New Orleans Answers, House Speaker Vote, Golan Heights Tensions

Summary

Up First from NPR – January 3, 2025

NPR's Up First delivers the three biggest stories of the day with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, host Steve Inskeep alongside Layla Fadel and other NPR correspondents cover major developments including the New Orleans terror attack aftermath, the pivotal House Speaker election, and escalating tensions in the Golan Heights. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. New Orleans Terror Attack: FBI Confirms Lone Perpetrator

FBI Investigation Clarification

The episode opens with an update on the New Year's morning terror attack on Bourbon Street. Initially, the FBI suggested the possibility of a broader conspiracy. However, after extensive investigation, including the review of hundreds of hours of surveillance footage, the FBI now confirms that Shamsuddin Jabbar, an Army veteran from Texas, acted alone.

“FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Rea ... is urging those people to now call the FBI with whatever they saw.” [02:22]

Further details reveal that Jabbar had posted online videos supporting ISIS and previewing the upcoming violence, underscoring his lone-wolf motivations.

Life in New Orleans Post-Attack

Despite the tragedy, life on Bourbon Street has resumed with heightened security measures. Debbie Elliott, NPR's correspondent in New Orleans, describes the scene as one of resilience mixed with caution.

“There seems to be this determination not to let a terrorist sap the city's culture.” [04:38]

The area is heavily guarded with officers and military police from the Louisiana National Guard present. Events like the postponed college football playoff and the ongoing Super Bowl preparations proceed without incident, highlighting the city's commitment to moving forward.

Public Sentiment and Community Response

Residents express a mix of fear and determination. Drummers and local bands promptly return to Bourbon Street to revive the musical atmosphere, symbolizing peace and resilience. However, lingering sadness and questions about security measures remain.

“Everyone's... trying to keep things going despite the uncertainty.” [05:31]

Local vendors and residents like Kenzie Falk emphasize the community's effort to maintain normalcy amidst anxiety about upcoming events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl.

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2. House Speaker Election: Republicans Strive for Unanimity

Background and Current Scenario

As a new Congress begins, Republican representatives face the crucial task of electing a Speaker. Mike Johnson, backed by President-elect Donald Trump, seeks to secure the necessary votes within the narrow Republican majority of 219 seats in the 435-member House.

“Republicans have an even narrow majority than in the last Congress, which means they have to be close to unanimous to choose a leader.” [05:56]

Challenges and Potential Holdouts

Claudia Grisales, NPR's congressional correspondent, explains that Johnson's path to the speakership is fraught with challenges. With slim margins, even a handful of dissenting Republicans can derail his bid.

“There will virtually be no House business until that gets done.” [07:17]

Notably, Thomas Massie of Kentucky has declared his opposition to Johnson, potentially empowering other holdouts to resist or negotiate terms before casting their votes.

“Thomas Massie has been pretty vocal he will vote against Johnson.” [08:20]

Process and Implications for the New Congress

The election process requires Johnson to obtain a simple majority of 218 votes. Given the tight majority and absence of Democratic support, Johnson must navigate internal party dynamics carefully. This election serves as a test of the new Congress's cohesion and the influence of Trump over Republican members.

“It's clearly a test for this new membership, especially House Republicans, and whether they will face the same dysfunction.” [08:47]

If Johnson fails to secure enough votes, it could lead to prolonged negotiations, potentially delaying legislative activities and setting a tone of division within the party.

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3. Golan Heights Tensions: Israeli Military Moves into UN Buffer Zone

Background and Recent Developments

In the wake of the Syrian government's collapse, Israel has intensified its military presence in the Golan Heights, entering a UN-monitored buffer zone. This area, historically contested and occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, has seen increased Israeli airstrikes and troop movements aimed at securing borders amid regional instability.

“Israel has conducted near daily airstrikes across Syria and Israeli forces seized more territory in the Golan Heights.” [09:00]

Impact on Local Residents

NPR's Hadil El Shalchi reports from the ground, highlighting the tension and fear among Syrian residents. Israeli troops frequently set up checkpoints, searching homes for weapons, which has led to displacement and fear within local communities.

