough to puncture and slice things, but durable enough not to break. Saber teeth are extreme canines, so large and elongated that researchers were puzzled as to how they didn't break.” [03:55]

  The study, published in Current Biology, concludes that while saber teeth were exceptionally optimized for puncturing prey, this specialization compromised their durability. This lack of adaptability may have made saber-toothed predators vulnerable to environmental changes, ultimately leading to their demise.

6. Recent Winter Storm Impacts the Southeastern United States

A winter storm has moved away from the southeastern U.S. coast, leaving a trail of snow and power outages.

• Korva Coleman reports:
  “A winter storm has pulled away from the southeastern US Coast. Forecasters say it dumped several inches of snow last week on Texas and Oklahoma. Parts of Arkansas got about a foot at one point. Thousands of customers lost power.” [04:35]

  The storm caused significant disruptions, with heavy snowfall affecting daily life and infrastructure across multiple states.

This comprehensive overview encapsulates the pressing news covered in the January 13, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, offering listeners a detailed understanding of the latest events shaping our world.