NPR News Now: January 17, 2025, 9 AM EST

Hosted by Korva Coleman, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates across national and international affairs, economy, environment, and technology.

Middle East Ceasefire Approved by Israeli Cabinet

Korva Coleman opens the episode with significant developments in the Middle East. The Israeli Security Cabinet has given the green light to a proposed ceasefire deal with Hamas aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This agreement, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, was announced on Wednesday. However, the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the full Israeli cabinet would convene later in the day to finalize the agreement, citing unresolved issues and attributing delays to Hamas. In response, Hamas has dismissed these claims, maintaining that they are committed to the truce. If the ceasefire is implemented, it could lead to the release of hostages as early as Sunday.

Kristi Noem's Confirmation Hearing for Department of Homeland Security

The episode shifts focus to U.S. domestic politics, highlighting that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is undergoing her confirmation hearing in the Senate. President Elect Donald Trump has nominated her to head the Department of Homeland Security. This development follows Trump's recent nomination of a leader for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which was addressed in the previous day's hearings.

NPR’s Michael Copley reports on Lee Zeldin, Trump’s nominee for the EPA, who addressed environmental regulations during his hearing:

Lee Zeldin (01:25): "In an ideal world, we would be able to pursue always the cleanest, greenest energy sources possible."

Zeldin emphasized the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging the impact of fossil fuel pollution on global warming but advocating for an "all of the above" energy strategy that incorporates various energy sources to meet public demand for pragmatic environmental solutions.

Supreme Court's Decision on TikTok Ban

Korva Coleman updates listeners on a pivotal legal development as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to release its decision on the contentious law banning the video-sharing app TikTok. The ban, scheduled to take effect on Sunday, has been a point of contention. NPR’s Bobby Allen reports that President Elect Trump has signaled intentions to intervene, stating that he "has promised to save TikTok" through measures such as delaying the ban’s start date, negotiating a sale of the app, or instructing his administration to cease enforcement of the ban.

Lee Zeldin (01:59): "He has a number of ways he can do that, including pushing off the ban start date and cutting a deal for the app to be sold off or just telling his administration to, hey, back off, don't ENFORCE this thing."

Arctic Blast Brings Extreme Cold to the United States

NPR’s Amy Held provides a comprehensive report on the impending Arctic blast set to envelop much of the United States. Originating from Siberia and the North Pole, the frigid air will plunge temperatures by approximately 40 degrees across the weekend. Central U.S. regions are bracing for wind chills dipping to minus 30 degrees or lower, with southern areas like Texas expecting temperatures below freezing and single-digit lows along the East Coast.

In Washington, D.C., officials have issued a cold weather emergency in anticipation of the cold snap coinciding with the inauguration, predicting that hundreds of thousands will brave the extreme conditions. Southern California is also under a cold weather emergency, with authorities concerned about the return of Santa Ana winds, which could exacerbate ongoing wildfire threats.

California Wildfires Continue to Rage

The report continues with updates on wildfires affecting California. Fire crews are actively working to contain two major blazes:

• Palisades Fire: Located west of Los Angeles, currently 27% contained.
• Eaton Fire: Situated north of the city, more than half contained.

Additionally, a significant fire has erupted at a battery storage plant 77 miles south of San Francisco, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The Moss Landing power plant, housing tens of thousands of lithium batteries, is the epicenter of this incident, raising concerns about the environmental and safety implications of battery storage facilities.

Mortgage Rates Hit Historic Highs

Turning to the economy, Rafael Nam discusses the surge in mortgage rates, which have climbed above 7% for 30-year fixed loans—the highest since May of the previous year. This rise persists despite the Federal Reserve’s recent cuts in short-term interest rates by a full percentage point aimed at lowering borrowing costs for consumers.

Rafael Nam (03:51): "In a nutshell, the thing to know is that the Fed determines short term interest rates, but the mortgage rate is mainly influenced by the ten year government bond. And the yield of that bond is rising for a number of reasons, including because inflation is proving to be pretty stubborn."

With rising bond yields driven by persistent inflation, analysts predict that mortgage rates may remain elevated for the foreseeable future, impacting homebuyers and the housing market.

SpaceX's Starship Rocket Faces Setback

In technology news, Korva Coleman reports on a setback for SpaceX’s Starship program. The latest test launch, which commenced successfully, experienced issues shortly after liftoff when the rocket broke apart, leading to a loss of contact with SpaceX. This incident marks a significant challenge for the company as it continues to develop its ambitious space exploration missions.

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues from international conflicts and environmental challenges to economic trends and technological advancements, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments shaping the world.