“Tanks roll into his village constantly. Farrukh says his small daughter now wakes up at night shouting, a tank. A tank.” [11:04]

Residents like Mohammad Faroukh express deep anxiety, while others take measures such as handing over weapons to Israeli forces to prevent raids. Instances of forced displacement and the demolition of homes exacerbate the community's distress.

Israeli Military and Syrian Responses

The Israeli military claims that their actions are in pursuit of border security, coordinating with local populations to minimize conflict. However, reports of anti-Israeli protests and alleged shootings by Israeli troops have raised concerns about escalating violence.

“We asked the Israeli military for comment about all those incidents. We're waiting for their response.” [11:50]

Syrian fears revolve around potential land grabs and further annexation, destabilizing the region further. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's intent to remain until a security arrangement is confirmed.

“We will stay until another arrangement ensures Israel's security.” [12:46]

Ongoing Uncertainties

The situation remains volatile, with continued UN monitoring and international scrutiny. The lack of response from the rebel group HTS (Hayat Tahrid Hashem) adds another layer of uncertainty regarding protection and control in the affected areas.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR's Up First provides comprehensive coverage of pressing national and international issues. From the resilient spirit of New Orleans in the aftermath of tragedy to the intricate political maneuvering within the U.S. House of Representatives, and the tense geopolitical developments in the Golan Heights, listeners are equipped with a deep understanding of these critical topics. Notable quotes and firsthand reports enrich the narrative, offering clear insights into the complexities shaping today's headlines.

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Notable Quotes:

• “There seems to be this determination not to let a terrorist sap the city's culture.” — Debbie Elliott [04:38]

• “Tanks roll into his village constantly. Farrukh says his small daughter now wakes up at night shouting, a tank. A tank.” — Mohammad Faroukh [11:04]

• “It's clearly a test for this new membership, especially House Republicans, and whether they will face the same dysfunction.” — Hadil El Shalchi [08:47]

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Produced by: Russell Lewis, Martin Patience, Kelsey Snell, Jan Johnson, Alice Wolfley
Edited by: Katie Klein, Nia Dumas, Julie Deppenbrock
Engineering Support: Nisha Hyness
Technical Director: Carly Strange

Stay Informed: Subscribe to NPR's Up First+ for sponsor-free listening and support NPR's vital journalism at donate.npr.org.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

The music is back on Bourbon Street.

[Layla Fadel]

Just let them know that the love.

[Debbie Elliott]

Is still out here.

[Layla Fadel]

People resume their lives as the FBI says, a New Year's morning attacker acted alone. What's their reading of the evidence?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with Layla Fadel. And this is up first from NPR News. Members of the House of Representatives meet today. Republicans are to elect a speaker, and Mike Johnson will need every vote he can get. A very small number of holdouts would have the power to block him. So what happens if he falls short?

[Layla Fadel]

Also, Israel moved into a UN Monitored buffer zone when the government collapsed in neighboring Syria. Our correspondent visited the Golan Heights. How are residents describing what Israeli troops are doing? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day. This message comes from Mint Mobile.

[Steve Inskeep]

From the gas pump to the grocery store, inflation is everywhere.

[Layla Fadel]

So Mint Mobile is offering premium wireless.

[Steve Inskeep]

Starting at just $15 a month. To get your new phone plan for.

[Debbie Elliott]

Just $15, go to mintmobile.com switch Donald.

[Steve Inskeep]

Trump promised to change Washington, D.C. a place where there's an old saying that personnel is policy. That's why we have created a new podcast called Trump's Terms, where you can follow NPR's coverage of the incoming Trump administration from his Cabinet secretaries to political advisors and top military leaders to understand who they are, what they believe and how they'll govern. Listen to Trump's Terms from npr.

