NPR News: 01-05-2025 8PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 5, 2025, 8 PM EST Summary

Hosted by Amy Held | Released on January 6, 2025

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1. Washington D.C. Snowstorm and Election Certification

A significant snowstorm sweeping from the Midwest toward Washington D.C. coincides with the critical certification of the presidential election results scheduled for the following day. Despite the Declaration of a snow emergency by the D.C. government, congressional leaders remain steadfast in proceeding as planned.

• House Leadership's Stance:

  • Mike Johnson, House Speaker of Louisiana, emphasized resilience against the weather challenges:
    • [00:38]: "Mother Nature will not delay the certification of President elect Donald Trump's victory."
    • [00:45]: "The Electoral Count Act requires this on January 6th at 1:00 pm, so whether we're in a blizzard or not, we are going to be in that chamber making."
    • [00:59]: "We encourage all of our colleagues, do not leave town, stay here."

• Local Government Support:

  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser assured that city resources would assist in clearing snow to ensure congressional members can attend proceedings unhindered.

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2. President Biden Addresses Congress on January 6th

Marking the fourth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, President Joe Biden delivered a poignant message to Democratic members of Congress from the White House, reflecting on the nation's commitment to democratic principles.

• Key Highlights:
  • [01:24]: "Now it's your duty to tell the truth. Remember what happened and I'll let January 6th be rewritten as a or even erased."
  • Commitment to Democracy:
    • Biden reaffirmed his dedication to a peaceful transfer of power, signaling a pledge to uphold democratic norms in his remaining time in office.

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3. Tribute to Former President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta

In Atlanta, mourners gathered at the Carter Center to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter. The event attracted visitors from across the nation, showcasing Carter's enduring impact on American politics and humanitarian efforts.

• Personal Stories:

  • William Mendoza, 19, traveled 214 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, to pay his respects:
    • [02:02]: "It's a really great refresher of how and who Jimmy Carter was—a man who was willing to work for everyone, no matter who you are, a man that was willing to put the people first and not their political party."

• Event Details:

  • Mourners toured the Carter Museum and Presidential Library, viewing artifacts from Carter's presidency before proceeding to his casket.
  • The public repose is set to continue until Tuesday morning, with thousands expected to attend daily.

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4. New York City's Implementation of Congestion Pricing

New York City has officially launched its congestion pricing initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Manhattan and generating substantial revenue for the city's transit system.

• Operational Details:

  • Robbie Griffiths reports that as of early Sunday morning, vehicles entering Manhattan south of Central Park are subject to tolls:
    • [02:32]: "Drivers entering Manhattan anywhere south of Central Park have been charged a fare. They pay $9 during the peak daytime and $2.25 at night."
  • Variable Pricing:
    • Rates vary based on vehicle type and time of day, with motorcycles paying less and larger vehicles paying more. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also subject to additional surcharges.

• Objectives and Reactions:

  • Advocates argue the plan will alleviate traffic gridlock, enhance air quality, and generate an estimated $15 billion for transit system upgrades.
  • Opposition exists, highlighted by a recent failed court attempt from neighboring New Jersey officials to halt the program.

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5. San Francisco's Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Kickoff

The Port of San Francisco has commenced the commercial Dungeness crab season with fresh off-the-boat sales, marking a significant step for local fishers after years of regulatory delays.

• Industry Developments:

  • Billy Cruz from KQED reports that the season opening follows six years of postponed starts due to environmental concerns over whale entanglements and the impact of commercial crabbing nets.
  • Economic Impact:
    • The delays had previously inflicted financial strain on crabbers, prompting the Port to allow on-boat sales at Fisherman's Wharf since 2021 as a temporary measure.

• Enhancements for Accessibility:

  • This year's sales feature a new ADA-accessible float, aiming to support local fishers and broaden public access to the crabery activities.

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6. South Korea's Legal Actions Against Former President Yoon Sung

South Korea's anti-corruption agency has escalated efforts to detain the impeached former President Yoon Sung amidst ongoing legal challenges.

• Current Status:

  • Yoon Sung faces a one-week warrant for detention set to expire on Monday.

• Legal Proceedings:

  • The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is anticipated to seek a new court warrant to extend the detention period.

• Charges:

  • Yoon is implicated in insurrection-related activities, specifically for his brief enforcement of martial law on December 3.

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7. Economic Outlook: Jobs Data and Federal Reserve Updates

As the new year unfolds, investors are keenly awaiting key economic indicators and Federal Reserve announcements that will shape financial landscapes.

• Federal Reserve Actions:
  • In December, the Fed implemented rate cuts for the third consecutive time, though it signaled expectations of only two additional cuts within the year.
  • Upcoming Releases:
    • The minutes from the recent Federal Reserve meeting are scheduled for release on Wednesday.
    • The latest jobs report is expected to be published on Friday, offering insights into the labor market's health and potential policy directions.

