NPR News Now: January 6, 2025, 6 AM EST – Detailed Summary

On the January 6th, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events. The episode covers significant political developments, severe weather conditions, major legal proceedings, public health concerns, and notable obituaries. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.

1. Political Developments

Certification of the 2024 Presidential Election

At the outset, Korva Coleman informs listeners about Congress meeting to certify the results of the 2024 presidential election, a constitutional requirement. This process recalls the events of January 6, 2021, when then-President Donald Trump interrupted the certification process by urging others to protest.

President Biden’s Address to Democratic Lawmakers

In a poignant moment, President Joe Biden addressed a small group of incoming Democratic lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and remembering the challenges faced on January 6th.

• Quote [00:39]:

  "Now it's your duty to tell the truth, to remember what happened and not let January 6th be rewritten as a or even erased to honor the Constitution. Not only the most extraordinary of days, but it's one of the toughest days in American history. January 6th."

Biden’s Visit to New Orleans Following Bourbon Street Attack

President Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, is set to visit New Orleans to mourn the victims of the recent attack on Bourbon Street. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of fourteen individuals and numerous injuries when a vehicle plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year's.

• Quote [00:55]:

  "President Biden is going to New Orleans today. The White House says he and First Lady Jill Biden will grieve for the victims and their family members of last week's attack on Bourbon Street."

2. Severe Weather Alert

Major Winter Storm Impacting Central and Eastern United States

A significant winter storm is wreaking havoc across regions from Missouri to Delaware, with some areas experiencing their heaviest snowfall in a decade. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for approximately a dozen states, including most of Kentucky.

Governor Andy Beshear’s Response in Kentucky

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided detailed insights into the storm's impact and the state's preparedness measures.

• Quote [01:46]:

  "We're getting what they call an ice sandwich, very technical term that is snow and then ice and then snow again."

Beshear announced an increase in the deployment of Kentucky National Guard units from 100 to nearly 400 to manage the crisis.

• Quote [01:53]:

  "This is a significant event, and I want to make sure that we have the resources."

As a precaution, government offices, businesses, and schools across Kentucky have been closed to ensure public safety.

• Quote [02:05]:

  "All over Kentucky, government offices, businesses and schools across the state are closed today."

3. Legal Proceedings

CNN Faces Defamation Trial

CNN is set to undergo a defamation trial in Florida, where a security contractor alleges substantial financial losses due to CNN's 2021 reporting. The lawsuit centers around claims that Afghans exposed to extortion faced exorbitant fees for evacuations during the Taliban's takeover.

• Quote [02:15]:

  "CNN faces a defamation trial today. In Florida, a security contractor alleges he lost millions of dollars after CNN's reporting in 2021."

NPR's David Folkenflick elaborates on the case, highlighting CNN's editorial concerns and the increasing trend of lawsuits against the press.

• Quote [02:27]:

  "Court documents show CNN editors had reservations at the time about whether the network's reporting adequately backed up its story. Outside legal experts tell NPR those are red flags."

Trial of Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy

In Paris, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy faces trial over alleged campaign finance violations. He is accused of accepting millions of dollars from Libya's late dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, to fund his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy's defense vehemently denies the charges, labeling them as fabricated.

• Quote [04:32]:

  "Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is going on trial today in Paris over alleged campaign finance violations."

4. Public Health Concerns

Surge in Norovirus Outbreaks Nationwide

The United States is experiencing a spike in norovirus outbreaks, attributed to increased holiday travel and insufficient hand hygiene. Norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, is the leading cause of diarrhea and vomiting.

• Quote [03:13]:

  "Across the country, outbreaks of norovirus are spiking. NPR's Yuki Noguchi reports. Holiday travel and lack of hand washing probably helped it spread farther."

NPR's Yuki Noguchi explains the transmission mechanisms of norovirus and emphasizes preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially in communal environments like hospitals and daycares.

• Quote [03:43]:

  "Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness and is the most common cause of diarrhea and vomiting. Even tiny amounts of virus can then transmit through fresh produce, unwashed hands or surfaces like kitchen counters."

For those infected, experts recommend abstaining from caregiving and food preparation for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent further spread.

5. Notable Obituaries

State Funeral for Former President Jimmy Carter

The nation mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died last week at the age of 100. His body remains in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta today, with plans to escort him to Washington, D.C., for a state funeral on Thursday.

• Quote [03:13]:

  "The body of former President Jimmy Carter will continue to lie in repose today at the Carter center in Atlanta. Tomorrow his body will be escorted to Washington, D.C. ahead of his state funeral on Thursday."

Conclusion

The January 6th episode of NPR News Now delivers a multifaceted overview of pressing issues ranging from political stability and severe weather to significant legal battles and public health challenges. President Biden's steadfast commitment to democratic integrity, Governor Beshear’s proactive response to the winter storm, the high-profile defamation and campaign finance trials, the alarming rise in norovirus cases, and the solemn remembrance of President Carter collectively underscore the episode's comprehensive coverage of current events.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joe Biden [00:39]:

  "Now it's your duty to tell the truth, to remember what happened and not let January 6th be rewritten as a or even erased to honor the Constitution. Not only the most extraordinary of days, but it's one of the toughest days in American history. January 6th."

• Andy Beshear [01:46]:

  "We're getting what they call an ice sandwich, very technical term that is snow and then ice and then snow again."

• Andy Beshear [01:53]:

  "This is a significant event, and I want to make sure that we have the resources."

• Korva Coleman [02:15]:

  "CNN faces a defamation trial today. In Florida, a security contractor alleges he lost millions of dollars after CNN's reporting in 2021."

• Korva Coleman [04:32]:

  "Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is going on trial today in Paris over alleged campaign finance violations."

This structured summary encapsulates the essential information from the episode, providing listeners who missed the broadcast with a thorough understanding of the day's most critical news stories.