[Claudia Grisales]

Every January, millions of people take the pledge to cut down on alcohol in the new year. If you're one of them, count On Life Kit, NPR's self help podcast for tips and tricks you can use to make the most out of your commitment. We'll help you draw up plans and have experts weigh in on how to stay motivated and kind to yourself throughout the month. Search Life kits dry January, wherever you get your podcasts for the tools you need to pull it off from npr.

[Layla Fadel]

Federal investigators have clarified their understanding of what happened in New Orleans on New Year's morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

Most notably, the FBI backed off of a vague statement that the driver of a pickup truck was not solely responsible for an attack on people on Bourbon Street. Now they confirm that as they understand it now, Shamsuddin Jabbar, an Army veteran from Texas, acted alone.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Debbie Elliott is in New Orleans with this and other developments. Good morning, Debbie.

[Debbie Elliott]

Hi, Good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

So why did the FBI first suggest a broader conspiracy and then back off?

[Debbie Elliott]

Well, another day of chasing down leads and I think in particular, a closer look at hundreds of hours of surveillance video. You know, it shows Jabbar placing two explosive devices concealed in coolers in the French Quarter just a few blocks from the crash site. And as the investigation was unfolding, agents initially indicated that other people might have helped him plant those. But. But after looking at all that video, it turned out to just be curious passersby who had stopped to check out the coolers on a street corner. Right. FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Rea, who's with the counterterrorism division at the agency, is urging those people to now call the FBI with whatever they saw. Raya had more information about Jabbar's motivation. The FBI says investigators have pieced together his activities leading up to the attack, including that he posted several online videos proclaiming his support for ISIS and previewing the violence that was to come.

[Layla Fadel]

So it's been a couple days now. Bourbon street is open again. What's life like there in New Orleans?

[Debbie Elliott]

Just hyper heightened security like I have never seen before. And I've covered this city for something like 30 years now. The college football playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed by a day, was played in the Sugar bowl without incident yesterday. Officers are posted everywhere you look, including military police from the Louisiana National Guard. Roads are blocked off around the Superdome. Also in the French Quarter, where Bourbon street, like you say, is back open. When I first went out there after it opened, there was still water fresh on the street from where the crime scene had been cleaned up. And already makeshift memorials, long stem yellow roses for the 14 victims. People adding to that throughout the day, there seems to be this determination not to let a terrorist SAP the city's culture. Darnell Sims is a drummer with the one Way brass bas, and he told me it was important just to bring the street music back.

[Layla Fadel]

It was out here spreading peace and.

[Debbie Elliott]

Love and happiness to the people that we had lost our Chon bourbon on New Year's after the tragic terror attack. Just let them know that the love is still out here. He wasn't the only one trying to spread the love. As the band was playing on Bourbon, a man jogged down the street with a handmade flag that said love hoisted up on a fish pole.

[Layla Fadel]

So after a mass killing, mass violence like this, what are you hearing from people in New Orleans about how they're going to move forward?

[Debbie Elliott]

Certainly people are shaken up. Sadness, shock, and questions about why local officials haven't done more to make Bourbon street less vulnerable to an attack like this. Kenzie Falk is a praline vendor who was pushing his cart along Canal. He says he's just trying to keep things going despite the uncertainty. As of right now, everything's at a standstill. You know, everybody's like, up in arms and, like, on their toes and trying.

[Steve Inskeep]

To figure out what's next.

[Debbie Elliott]

And what next are two more major national events, the super bowl and Mardi Gras here in New Orleans.

[Layla Fadel]

And here's Debbie Elliott in New Orleans. Thank you, Debbie.

[Debbie Elliott]

You're welcome.

[Layla Fadel]

A new Congress is to be sworn in today, and the first order of business in the House is to elect a speaker.

[Steve Inskeep]

Republicans have an even narrow majority than in the last Congress, which means they have to be close to unanimous to choose a leader. Speaker Mike Johnson has the endorsement of President elect Trump and also faces a challenge from some Republican holdouts.

