NPR News Now: January 7, 2025, 11 AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR
1. Biden Administration Announces Rule to Remove Medical Debt from Credit Reports
Speaker: Asma Khalid
Timestamp: [00:13 - 00:26]
The Biden administration, through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has unveiled a new rule aimed at alleviating the financial burden on millions of Americans by removing medical debt from credit reports. Asma Khalid reports:
“Tens of millions of people in the United States are saddled with medical bills they cannot pay, sometimes forcing them to drain their savings... This means some people may see their credit scores improve and have an easier time receiving a mortgage.” [00:26]
The rule is expected to eliminate $49 billion in unpaid medical bills from credit histories, potentially enhancing credit scores and facilitating access to mortgages. While the CFPB has prioritized addressing medical debt, the future of this initiative remains uncertain under a forthcoming Trump administration, given longstanding Republican criticisms of the agency.
2. Special Counsel Jack Smith Prepares Final Report on Trump Investigations
Speaker: Carrie Johnson
Timestamp: [01:05 - 01:23]
Special Counsel Jack Smith is set to submit his final report concerning investigations into President-Elect Donald Trump. Carrie Johnson details the unfolding situation:
“Attorney General Merrick Garland will decide how much of the report to make public in the days ahead... Two other defendants, longtime Trump aides, are still being prosecuted over the classified papers at Mar A Lago.” [01:23]
The comprehensive two-volume report is expected to cover allegations of 2020 election interference and the mishandling of classified documents. While Trump's legal team seeks to prevent the report's release, Attorney General Merrick Garland has pledged transparency in prosecutorial decisions. The outcome of this release remains a focal point of political and public interest.
3. Central U.S. and Mid-Atlantic States Recovering from Winter Storm; New Storm Approaches South
Speaker: Peter Mullinax
Timestamp: [02:01 - 02:25]
A significant winter storm has impacted the Central U.S. and Mid-Atlantic regions, bringing several inches of snow and ice from Missouri to New Jersey. Approximately 60,000 customers in Virginia still lack power. Looking ahead, meteorologist Peter Mullinax warns of an impending winter storm targeting the southern United States:
“We're going to end up seeing areas of snow and ice start to take shape across parts of northern Texas, southern Oklahoma... leading to some pretty disruptive and even significant snow and ice accumulations in parts of those regions.” [02:25]
The National Weather Service anticipates that the new storm will cause widespread disruptions as it moves through the Gulf Coast and into the lower Mississippi Valley by Friday.
4. National Weather Service Warns of Dangerously Strong Winds in Los Angeles
Timestamp: [02:49]
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the Los Angeles area regarding dangerously strong winds expected today. These winds could reach hurricane strength, posing significant risks by potentially blowing over tractor trailers and large trees, creating life-threatening conditions.
5. Earthquake in Tibet Claims at Least 126 Lives
Timestamp: [02:49]
Chinese state media reports a powerful earthquake struck Tibet near Mount Everest, resulting in at least 126 fatalities. The region has experienced numerous aftershocks, compounding the devastation caused by the initial tremor.
6. McDonald's Rolls Back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies
Speaker: Kristen Wright
Timestamp: [03:40 - 04:22]
McDonald's has announced a strategic shift in its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as reported by Kristen Wright:
“McDonald's will no longer set goals for diverse representation... McDonald's is also ending a pledge with suppliers that encourage them to increase leadership and staffing opportunities for people of color in their own companies.” [03:40]
The fast-food giant attributes this change to a shifting legal landscape, notably the 2023 Supreme Court decision that struck down affirmative action in college admissions. This move aligns with a broader trend of corporate DEI policy rollbacks, with McDonald's emphasizing its continued commitment to inclusion despite the policy changes. The incoming Trump administration is expected to challenge similar corporate diversity programs.
7. Former President Jimmy Carter to Lie in State; State Funeral Planned
Timestamp: [04:22]
The nation prepares to honor former President Jimmy Carter following his passing. Carter's body will be transported to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Building. His state funeral is scheduled for Thursday, after which he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
8. Getty Images and Shutterstock to Merge in $3.7 Billion Deal
Timestamp: [04:22]
In a significant move within the visual content industry, Getty Images and Shutterstock have announced their merger, creating a consolidated company valued at $3.7 billion. The merged entity will operate under the Getty Images name, aiming to enhance their market presence and expand their offerings in the competitive landscape of visual content services.
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