LA Fires Latest, Trump's Sentencing, TikTok At The Supreme Court

Summary

Up First from NPR – January 10, 2025

NPR's Up First delivers the essential news to kickstart your day, covering the most significant stories with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Megan Martinez, and others delve into three major topics: the latest updates on the Los Angeles wildfires, the sentencing of President-Elect Donald Trump, and the Supreme Court's deliberation on the future of TikTok in the United States.

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1. Los Angeles Wildfires: A Community in Crisis

Impact on Residents

The episode opens with a harrowing account from Megan Martinez about the devastating wildfires ravaging Altadena, California. A particularly affected resident, Tiandra Pitts, shares her ordeal:

Tiandra Pitts [00:09]: "It's not livable. Who could live here like this?"

Pitts lost her home to the Eaton Fire and was forced to spend a night in her car with her children. During their evacuation, her neighbor's property was also consumed by flames, highlighting the pervasive threat these fires pose to the community.

Looting Amidst Disaster

In addition to battling the flames, Los Angeles faces another crisis: looting. At least 20 individuals have been arrested for opportunistic theft in the wake of the fires. Pitts recounts the trauma of returning home to find her property vandalized:

Tiandra Pitts [03:07]: "It's burned down. It's not livable. Look at all this. Who can live here like this?"

She was shocked to discover her front door forcibly opened and her belongings scattered and stolen, including her son's sneaker collection and essential appliances.

Firefighting Challenges

The fires have been exacerbated by the infamous Santa Ana winds, which have historically fueled rapid fire spread in Southern California. As Megan Martinez reports, the fluctuating wind conditions have hampered firefighting efforts:

Karen Bass [02:25]: "As long as winds are blowing through dry parts of Southern California, there's very little fire crews can do."

However, a slight respite in the winds has allowed firefighters to slow the spread and resume water dumping from overhead, although containment remains elusive, especially for the Eaton Fire.

Political Criticism and Response

The crisis has also entered the political arena. President-Elect Donald Trump has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for what he perceives as inadequate measures to supply water to firefighters. In response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addresses the complexities of firefighting under such extreme conditions:

Karen Bass [04:55]: "A lack of water was a major problem for firefighters combating the Palisades blaze... President Biden has even waded in, saying he talked to Governor Newsom about the issue."

Bass emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the fires and the limitations of existing infrastructure in handling such large-scale disasters.

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2. Donald Trump's Sentencing: Legal and Political Implications

Conviction and Sentencing

A significant development in the political landscape is the sentencing of President-Elect Donald Trump. Convicted of falsifying business records related to hush payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, Trump's sentencing marks a historic moment as he prepares to assume the Oval Office. Steve Inskeep introduces the topic:

Steve Inskeep [00:14]: "President Elect Trump will be sentenced today in a Manhattan criminal court..."

The Supreme Court's decision not to block the sentencing reflects the judiciary's stance on the matter, despite Trump's appeals and claims of a political witch hunt.

Insights from NPR’s Jimena Bustillo

NPR political reporter Jimena Bustillo provides an in-depth analysis of the trial's implications:

Jimena Bustillo [06:27]: "Legal experts say that this sentencing brings a much needed finality to the trial and formally convicts him."

Bustillo outlines how Trump's conviction, comprised of 34 felony counts, centers on $130,000 in payments to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election cycle. Despite the conviction, Trump remains poised to take office, raising questions about the intersection of legal repercussions and political power.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

The Supreme Court's majority decision to allow the sentencing underscores the judicial process's integrity:

Jimena Bustillo [07:12]: "In their decision, the court said that any concerns Trump had about the case should be first litigated through the lower courts."

The ruling indicates that Trump's legal team must exhaust all avenues for appeal before any further action can be taken regarding his sentencing.

Future Legal Proceedings

Looking ahead, Trump's legal team, including prominent lawyers like John Sauer, intends to pursue further appeals. This trajectory presents potential ethical dilemmas as Sauer is slated to serve as Solicitor General in the forthcoming administration, raising questions about the separation between legal defense and executive responsibilities.

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3. TikTok at the Supreme Court: The Future of a Social Media Giant

Legal Battle Overview

TikTok faces a critical challenge as its legal team prepares to argue before the Supreme Court against a federal law that seeks to ban the China-based app. NPR reporter Bobby Allen provides the framework of the arguments:

Bobby Allen [10:09]: "TikTok's legal team will be making two arguments... Shutting down a massively popular social media platform violates the free speech of TikTok's US corporation and the millions of Americans who use it every day."

TikTok counters by asserting its efforts to distance itself from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, aiming to mitigate national security concerns raised by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Department of Justice’s Position

The DOJ maintains that any association with ByteDance poses inherent risks, citing vulnerabilities in personal data security and the potential for foreign interference:

Bobby Allen [10:40]: "The Department of Justice is expected to say... Americans personal data on the app is vulnerable, and even the possibility... of China trying to manipulate the views of US Citizens is just too risky."

Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision

The timing of the Supreme Court's deliberations is critical, with the ban slated to take effect on January 19. The Court's decision, whether to uphold or strike down the law, will have immediate and far-reaching consequences:

Bobby Allen [11:16]: "If the Supreme Court upholds this law, yes, it could start very soon... Apple and Google will then be legally required to remove TikTok from app stores."

Conversely, a ruling against the ban would allow TikTok to continue operations without significant restrictions.

Political Dynamics and Executive Influence

With the incoming Trump administration, the potential for executive influence on the enforcement of the TikTok ban looms large. Trump’s fluctuating stance on TikTok adds another layer of complexity:

Bobby Allen [12:26]: "He can tell his Justice Department to just not enforce it or he can try to cut some other deal and say, hey, actually TikTok is in compliance with the law."

This development raises concerns about the separation of powers and the role of the executive branch in national security matters.

Creators' Responses and Market Shifts

TikTok's user base is reacting proactively to the legal uncertainties. Content creators are exploring alternative platforms and workarounds, such as using virtual private networks to circumvent potential bans. Additionally, shifts toward platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels are anticipated, potentially benefiting competitors like Google and Meta.

Bobby Allen [13:09]: "Some TikTokers are promoting workarounds already... If TikTok is banned, the biggest winners are likely to be Google and Meta."

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Conclusion

This episode of Up First from NPR provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues impacting the United States. From the immediate and personal tragedies caused by the Los Angeles wildfires to the profound legal and political ramifications of Donald Trump's sentencing, and the high-stakes legal battle surrounding TikTok's future in America, listeners are equipped with the essential information and nuanced perspectives to understand these complex topics. Notable quotes and firsthand accounts enrich the narrative, offering both depth and clarity to the day's most critical stories.

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For more detailed reporting and analysis, subscribe to NPR's Up First and stay informed with the news that matters most.

Transcript

[Megan Martinez]

A woman in Altadena, California, spent the night in her car after wildfires destroyed her house, burned down.

[Tiandra Pitts]

It's not livable. Who could live here like this?

[Steve Inskeep]

Why did fire crews run out of water? And how much difference did it make?

[Megan Martinez]

I'm a Martinez. That is Steve Inskeep. And this is up first from NPR News. President Elect Trump will be sentenced today in a Manhattan criminal court. He was convicted for falsifying business records, hiding payments to an adult film star. The Supreme Court declined to interfere after the judge. The judge said Trump would likely face no punishment anyway. So how does a felony conviction affect a second term?

[Steve Inskeep]

The court decided it would at least listen to arguments by owners of TikTok. Congress set a deadline to sell or shut down. We'll hear the company's bid today to block the law. Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

[Greg Allen]

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[Megan Martinez]

Midi.Com earlier this week, an LA Fire spokesperson underlined a reality of fighting wildfires. As long as winds are blowing through dry parts of Southern California, there's very little fire crews can do.

[Steve Inskeep]

Now they have a break. The Santa Ana winds have let up a little bit, slowing the spread and letting air crews dump water from overhead. So we can assess at least 10 people have died and thousands of structures have been destroyed in Pacific Palisades and other communities like the one we will hear about now. Altadena is a little inland in the foothills to the east of LA, and.

[Megan Martinez]

That is where NPR's Greg Allen has been reporting. Greg, you spent the day yesterday talking to people in Altadena. What are they telling you?

[Karen Bass]

Well, you know, as you know, Altadena is a wooded community with a lot of older bungalows. And this is where the Eaton fire has left many of the homes smoldering, blackened ruins. Tiandra Pitts home caught fire and was heavily damaged before fire crews extinguished it.

[Tiandra Pitts]

It's burned down. It's not livable. Look at all this. Who can live here like this?

[Steve Inskeep]

No, no.

[Tiandra Pitts]

And I'm asthmatic and I have a compromised lung.

[Karen Bass]

I spent the day yesterday with Pitts. You know, she was evacuated after her house caught fire and the one next door burned to the ground. Her three kids are staying with family members, but she spent that night in her car. Yesterday she was back with friends, removing whatever she could from the house.

[Megan Martinez]

Now, we've heard that at least 20 people have been arrested for looting. Did you that from people in Altadena?

[Karen Bass]

Yes. Tandra Pitts said she was shocked when she returned home and found that her front door had been kicked in. When she went inside, many of her things were gone and things were just tossed everywhere.

[Tiandra Pitts]

Look at shoes, purses.

[Karen Bass]

And they just pull everything out and took stuff.