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Notable Quotes

• Mike Johnson, House Speaker:

  • [00:38] "Mother Nature will not delay the certification of President elect Donald Trump's victory."
  • [00:45] "The Electoral Count Act requires this on January 6th at 1:00 pm, so whether we're in a blizzard or not, we are going to be in that chamber making."
  • [00:59] "We encourage all of our colleagues, do not leave town, stay here."

• Joe Biden, President of the United States:

  • [01:24] "Now it's your duty to tell the truth. Remember what happened and I'll let January 6th be rewritten as a or even erased."

• William Mendoza, Mourners at Carter Center:

  • [02:02] "It's a really great refresher of how and who Jimmy Carter was—a man who was willing to work for everyone, no matter who you are, a man that was willing to put the people first and not their political party."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal moments and discussions from the NPR News Now episode aired on January 5, 2025. From political steadfastness amid natural challenges to significant policy implementations and international legal actions, the episode provides listeners with a multifaceted view of current events shaping the nation and beyond.

Transcript

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[Amy Held]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Amy Held. A major snowstorm is moving from the Midwest to Washington, where Congress is required by law to meet and certify the presidential election results tomorrow. The D.C. government has declared a snow emergency, but congressional leaders say they will not be delayed. NPR's Luke Garrett reports.

[Mike Johnson]

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana tells FOX News Mother Nature will not delay the certification of President elect Donald Trump's victory.

The Electoral Count act requires this on January 6th at 1:00pm so whether we're in a blizzard or not, we are going to be in that chamber making.

Sure this is done ahead of the expected snowstorm. Johnson's message to fellow House members is clear.

We encourage all of our colleagues, do not leave town, stay here.

The House speaker says he hopes for full attendance despite the storm. D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser says city resources will be used to help clear snow for members of Congress ahead of election certification. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Amy Held]

Four years after the insurrection and violent attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters from the White House tonight, President Biden addressed Democratic members of Congress.

[Joe Biden]

Now it's your duty to tell the truth. Remember what happened and I'll let January 6th be rewritten as a or even erased.

[Amy Held]

Biden says he is leaving office determined to respect the peaceful transfer of power. People in Atlanta can pay their final respects to former President Jimmy Carter until Tuesday. Georgia Public Broadcasting's Sarah Kalas reports.

[Sarah Kalas]

Mourners are flocking to the Carter center in Atlanta to pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter. During the public repose, 19 year old William Mendoza drove 214 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, to to the Carter center in Atlanta for the repose.

[William Mendoza]

It's a really great refresher of how and who Jimmy Carter was such a man who was willing to work for everyone, no matter who you are, a man that was willing to put the people first and not their political party.

[Sarah Kalas]

Mourners are led through the Carter Museum and Presidential Library to see artifacts from Carter's life and presidency before arriving at his casket. Public repose continues until Tuesday morning and the Carter center is expecting thousands of people to attend each day. For NPR News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Amy Held]

Congestion pricing is now in effect in the heart of New York City. NPR's Robbie Griffiths has this report.

[Robbie Griffiths]

Starting in the early hours of Sunday morning, drivers entering Manhattan anywhere south of Central park have been charged a fare. They pay $9 during the peak daytime and $2.25 at night. During off peak hours, motorcycles pay less and bigger vehicles pay more, while passengers in taxis and Ubers are also paying a surcharge on each journey. Advocates say the new system will ease traffic gridlock, improve air quality and help raise $15 billion for upgrades to New York's transit system. But it's not universally popular. An attempt by officials in neighbouring New Jersey to stop it in court failed at the last minute. Robbie Griffiths, NPR News.

[Amy Held]

It's NPR News. With California's commercial Dungeness crab season starting today, the Port of San Francisco is kicking off fresh off the boat crab sales. Billy CR of member station KQED reports.

[Billy Cruz]

The direct to consumer crab sales come after commercial crabbers faced weeks of delays and restrictions. That follows delays to the season's start for the past six years over concerns about whale entanglements and commercial crabbing nets. The delays have financially hurt crabbers, so since 2021, some have been allowed to sell crab from their boats at Fisherman's Wharf. The Port of San Francisco says this year's off the boat sales will include a new ADA accessible FL float. The port says they hope this float supports local fishers and increases public access. For NPR News, I'm Billy Cruz and San Francisco.

[Amy Held]

South Korea's anti corruption agency has requested that police take over efforts to detain impeached President Yoon Sung, y'all. A one week warrant for Yoon is due to expire Monday. The corruption investigation office for high ranking officials will likely seek a new court warrant to extend the window for Yoon's detention. He's wanted on charges of insurrection related to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. Jobs data and clues from the Fed will be top of mind as investors return to a full trading week after the holiday period in December, the Fed cut rates for a third consecutive time, but signaled it was expecting only two cuts this year. It is releasing minutes from that meeting Wednesday and the jobs report is due out on Friday. This is NPR News.

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