[Layla Fadel]

Joining us now is NPR's congressional correspondent, Claudia Grisales. Hi, Claudia. Hey, Layla. All right, so Mike Johnson was elected speaker after his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted from the job during a chaotic time and several other candidates lost bids to replace him. What is Johnson facing this time around?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Eventually, more chaos. House Republicans are taking control of the lower chamber for this second Congress in a row. And as we saw, the last couple years brought us some good clues on how today could play out. And as you mentioned, job one for the House today is to elect a new speaker. And there will virtually be no House business until that gets done. No new members sworn in, no legislative business. And we already heard from House Republicans at the end of last year who said they were not so sure they would reelect Johnson to the speakership even as he recently earned Trump's endorsement. And as you mentioned, it's key, but it may not be enough.

[Layla Fadel]

But why not? I mean, this is an incoming Republican White House with Trump at the helm, and Johnson held the position of speaker for the last 14 months.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Well, first of all, Johnson is coming into this new House with even tighter margins than we saw in the last couple years. When former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, for example, ran for his position, he could only lose two years ago, a handful of Republicans to get that gavel in the 2023 election, and he still had to go 15 rounds of ballots, days of intraparty fighting on the floor before he won that gavel.

[Layla Fadel]

So walk us through that process of how the House elects a new speaker. What should we be watching for?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Well, Johnson will need a simple majority of a 435 member House, so 218 votes. And Republicans just have 219 members. So not a lot of breathing room at all, particularly since Democrats are not expected to help Johnson or any other Republican get over the line. So we already know of one GOP member who says he will vote no on Johnson, and it's possible others could follow.

[Layla Fadel]

Who are those possible no's?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Well, we know Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie has been pretty vocal he will vote against Johnson. So that could open the floodgates for other House Republicans who want to vote no on Johnson as well. Some Republicans will use this time for attention in the media or other potential spoilers may look at this as an opportunity to make a favorable deal with Johnson before they can get flipped to a yes. So they will hold a lot of leverage in this moment.

[Layla Fadel]

So what, if anything, does this moment tell us about the new Congress?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Well, it's clearly a test for this new membership, especially House Republicans, and whether they will face the same dysfunction, the same intraparty fighting that dominated the last Congress. And it's also a test of the influence Trump will exert over these members. In his endorsement of Johnson, he noted that this should get done quickly so Republicans can also quickly get to the work on a very long to do list.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Claudia Grisales. Thank you, Claudia.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Thank you.

[Layla Fadel]

In the Golan Heights in southwest Syria, residents say Israeli troops are raiding their homes and villages and they ask if this is the start of a land grab.

[Steve Inskeep]

Here's what we know so far. Since the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al Assad last month, Israel has conducted near daily airstrikes across Syria and Israeli forces seized more territory in the Golan Heights. We say more territory because Israel actually captured much of the Golan decades ago and didn't give it back. Now they're moving into a buffer zone that is monitored by the United Nations. Israel says the strikes and troop movements are all aimed at keeping their border secure.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Hadil El Shalchi is just back from the Golan Heights and joins us now. Good morning.

[Kenzie Falk]

Good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

So what did you find?

[Kenzie Falk]

Well, the Golan Heights is a swath of land about 40 miles away from the capital, Damascus. The land is hilly, dotted with olive groves and grazing cows. It's also surrounded by these beautiful snow capped mountains. I visited the province of El Conitra. It's part of which lies in this buffer zone that the Israelis entered a month ago. Residents said the troops set up checkpoints regularly entering their villages and searching homes for weapons. The Israeli military has said they're protecting itself and it coordinates its operations with the local populations. Troops have set up in areas of a village called Alhamidiyya, for example. I was on its edge yesterday and saw a tank at A new checkpoint on the main road. And also wherever you go, there are these tank tracks all over the roads.

[Layla Fadel]

And what did people say about what it's like to live with Israeli troops coming into their villages?

