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

Hosted by Amy Held | Released on January 6, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.