NPR News Now: January 7, 2025, 11 PM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. President Biden Addresses New Orleans After Tragic Truck Attack

Timeframe: [00:16] – [01:14]

President Joe Biden visited New Orleans to offer his condolences and support to the families affected by last week's tragic truck attack in the French Quarter, which claimed 14 lives. Speaking from St. Louis Church, a location merely blocks away from Bourbon Street where the attack transpired, Biden emphasized national solidarity.

“I am here to grieve with the victims' families, and they should know they are not alone, that the nation is grieving with them. I know New Orleans will bounce back.”
— President Joe Biden [00:36]

During the prayer service, President Biden lit a candle in honor of the victims, underscoring the city's resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Prior to the service, he and First Lady Jill Biden visited a makeshift memorial on Bourbon Street, adorned with flowers and candles, paying their respects and showing unwavering support.

“And if there's one thing we know, New Orleans finds strength and resilience.”
— Arisha Moyes [00:54]

2. Congressional Certification of Trump's Election Victory Conducted with Heavy Security

Timeframe: [01:14] – [02:17]

The formal certification of President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November election proceeded smoothly on Monday, overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris. However, heightened security measures were in place due to the traumatic events of four years prior, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

Former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gunnell shared his feelings of betrayal following Trump's reelection and the administration's stance on pardoning January 6th rioters.

“All these elected officials. They don't care about the officers like people like myself that put their lives on the line to protect them.”
— Aquilino Gunnell [01:59]

Gunnell expressed his dismay over lawmakers, whom he defended during the 2021 Capitol attack, now supporting Trump's plan to pardon those convicted for their actions that day.

“Trump has said he would pardon rioters convicted of assaulting police because they were convicted by a, quote, very tough system.”
— Aquilino Gunnell [02:07]

3. Escalating Drone Attacks in Southern Ukraine Targeting Civilians

Timeframe: [02:17] – [03:13]

In southern Ukraine, particularly in Kherson, local officials report an increase in Russian drone attacks aimed deliberately at civilians. These assaults have intensified since last summer, resulting in hundreds of casualties each month. Disturbingly, some Russian soldiers have openly boasted about these attacks on social media.

NPR's Brian Mann reported that residents like 68-year-old Natalia Savchenko have been direct targets. During an attack, citizens scramble to find any form of shelter.

“When it happens, you look for anywhere to hide. We run under the trees or into a shed or garage. My God, anywhere we could find.”
— Natalia Savchenko [02:32]

Despite the Kremlin's denial of targeting civilians, labeling it a war crime, evidence and testimonies suggest otherwise. Russian soldiers’ social media posts indicate a stark disregard for civilian lives in Kherson.

“Anyone in Kherson is considered fair game.”
— Russian Soldiers (via social media) [02:32]

4. Severe Winter Storm and Windstorm Threats Across the United States

Timeframe: [03:13] – [04:06]

A powerful winter storm continues to wreak havoc from Missouri to North Carolina and Virginia, causing widespread power outages. The eastern two-thirds of the United States brace for several days of extreme cold due to a polar vortex descending from the Arctic.

Simultaneously, Southern California faces another threat from an impending destructive windstorm. The National Weather Service warns of gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties starting Tuesday, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.

5. Comprehensive Review of Obesity Drugs Reveals Efficacy and Common Side Effects

Timeframe: [04:06] – [04:52]

Obesity treatments remain a focal point in healthcare, with Wegovia and Zepbound leading the market. However, they are not the only options available. Recent research from McGill University in Montreal has conducted a thorough review of 26 randomized controlled trials encompassing 12 different obesity medications, including several yet to receive approval.

Key findings indicate that all reviewed drugs were effective in weight management, though their potency varied. Common side effects included gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects were generally mild to moderate and tended to subside over time as dosages were adjusted.

“There were no head to head studies of the drugs included in the review, which limited its findings.”
— Arisha Moyes [04:45]

Lead author Arisha Moyes noted the absence of direct comparative studies between the different medications, which somewhat constrains the comprehensive understanding of their relative efficacies and safety profiles.

Notable Quotes

• President Joe Biden: “I am here to grieve with the victims' families, and they should know they are not alone, that the nation is grieving with them. I know New Orleans will bounce back.” [00:36]

• Arisha Moyes: “And if there's one thing we know, New Orleans finds strength and resilience.” [00:54]

• Aquilino Gunnell: “All these elected officials. They don't care about the officers like people like myself that put their lives on the line to protect them.” [01:59]

• Aquilino Gunnell: “Trump has said he would pardon rioters convicted of assaulting police because they were convicted by a, quote, very tough system.” [02:07]

• Natalia Savchenko: “When it happens, you look for anywhere to hide. We run under the trees or into a shed or garage. My God, anywhere we could find.” [02:32]

• Arisha Moyes: “There were no head to head studies of the drugs included in the review, which limited its findings.” [04:45]

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical events impacting the national and international landscape. From President Biden's heartfelt address in New Orleans, the continued political tensions surrounding the 2024 election certification, the harrowing drone attacks in Ukraine, severe weather threats across the United States, to advancements in obesity treatment—all these stories underscore the multifaceted challenges and resilience characterizing early 2025.

For those unable to listen to the episode, this summary captures the essence of the key discussions, notable insights, and the overarching narratives that shape our current world.