[Kenzie Falk]

I heard a lot of fear in a village called Al Baath. I spoke to one Syrian resident, Mohammad Faroukh, who lived maybe 300 yards away from where the Israelis had set up a checkpoint. He said tanks roll into his village constantly. Farrukh says his small daughter now wakes up at night shouting, a tank. A tank. Out of fear in another village I went to Jabbat Al Khashab told me he met with Israeli troops and they told him they wanted to enter their homes to search for weapons. So to keep the troops out, the mayor went back to his community, rounded up any weapons they had and handed them over to the Israeli military. Also met with one displaced Syrian family who said Israeli troops moved into their village and forced them out of their homes, demolishing buildings along the way.

[Layla Fadel]

And what's the Israeli military saying about all this?

[Kenzie Falk]

Well, we asked the Israeli military for comment about all those incidents. We're waiting for their response. And there's also been reports of anti Israeli protests in various villages. In Sueza, for example, I met two young men who were injured when they said Israeli troops shot into the crowd. We're waiting on Israeli comment on that incident also.

[Layla Fadel]

And what are Syrians saying about this seizure of land?

[Kenzie Falk]

Right. So. Well, for context, Israel seized and occupied the Golan Heights from Syria during the Arab Israeli war of 67, and then they began settling the land. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel decided disputes that. And in 74, the two countries agreed to create this buffer zone in part of the Golan Heights. And that's the area that the Israeli military entered yesterday. So all of this is making Syrians worry that the move may mean more annexation, more displacement and probably more settlements.

[Layla Fadel]

And what have the new leaders of Syria, the rebel group Hayat Tahrid Hashem or HTS in Israel, said about the situation?

[Kenzie Falk]

I mean, Israel has been adamant. A couple of weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the seized buffer zone and said, quote, we will stay until another arrangement ensures Israel's security. And for HTs, not a lot. The residents of the villages I visited said they hadn't heard much from them and HTS hadn't sent any forces to even protect them.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Hadil El Shalchi in Damascus. Thank you.

[Kenzie Falk]

You're welcome.

[Layla Fadel]

Again, we have requested comment from the Israeli military about these village raids and what residents told us they haven't gotten back to us. If they do, we will note their response in additional reporting.

[Steve Inskeep]

And that's our first for this Friday, January 3rd. I'm Layla Fadell. It says.

[Layla Fadel]

You are Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

I would love to be.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

I would.

[Steve Inskeep]

You know, I'd be a distinguished foreign correspondent dashing about the world and hosting a major program. I guess it's true.

[Layla Fadel]

Wait a second.

[Steve Inskeep]

Hold on. Wait a minute. And that's up first for this Friday, January 3rd. I'm Steve Inski.

[Layla Fadel]

And I'm Layla Falden. Don't forget, up first airs on the weekend, too. Ayesha Roscoe and SK Scott Simon have the news here or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Steve Inskeep]

Today's up first was edited by Russell Lewis Martin Patience, who has an awesome name, wouldn't you agree? Kelsey Snell, also an awesome name if you ask me. Jan Johnson, nice name. Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Katie Klein, Nia Dumas and Julie Deppenbrock. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. And our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us Monday.

[Layla Fadel]

What about my name? My name is Amazing.

[Steve Inskeep]

Your name is. Your name is Amazing. All these names, Carly Strange. That is so great.

[Debbie Elliott]

Want to hear this podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to Up.

[Steve Inskeep]

First Sponsor free through Amazon Music, or you can also support NPR's vital journalism.

[Debbie Elliott]

And get up first [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org on NPR's Book of the Day podcast, we hear from all sorts of writers making bold arguments like the late President Jimmy Carter on Citizens United. So I think it's completely distorted the democratic purity or legitimacy of our elections.

[Steve Inskeep]

In the United States.

[Debbie Elliott]

We hear about his life as a writer and from his biographer about President Carter's complex legacy. Listen to Book of the Day from NPR wherever you get your podcasts.

[Claudia Grisales]

Tis the season for rich meals, twinkly lights and New Year's resolutions at Life Kit, NPR's Self Help podcast, we're here to help you make those resolutions less of a December and January thing and more like a year long affair. We've got shows that'll help you draw up plans to meet your goals, whatever they are. Get the tools you need all year round with the Life Kit podcast from npr.