[Tiandra Pitts]

They take everything. We seen them doing it. How do you take that from somebody who already have enough disaster?

[Karen Bass]

Looters took her son's sneaker collection. They left the boxes everywhere. They even took her washer and dryer. We talked to other residents who stayed in the neighborhood, and they told us that they chased off looters. LA sheriff has promised a crackdown on looting, and communities now are imposing curfews throughout the area.

[Megan Martinez]

Now, let's get to the big picture. I mean, how many fires is L. A dealing with right now?

[Karen Bass]

Well, there are several with numbers changing all the time. The biggest concerns remain the Eaton fire, although it stopped growing in size, crews still have zero containment on it. The other big one is the Palisades fire, the one that destroyed much of Pacific Palisades. Officials have made progress there and have started to contain that fire. And we've had deaths in both of those. Yesterday in the north part of the county, the Kenneth fire quickly expanded, which forced additional evacuations.

[Megan Martinez]

All right, now here's the kind of ugly part of this in that politics have injected their way into this story. President Elect Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, saying that he should have done more to get water flowing to help put out the fires. What's the response been to that in Los Angeles?

[Karen Bass]

Well, you know, a lack of water was a major problem for firefighters combating the Palisades blaze on Tuesday and Wednesday. After hours of responding, the water pressure dropped and hydrants no longer had water. Fire crews used pumper trucks to draw water from reservoirs and fight fires that way. But it's led to big questions, not just from Trump, but also from people who saw their homes burn. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was asked about the issue yesterday. You asked me, was I frustrated by this? Of course, because we all know that this has been an unprecedented event. We also know that fire hydrants are not constructed to deal with this type of massive devastation. You know, President Biden has even waded in, saying he talked to Governor Newsom about the issue. Biden says when electricity was shut off in some areas to avoid more fires, that led some pumping stations to be left without power. Biden said a Newsom assured him the generators are being deployed to make sure that this won't be a problem going forward.

[Megan Martinez]

That's NPR's Greg Allen in Los Angeles. Greg, thanks.

[Karen Bass]

You're welcome.

[Steve Inskeep]

President elect Trump will briefly turn away from his transition to power to attend likely virtually his criminal sentencing.

[Megan Martinez]

Today, the Supreme Court declined to block Trump's sentencing after a judge said the president elect was unlikely to face punishment or even have to attend in person. He will, though, come away with a criminal record, though he can pursue an appeal.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR political reporter Jimena Bustillo has been covering this trial. Good morning.

[Jimena Bustillo]

Good morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

Work out the background for us. What's at stake here?

[Jimena Bustillo]

Well, this was a big part of the early 2024 presidential election. Trump brought the campaign trail to New York, using the trial as a way to speak to the press, hold events and talk about his political platform. But ultimately, even with a criminal conviction, voters elected him into the White House. Now, Trump continues to call the trial a political witch hunt. There was a lot of speculation over how a trial, a conviction, and even a sentencing could affect Trump's ability to. Yet on election night, Trump decidedly won it in the court of public opinion and will be the first convicted felon to be sworn into the Oval Office later this month. Legal experts say that this sentencing brings a much needed finality to the trial and formally convicts him.

[Steve Inskeep]

I did have a look at the court's finding on this. It's not an extended ruling, but they put a few words out. What did they say?

[Jimena Bustillo]

Well, last night, five justices of the Supreme Court, a court majority, agreed to allow the sentencing to proceed. In their decision, the court said that any concerns Trump had about the case should be first litigated through the lower courts. The justices also said that the sentencing will inflict a relatively light burden on him, since New York Judge Juan Merchan intends to impose that sentence of unconditional discharge. Still, key to note that four conservative justices would have sided with Trump, meaning that he was just one justice away from not having to be sentenced today.

[Steve Inskeep]

Yeah, this is really, really interesting. They knew in advance that the president elect wasn't going to be punished or wasn't going to even have to travel to Manhattan. And even so, there were four justices who were willing to side with Trump and delay the sentencing in whatever sense it would be inconvenient to the president elect. But still, it goes forward and reminds people what this case was about. What was it that Trump was convicted of?

[Jimena Bustillo]

At the center of the prosecution's case were 34 invoices, checks and ledgers that outlined a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors argue that Trump paid off Daniels when he was running in the 2016 presidential election in order to keep her quiet about an alleged aff. The jurors ultimately convicted Trump of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

[Steve Inskeep]

And how has Trump challenged that case?

[Jimena Bustillo]

Trump has sought to delay and throw out the whole case, especially after the Supreme Court ruled that presidents have broad immunity for official acts. Mershon, the New York judge that I mentioned, agreed to postpone the sentence several times. At one point, he agreed to push it until after the 2024 presidential election to avoid any perception of political bias. Merchan also delayed to allow Trump to make the case that he had immunity because of some ev in the trial that overlapped with his time as president. But Merchan said that sentencing should proceed.

