NPR News Now: Episode Summary – January 7, 2025

Release Date: January 7, 2025 | Host: Giles Snyder

1. Peaceful Certification of Election Results Celebrated by Vice President Harris

In the early hours of January 7, 2025, Vice President Kamala Harris lauded the successful and peaceful certification of President Elect Donald Trump's victory in the November elections. Speaking to NPR News at [00:33], Harris emphasized the resilience of American democracy:

“I do believe very strongly that America's democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. Every single person, their willingness to fight for and respect the importance of our democracy.”

Her remarks underscored the administration's commitment to upholding democratic processes amidst a polarized political climate.

2. Capitol Security Remains Tight as Tours Continue Without January 6 References

Giles Snyder highlighted the meticulous security measures implemented during the certification process, a direct response to the tumultuous events of January 6, 2021. NPR’s Barbara Sprunt provided context on the current state of Capitol tours:

“Footage of January 6, 2021, shows rioters trampling police as they broke through barricades, breaking into congressional offices and forcing lawmakers into hiding. But the official policy for tour guides showing the capitol to nearly 2 million tourists a year is not to mention any of that.”

Maryland Democrat J. Jamie Raskin, a member of the committee that investigated the January 6 attack, advocated for more transparency in these tours:

“The people who come here want to know about it. They want to know where it took place. They want to know where different police officers were injured and where people were hiding.” ([01:35])

However, Sprunt noted resistance to changing the current narrative, particularly from the Republican Party, which is currently led by incoming President Donald Trump.

3. President Biden Honors Victims of New Year's Truck Attack in New Orleans

President Biden addressed the nation from New Orleans, offering solace to the community devastated by a tragic New Year's truck attack that claimed 14 lives. Speaking at a cathedral in the historic French Quarter, Biden paid tribute to the victims and their families:

“[Biden] paid tribute to the victims of the New Year's truck attack that killed 14 people.”

After meeting with survivors and families, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden laid a bouquet of flowers at a makeshift memorial on Bourbon Street, reaffirming the administration's support and solidarity with the affected individuals.

4. Devastating Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Over 50 Dead

A powerful earthquake rocked the Tibet region, with Chinese state media reporting over 50 fatalities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at a magnitude of 7.1, originating in the Himalayas approximately 50 miles north of Mount Everest. NPR’s John Ruich detailed the aftermath:

“Photos and videos online showed collapsed walls, rubble in streets and overturned... Shigatse is the site of a major Buddhist monastery that's the traditional home of the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.” ([02:38])

Ruich also noted discrepancies in the reported magnitude, with Chinese media citing a 6.8 magnitude earthquake. The city of Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest, bore the brunt of the destruction, affecting both civilian infrastructure and significant religious sites.

5. China Expands Insurance Coverage for Assisted Reproductive Services to Combat Declining Birth Rate

In a strategic move to address China’s declining birth rate, the Chinese government announced that assisted reproductive services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), would now be covered by insurance nationwide. NPR’s Owen Cao reported on the implications:

“Health authority said in the New Year message that over 1 million people have benefited from the assisted reproductive services last year since it has been covered by insurance.” ([03:34])

This policy shift comes in response to a national population decline for the second consecutive year in 2023, with the birth rate dropping to a record low of 6.39 births per 1,000 people. However, Cao pointed out ongoing restrictions:

“In China, the assisted reproductive services are only available to married couples. Single women seeking to have children through IVF are still excluded.” ([03:34])

These measures reflect China’s broader efforts to encourage population growth amidst economic and demographic challenges.

6. Biden Blocks Nippon Steel’s Acquisition of U.S. Steel, Legal Battle Ensues

President Biden’s recent decision to block Japan’s Nippon Steel from acquiring Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel in a nearly $15 billion deal has escalated into a legal confrontation. Both companies have initiated a lawsuit to overturn the administration’s move, alleging that the blockade was politically motivated. Additionally, former President Donald Trump has voiced his opposition to the deal, aligning with Biden’s stance.

Financial markets in Asia responded variably to the news. While Wall Street experienced a positive rally led by tech giant Nvidia, Asian markets showed mixed reactions:

• Japan, South Korea, and Australia: Benchmarks in these regions gained ground following the positive trends on Wall Street. ([04:10])

• Hong Kong: Shares in Hong Kong declined despite the broader regional gains. ([04:10])

The S&P 500 increased by 0.6%, and the NASDAQ rose by 1.2%, reflecting investor confidence in the equity markets in the wake of the global financial news.

This summary provides an overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on January 7, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.