NPR News Now: January 24, 2025

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Duration: 5 Minutes

1. President Trump's Plans to Overhaul FEMA

At the outset of the episode, Jeanine Herbst reports on President Donald Trump's remarks regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

Jeanine Herbst [00:12]: "President Trump says he wants states in control of emergency response to natural disasters. And he says he plans to sign an executive order to start the process of reforming or overhauling FEMA or, quote, maybe getting rid of it."

President Trump [00:31]: "FEMA has been a very big disappointment. They cost a tremendous amount of money. It's very bureaucratic and it's very slow. Other than that, we're very happy with them. Okay. And I think it's, I think when there's a, when there's a problem with the state, I think that that problem should be taken care of by the state. That's what we have states for."

Trump made these comments during his first domestic trip of his second administration, visiting North Carolina to assess hurricane damage and later touring wildfire-affected areas in California. While in California, he is scheduled to meet with Governor Gavin Newsom, despite previous criticisms of state leadership in handling the fires and water shortages. Trump has stipulated that federal aid to California would be contingent upon the state implementing voter ID laws and loosening environmental regulations.

2. Wildfire Management in California

Steve Futterman provides an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in California:

Steve Futterman [01:32]: "With winds again diminishing, fire crews continue to make progress. One of the newest fires, the Hughes fire, is still burning north of LA in the Castaic area, but it's no longer seriously threatening homes or businesses. It's now largely burning in wilderness areas. And fire crews are slowly getting more containment this weekend. Some rain is in the forecast. It won't be much in some areas. It could reach an inch. It could help. However, with any rain. Now comes another problem, potential mudslides and burned out mountain areas which no longer have any vegetation. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles."

Futterman notes that while fire containment is improving due to diminishing winds and some rainfall, there is an increased risk of mudslides in areas where vegetation has been destroyed by the fires.

3. US Seeks Extradition of UK Private Investigator Linked to Hacking

Jeanine Herbst introduces a report on international legal actions involving a private investigator:

Jeanine Herbst [02:11]: "The US Government is trying to extradite a private investigator from the UK for his alleged role in a hacking campaign that targeted American climate activists. A lawyer for the private investigator said in a London courtroom the hacking operation her client is accused of leading was allegedly ordered by a lobbying firm working for ExxonMobil. NPR's Michael Copley has more."

Michael Copley [02:35]: "A lawyer for the private investigator said the U.S. is trying to prosecute her client for a hacking operation allegedly commissioned by DCI Group, a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. that represented ExxonMobil. The private investigator is Amit Forlett. He's previously denied ordering or paying for hacking. The Justice Department didn't respond to a message seeking comment. A British lawyer representing the U.S. said Forlett allegedly worked for a D.C. public affairs firm which allegedly represented one of the world's biggest oil and gas companies. DCI and Exxon declined to comment on being mentioned in court. Both have denied being involved in hacking."

The case revolves around Amit Forlett, who is accused of orchestrating a hacking campaign targeting climate activists. The involvement of DCI Group, a firm representing ExxonMobil, suggests possible corporate motives behind the alleged cyber activities. Both DCI Group and ExxonMobil have denied any involvement in the hacking scheme.

4. Declining Crime Rates Across the United States

The podcast highlights a significant decrease in crime rates, with insights from researcher Meg Anderson:

Jeanine Herbst [03:11]: "Crime rates continue to fall in many parts of the U.S. new data from a sample of 40 cities offers early insight into possible national trends. As NPR's Meg Anderson reports, researchers looked."

Meg Anderson [03:26]: "At more than a dozen offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, robbery, motor vehicle theft and burglaries. Shoplifting was the only one that increased in 2024 compared to the year before by around 14%. Ernesto Lopez, a senior research specialist at the Council on Criminal Justice, says shoplifting likely has increased, but preventing it has also become an intense focus of both police and retailers."

Michael Copley [03:55]: "So that really suggests that it's possible there's an increase in reporting and an increase in detection, the study found. Violent crime, on the other hand, fell dramatically. Most of those crime rates are now at or below their pre-pandemic levels."

The data indicates a nationwide decline in various crime categories, with the exception of shoplifting, which saw a 14% rise. Experts attribute this increase to enhanced reporting and detection efforts by law enforcement and retail establishments.

5. Pandas Return to the Smithsonian National Zoo

In a lighter note, Jeanine Herbst shares the return of pandas to Washington, D.C.:

Jeanine Herbst [04:14]: "The pandas are back in D.C. and as of today, they're out where their adoring fans can see them. Bao Li and Qing Bao are out of quarantine and back into the spotlight at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington. And the panda bear cam. Well, that's once again live. The cuddly looking black and white animals, which are on a 10-year loan from China, arrived in the US about three months ago. Their return marks a reboot of panda diplomacy after China recalled earlier panda ambassadors. China's also loaned two other giant pandas to the US. Both are at the San Diego Zoo. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News, in Washington."

The return of Bao Li and Qing Bao signifies a renewal of diplomatic relations through wildlife exchange programs, known as panda diplomacy. These pandas, along with two others at the San Diego Zoo, are expected to draw significant public interest and strengthen cultural ties between the United States and China.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant national and international developments, ranging from presidential policy shifts and wildfire management to international legal disputes and positive trends in crime reduction. Additionally, the return of pandas to the Smithsonian National Zoo offers a heartwarming conclusion to the news roundup.