[Steve Inskeep]

And where does the case go now?

[Jimena Bustillo]

Well, Trump has tapped in several of his personal lawyers on the case to join him in this next administration. That includes John Sauer, who appealed this case to the Supreme Court and if confirmed by the Senate, will be representing the federal government at the Supreme Court level as solicitor general. Trump has vowed to appeal the case, but moving forward, some ethical questions remain over his lawyer's ability to do so while serving in the executive branch.

[Steve Inskeep]

This is what the Supreme Court said. If he has concerns about the case, pursue them in an ordinary appeal, they said. Npr, Samantha Bastillo, thanks so much.

[Jimena Bustillo]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

Some other news now Today, lawyers for TikTok will be arguing before the Supreme Court.

[Megan Martinez]

Yeah, they'll be facing off against the Justice Department over whether a law banning the China based viral video app will take effect in a few days.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Bobby Allen. And we'll be covering this story. Bobby, good morning.

[Bobby Allen]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

What are you expecting to hear from each side?

[Bobby Allen]

TikTok's legal team will be making two arguments, one on behalf of the company and another on behalf of TikTokers. And their cases boil down to this. Shutting down a massively popular social media platform violates the free speech of TikTok's US corporation and the millions of Americans who use it every day. And TikTok plans to argue that it has done quite a bit to distance itself from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The Department of Justice is expected to say, not so fast. Anything short of completely Splitting off from ByteDance poses a risk, and that's because ByteDance's home is in China and China is a foreign adversary of the United States. Now, the Justice Department says Americans personal data on the app is vulnerable, and even the possibility, Steve, of China trying to manipulate the views of US Citizens is just too risky.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so now the timing is important here. The Supreme Court has a lot of power when they decide, oh, we should intervene before a deadline or let things play out, and we will take our time and rule on things later. In this case, they said we're scheduling fast arguments for January 10, and the ban is supposed to start on January 19. So is it likely really to take effect?

[Bobby Allen]

We don't know. It's possible that the court will stay the January 19th start date as justices deliberate. Now, the court is here, Steve, really trying to thread a very difficult needle. Right. They likely want to make sure the federal government doesn't silence the voices of millions of Americans. But also they want to safeguard against possible covert influence from China. If the Supreme Court upholds the law, yes, it could start very soon. Apple and Google will then be legally required to remove TikTok from app stores. Web hosting firms like oracle that support TikTok have to cut ties. It could be the beginning of the end for TikTok. Now, if the Supreme Court strikes down the law, well, then it's just business as usual for the app.

[Steve Inskeep]

It's interesting to think about this not only as a constitutional question, it's about free speech, among other things, but also a question of which branch of government has the power here. Congress passed this law, which the outgoing president signed you have an incoming president who changed his mind about TikTok. Used to be opposed to it. Now he says he favors it. A lot of his supporters use it and he's about to take power. So what could he do after January 20th about TikTok?

[Bobby Allen]

He has enormous sway here. In recent months, as you mentioned, Trump has flip flopped on TikTok. But now the former and future president really might be the decider here because if the Supreme Court decides to uphold this law, who then will be charged with interpreting it? That would be President elect Trump. And he can tell his Justice Department to just not enforce it or he can try to cut some other deal and say, hey, actually TikTok is in compliance with the law. So a lot of eyes are on exactly what Trump is gonna do here.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. And of course, Congress would then face the question about whether they would wanna assert their authority. But there's another group here. How are creators who use TikTok responding?

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah, in a number of ways. Some TikTokers are promoting workarounds already if a ban does take place, you know, getting on like a virtual private network to try to circumvent American cell towers. And others are saying, hey, TikTok might be banned soon. So how about you all jump on YouTube shorts and Instagram reels, which, Steve, is another reality of all of this. If TikTok is banned, the biggest winners are likely to be Google and Meta.

[Steve Inskeep]

Thanks for that insight, NPR's Bobby Allen. Really appreciate it.

[Bobby Allen]

Thanks, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

And that's up first for this Friday, January 10th. I'm Steve Inskeep.

[Megan Martinez]

And I'm me Martinez. You can listen to this podcast sponsor free while financially supporting public media with Up First Plus. Learn more at plus.NPR.org that's P L U S.NPR.org today's Up First.

[Steve Inskeep]

That's UPF I R S T was edited by Gigi Duban, Ana Yukonanoff, Kara Platoni, Janaya Williams, and Lisa Thompson. It was produced by Ziad Bach, Nia Dumas and Lily Quiros. We get engineering support from Nisha Hynes and our technical director is Carly Strange. Our executive producer is Kelly Dickens. Join us on Saturday and Monday and other days.

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