NPR News Now: December 11, 2024, 1 PM EST

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The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Southern California Franklin Fire Escalates

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NPR's Lakshmi Singh reports on the devastating Franklin fire in Southern California, which has rapidly expanded to nearly 4,000 acres and is currently about 7% contained. The blaze has severely impacted Malibu, resulting in significant property damage and community distress.

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[Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath] expresses empathy for the affected residents:
"Our evacuated households are waiting with bated breath. A second night without power or cell service is extremely difficult for those not under evacuation. Thank you for checking in on one another. Thank you for remaining vigilant as we get this fire under control."

The fire has forced over 2,000 people to evacuate and disrupted the lives of 3,000 students at Pepperdine University, who have been instructed to shelter in place. As damage assessment continues, the cause of the Franklin fire remains under investigation.

AI Predicts Continued Global Warming

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A groundbreaking study utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) has provided new insights into future climate change trajectories. The research indicates that despite global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the Earth is projected to continue warming in the coming years.

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NPR's Alejandro Varunda explains:
"Humans have pumped vast amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That drives global warming. And since 2015, most countries in the world have agreed to try to limit warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius and ideally below 1.5. That would be 2.7 Fahrenheit. But that goal is slipping out of reach."

Using AI, researchers from Stanford and Colorado State University have enhanced climate models to provide more precise estimates. Their findings reveal a 50% probability of exceeding the 2 degrees Celsius threshold, highlighting the urgent need for more effective climate interventions.

Escalation in Israel-Gaza Conflict

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Tensions escalate as rockets were launched from central Gaza toward Israel, leading the Israeli military to issue additional evacuation orders for Palestinians in the targeted areas.

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NPR's Aya Batrawi reports:
"Palestinians are bracing for Israeli attacks on parts of central Gaza after militants not with Hamas claimed responsibility for rockets fired at southern Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinian hospital officials in civil defense say two families have been killed in the past 48 hours in Northern Gaza by Israeli airstrikes."

Significant casualties include the Al Kahlout family, with at least 25 members killed, and the Abbot Arabish family, where an airstrike resulted in 30 individuals sheltering in a home, though only two bodies were recovered. Additionally, a mother and her two children were lost in an airstrike at a hospital in north Gaza. Israel maintains that its intensified offensive targets Hamas militants, although non-Hamas affiliated groups have also been implicated in the recent attacks.

U.S. Economic Updates: Inflation and Corporate Moves

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Lakshmi Singh updates listeners on the U.S. economy, noting that consumer prices rose by 2.7% over the past year. While inflation has cooled compared to previous years, the decline is described as slow and inconsistent, with pivotal areas like housing and food continuing to see price increases.

In corporate news, the grocery chain Albertsons has terminated its $24.6 billion merger agreement with Kroger. Albertsons alleges that Kroger failed to adequately secure regulatory approval for the merger and has announced plans to sue the company.

Breakthrough in Understanding Human Digestion

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NPR's John Hamilton covers a pioneering study published in the journal Nature, which uncovers how specific brain cells in the abdomen regulate digestive functions. Researchers from Caltech employed genetic techniques to analyze all cells within a particular cluster, revealing two distinct neuron types.

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Yukioka, a member of the research team, elaborates:
"Digestive related functions are controlled by one major cell type. Another class of neurons is involved in gut motility."

These neurons are responsible for regulating bile acid production and the propulsion speed of food through the intestines. Oka from the research team adds that the organization of these neurons in the body mirrors the complex structures found in the brain, offering new avenues for understanding and potentially treating digestive disorders.

Stock Market Brief: Nasdaq Closes Higher

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The Nasdaq Composite experienced a significant uptick, climbing 341 points and ending the session up 1.7% at 20,027. This positive movement reflects investor confidence amidst ongoing economic and geopolitical developments.

This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on December 11, 2024, at 1 PM EST.