Podcast Summary: Apple News Today – Why Alcohol May Be Worse for Our Health Than You Thought
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Gideon Resnick (in place of Shamita Basu)
1. Certification of Donald Trump’s Presidential Election Victory Amid Snowstorm
Gideon Resnick opens the episode by addressing the formal certification of Donald Trump's presidential election victory by Congress. Despite a significant snowstorm that has led to the closure of federal offices in Washington, D.C., the certification process is proceeding smoothly without any reported threats. Resnick contrasts today’s calm with the turmoil of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters violently attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification. He highlights the changes implemented since then, including the Electoral Reform Act, which limits the Vice President's role in certification and makes it harder for objections to impact the process.
Notable Quote:
"Today's certification is expected to be without incident. No one is publicly contesting the results."
— Gideon Resnick [00:37]
Resnick also shares the poignant reflections of Brian Sicknick’s family, emphasizing the lasting emotional scars from the 2021 events.
Notable Quote:
"What I'm very upset about that might happen is that he's going to let all these people out of jail. It's just not right."
— Brian Sicknick's Mother [02:30]
2. Honoring the Legacy of Former President Jimmy Carter
The podcast transitions to honoring the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. Resnick details the arrangements for Carter’s final journey from Plains, Georgia, to Washington, D.C., where a national funeral service will take place. He shares personal anecdotes from Carter’s family, highlighting his dedication to hard work and his profound impact on both his family and the nation.
Notable Quote:
"He was an amazing man, and he was held up and propped up and soothed by an amazing woman. And the two of them together changed the world."
— Chip Carter, Jimmy Carter’s Son [03:43]
Resnick reviews Carter's presidential achievements, such as the Camp David Accords and the return of the Panama Canal, as well as challenges like economic struggles and the Iran hostage crisis. He emphasizes Carter’s post-presidency contributions through the Carter Center, focusing on global health initiatives and election monitoring.
Notable Quote:
"Your expertise, your track record will continue to drive a world where people can participate in free and fair and credible elections."
— Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter’s Grandson [04:35]
Additionally, Resnick highlights Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance remarks, underscoring his lifelong commitment to peace and human rights.
Notable Quote:
"War may sometimes be a necessary evil, but no matter how necessary, it is always evil, never a good."
— Jimmy Carter [05:46]
3. Surgeon General Issues New Warning on Alcohol and Cancer Risks
As January ushers in Dry January, Resnick pivots to public health concerns regarding alcohol consumption. He features U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s alarming findings on the link between alcohol and cancer.
Murthy reveals that alcohol is causally linked to seven types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer, and is now the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, following smoking and obesity.
Notable Quote:
"Alcohol is now the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, behind smoking and obesity."
— Vivek Murthy [07:03]
Murthy criticizes the lack of public awareness about these risks and advocates for updated warning labels on alcohol containers to reflect the cancer risks, drawing a parallel to the 1964 tobacco warning labels.
Notable Quote:
"What is also clear is that the majority of Americans do not know about this link between alcohol and cancer."
— Vivek Murthy [07:27]
Resnick discusses the political challenges of implementing these changes, noting President Elect Donald Trump's mixed stance on alcohol-related policies. While Trump personally abstains from alcohol and his pick for the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also does not drink, Trump's previous decision to cut alcohol taxes poses potential conflicts with public health initiatives.
Notable Quote:
"In 1964, when the surgeon General issued the first report on tobacco and its relationship to cancer, the very next year Congress passed legislation calling for and placing a warning label on cigarette boxes."
— Vivek Murthy [08:05]
4. Winter Storms Threaten 70 Million Americans: Preparation Tips
Resnick provides a comprehensive overview of the severe winter storms affecting the United States, impacting 70 million people with additional areas under blizzard warnings. Multiple states have declared states of emergency as citizens face travel disruptions and daily life challenges.
He shares essential preparation tips from the National Weather Service:
- Essential Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, generators, fuel, and a weather radio.
- Pet Safety: Bringing pets indoors and stocking up on extra pet food.
- Carbon Monoxide Precautions: Ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional and keeping generators at least 20 feet away from homes.
- Personal Safety: Dressing in layers to prevent frostbite when outdoors, as temperatures are expected to drop significantly below average.
5. Update on New Orleans Terror Attack on New Year’s Day
Resnick reports on the latest developments regarding the terror attack in New Orleans that occurred on New Year’s Day, resulting in 14 fatalities. The FBI has identified the suspected driver, Shamsu din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native and Army veteran, who allegedly used a truck to plow into a crowd and planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that failed to detonate.
Jabbar had previously visited the French Quarter to scout the area and was recorded in a video expressing allegiance to ISIS. Authorities believe he acted alone in this attack.
6. Golden Globes 2024: Highlights and Winners
The episode wraps up with coverage of the Golden Globes, Hollywood’s first major award show of the year. Comedian Nikki Glaser made history as the first woman to solo host the event, delivering a memorable opening monologue.
Notable Quote:
"Good evening and welcome to the 82nd Golden Globes, Ozempic's biggest night. If you're watching on CBS, hello. If you're watching on Paramount, just you have six days left to cancel your free trial."
— Nikki Glaser [11:07]
Resnick highlights major winners:
- Television: Shogun dominated the awards with multiple acting honors and Best TV Drama, noted as FX’s most expensive production. Hacks won Best Series on HBO.
- Movies: The Brutalist won Best Motion Picture – Drama, while Amelia Perez took home Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
Additional Stories Highlighted in the Apple News App
- Global Fertility Industry Investigation: Bloomberg Business Week’s in-depth report on the exploitation of women in the global fertility sector.
- Upcoming Narrated Articles: Listeners are encouraged to follow Apple News Narrated for more stories, including the global fertility industry investigation.
Gideon Resnick concludes the episode by directing listeners to the Apple News app for comprehensive coverage and additional stories, promising to return with more news updates the following day.
End of Summary