ABC News - ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - January 5th 2025
A severe winter storm is sweeping across the United States, impacting over 60 million people in 18 states from Kansas to the Mid-Atlantic. The storm has led to blizzard warnings in Kansas and Missouri, with parts of Kansas already experiencing over a foot of snow. Dangerous icy conditions have caused significant traffic disruptions, including a massive pile-up in Kansas City. The storm is also affecting air travel, with over 6,000 flights canceled or delayed. States like Kentucky, Arkansas, and Virginia have declared states of emergency. Additionally, the storm is bringing severe weather to the South, including tornado warnings in Arkansas and Louisiana. The storm is expected to continue causing disruptions through tomorrow, with significant snowfall and icing predicted in areas like Washington, D.C. and Northern Kentucky. Meanwhile, the storm has already resulted in fatalities, with a 27-year-old man dying in a car accident in Kansas.
Key Points:
- Over 60 million Americans in 18 states are under winter storm alerts.
- Blizzard warnings issued for Kansas and Missouri; Kansas has over a foot of snow.
- 6,000+ flights canceled or delayed due to the storm.
- States of emergency declared in Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, West Virginia, and Virginia.
- Severe weather including tornado warnings in the South; storm expected to continue through tomorrow.
Details:
1. 🌨️ Winter Storm Alerts Across the US
- More than 60 million Americans are under winter weather alerts due to a massive storm impacting multiple states.
- The storm is causing significant disruptions, including spin-outs and pile-ups on highways, affecting the post-holiday rush in specific regions such as the Central Plains and the Mid-Atlantic.
- Reports have been made of jackknifed trucks and accidents involving first responders, highlighting the severe weather conditions.
- A wide band of snow and freezing rain is affecting 18 states, expanding the storm's impact significantly.
- Tornado warnings have been issued in southern regions, indicating the storm's broader impact beyond just winter weather conditions.
- Weather teams are closely monitoring and timing the storm's progression to provide timely updates and alerts.
- Specific safety measures are recommended for affected regions, including avoiding travel where possible and staying updated with local alerts.
2. 🚨 Travel Chaos Due to Severe Weather
- Over 60 million Americans across 18 states are affected by a major winter storm.
- Washington, D.C. anticipates up to ten inches of snow, the highest in three years.
- Blizzard conditions in Topeka, Kansas prompt officials to advise residents to remain indoors.
- A significant pile-up on a Kansas City interstate is attributed to icy roads.
- Parts of Kansas report snowfall exceeding a foot, with blizzard warnings in effect.
- Missouri is experiencing snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour in certain regions.
- Indiana and Kentucky have accumulated over six inches of snow, with further snowfall expected.
- A fatal car accident involving a 27-year-old man occurred in Kansas due to the storm.
- Authorities emphasize staying off roads during these hazardous conditions to ensure safety.
3. ✈️ Thousands of Flights Impacted by Storm
3.1. Flight Disruptions
3.2. State of Emergency
3.3. Severe Weather Impact
4. 🕵️♂️ Unveiling the New Orleans Attack Details
- Authorities released images and footage of suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran, who visited New Orleans months before the attack. He was seen with an IED on the night of the attack.
- Jabbar, 42, drove from Texas to Louisiana, arriving at 10:00 PM on New Year's Eve, rented a house, set it on fire at 12:15 AM, and moved to the French Quarter.
- At 1:53 AM, Jabbar placed a cooler with an IED on Bourbon Street and St. Peter, followed by another on Bourbon and Toulouse.
- At 3:15 AM, he drove a rented Ford F-150 down Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 deaths and numerous injuries.
- The fire in the rental house extinguished before reaching accelerants, and the IEDs' detonators malfunctioned.
- Jabbar had visited New Orleans twice before, as well as Egypt and Ontario, suggesting potential radicalization, claiming ISIS affiliation and threats to his family.
- Investigation focuses on overseas trips for radicalization links.
- Community response included a vigil and a moment of silence by the local sports team in memory of the victims.
5. 🔒 Heightened Security in Washington D.C.
5.1. Security Measures Ahead of Major Events
5.2. Jimmy Carter's Memorial Events
6. 🇺🇦 Ukraine's Strategic Moves in Russia
- Ukraine launched an offensive in the Kursk region, capturing hundreds of square miles in August, showcasing its tactical surprise capabilities.
- The offensive appears strategically timed to coincide with geopolitical shifts, such as the upcoming U.S. administration change, potentially using territorial gains as leverage in peace talks.
- Russia, aided by North Korean troops, has since regained some territory, highlighting the complex international dynamics involved.
- Ukraine's actions may be aimed at securing a stronger position in future negotiations, using Russian territory as a bargaining chip.
- The current offensive reflects Ukraine's broader strategy to assert influence and negotiate from a position of strength in the international arena.
7. 🚗 NYC's New Congestion Pricing System
- New York City has become the first U.S. city to implement a congestion pricing system, charging drivers $9 to enter Midtown Manhattan below 60th Street, to address severe traffic congestion and fund public transit.
- The system is designed to manage the flow of nearly 5 million daily commuters, alleviating gridlock and improving traffic conditions in one of the nation's most congested urban areas.
- With 1,400 cameras and over 110 detection points, the congestion zone is meticulously monitored to ensure compliance and effective tolling.
- Despite facing delays from legal challenges, the initiative is projected to generate billions for public transit infrastructure, enhancing service reliability and capacity.
- Critics express concerns that the system may not significantly decrease traffic and could disproportionately affect non-Manhattan drivers, highlighting the need for equitable solutions.
- Cities like Washington D.C. and San Francisco are considering similar initiatives, while international counterparts such as London, Milan, and Stockholm have already adopted successful congestion pricing models.
8. 🏅 Controversial Arrest of Olympic Athlete
- Olympic medalist Fred Kerley was arrested in Miami Beach, with body cam footage showing him arguing with officers.
- The arrest occurred because officers claimed Kerley was interfering with an investigation, although specific details of the investigation were not disclosed.
- Kerley was subdued using a stun gun and was released on bond by Saturday night.
- Fred Kerley is known for winning a bronze medal in the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics, highlighting his prominence in athletics.
- This incident raises questions about potential impacts on Kerley's athletic career and reputation, given his high-profile status.
9. 🔥 Plane Fire Incident and Ski Patrol Strike
9.1. Plane Fire Incident
9.2. Ski Patrol Strike
10. 🎖️ Honoring Medal of Freedom Recipients
- The nation's highest civilian honor was awarded to 19 individuals as a final act in the White House.
- Hillary Rodham Clinton received a standing ovation; her presidential nomination broke barriers and inspired generations.
- Michael J. Fox was recognized for his Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy, using his personality to advance treatments and move closer to a cure.
- Fannie Lou Hamer was posthumously awarded for her work in expanding political participation and economic rights for all Americans.
- Magic Johnson was honored for shattering stigma about HIV with his honesty, contributing to saving lives.
- The President encouraged everyone to stay engaged, never give up, and always keep the faith.