NPR News Now: Episode Summary – January 6, 2025, 1PM EST

Released on January 6, 2025

1. Certification of the 2024 Election Results and Government Closure

Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [00:25]

The federal government is temporarily closed today due to a massive snowstorm sweeping across the nation. Despite the closure, Congress remains in session to fulfill the constitutional duty of certifying the results of the 2024 presidential election. Lakshmi Singh introduces the segment, highlighting the smooth progression compared to the events of four years prior.

2. Strengthened Security Prevents Potential Insurrection

Reporter: Mara Liasson
Timestamp: [00:53]

Mara Liasson reports that the likelihood of an event similar to the pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021 is minimal. She attributes this to two main factors:

• Enhanced Capitol Security: "The Capitol has been fortified like it wasn't in 2021, and it's going to be very hard for any large numbers of people to make their way into the building."
  — Mara Liasson [00:53]

• Shift in Political Climate: Unlike previous attempts to undermine the election results, Vice President Kamala Harris is leading the joint session. Liasson notes Harris's approach contrasts sharply with former President Trump's tactics.
  — Mara Liasson [00:53]
  "Instead of spreading false rumors or lies about a rigged election or stolen election, as Trump did four years ago, she has conceded that she was defeated."

3. Donald Trump's Pending Sentencing for Falsifying Business Records

Reporter: Ximena Busti
Timestamp: [01:32]

Donald Trump is slated to be sentenced later this week in New York City on charges of falsifying business records. Ximena Busti details the ongoing legal battle, emphasizing Trump's legal team's efforts to delay the sentencing:

• Legal Maneuvering: Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, is seeking to pause all court proceedings while appealing a decision by Judge Juan Merchan that denied Trump presidential immunity in this case.
  — Ximena Busti [01:32]

• Court Rulings and Implications: Busti explains that a May jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts. Despite a Supreme Court decision granting presidential immunity for official acts, Judge Merchan ruled that this immunity does not apply to Trump's current case, scheduling his sentencing for January 10th.
  — Ximena Busti [01:32]

4. President Biden’s Visit to Families Affected by Terror Attack in New Orleans

Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [02:13]

President Joe Biden is undertaking one of his final acts as commander-in-chief by visiting New Orleans. The purpose of the visit is to meet directly with families affected by the New Year's Day terror attack, where an ISIS-inspired individual killed 14 people before being neutralized by police.

5. Bitcoin’s Market Performance and Future Outlook

Reporter: Rafael Nam
Timestamp: [02:42]

Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory after a robust 2024, during which it surpassed the $100,000 mark for the first time. Rafael Nam explores the factors contributing to Bitcoin's growth and future prospects:

• Mainstream Adoption: Investment funds tracking Bitcoin's price have attracted over $35 billion last year, indicating growing institutional interest.
  — Rafael Nam [02:42]

• Political Influence: Optimism among crypto investors is buoyed by the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Trump has pledged to position the U.S. as the "crypto capital of the planet" and has selected regulators favorable to the crypto sector for his administration.
  — Rafael Nam [02:42]

• Critics’ Concerns: Despite positive signals, critics caution about Bitcoin's volatility and advocate for more stringent regulations to ensure stability.
  — Rafael Nam [02:42]

6. Austria’s Far-Right Freedom Party Forms Government

Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [03:20]

For the first time since World War II, Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has been given the mandate to form a new coalition government. President Alexander Van der Bellen appointed FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl after centrist parties failed to secure a coalition without the far-right's participation. The FPÖ is recognized as part of a right-wing populist alliance in the European Parliament, known for its anti-immigration stance and opposition to sanctions against Russia.

7. Rise of Sober-Curious Events in the United States

Reporter: Alison Aubrey
Timestamp: [04:12]

January has seen a surge in sober-curious events across various U.S. cities, aligning with the "Dry January" movement aimed at encouraging a month-long abstention from alcohol. Alison Aubrey highlights several events promoting mindful drinking:

• Event Highlights: Washington, D.C. hosted a mindful drinking festival, Chicago celebrated with a non-alcoholic beverage event, and Miami organized a mocktail festival.
  — Alison Aubrey [04:12]

• Health Initiatives: Following the surgeon general's warnings on alcohol-related cancer risks, these events aim to provide healthier social alternatives.
  — Alison Aubrey [04:12]

• Expert Insights: Dr. Mike Savilla, a family physician from Ohio, observes that individuals often replace drinking with activities like book clubs, knitting, painting, or sports such as bowling, which can facilitate healthier lifestyle changes.
  — Dr. Mike Savilla [04:32]
  "New activities they've started like a book reading club or they've started knitting or they're painting or a sporting event like bowling."

Alison Aubrey adds that finding enjoyable alternatives increases the likelihood of reducing alcohol consumption, and a sustained break can help individuals reassess their relationship with alcohol.
— Alison Aubrey [04:40]

8. U.S. Stock Market Update

Reporter: Lakshmi Singh
Timestamp: [04:52]

In the latest financial news, U.S. stocks are trading higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has risen by 167 points, reaching 42,899. Lakshmi Singh provides this brief market update, indicating ongoing positive momentum in the stock market.

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, spanning political developments, legal proceedings, economic trends, and social movements. From the certification of the recent election results amidst fortified security measures to the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and the rise of sober-curious initiatives, the podcast ensured listeners remained well-informed on diverse and impactful topics.