UNBIASED Politics (1/6/25): Biden Blocks Oil Drilling and Steel Deal, Congress Certifies Election Results, Trump to be Sentenced Friday, Apple to Settle Secret Siri Recording Lawsuit, NYC's New Congestion Pricing, and More.
Jan 6, 2025
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The latest discussion centers on President Biden's decision to block a major steel merger and ban future oil drilling across millions of acres, showcasing shifting environmental policies. A spotlight is also shone on 19 remarkable individuals receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Additionally, Apple's significant settlement over secret Siri recordings raises privacy concerns. New York City’s congestion pricing implementation sparks debate, while Congress certifies the 2024 election results amid Trump’s legal woes and JetBlue's flight penalties.
Biden's blocking of the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel merger highlights the administration's focus on national security and domestic industry protection.
New York City's new congestion pricing aims to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transit, but raises fairness concerns for low-income drivers.
Deep dives
Podcast Schedule Change Announcement
The host announces a shift in the podcast release schedule, reducing episodes from four days a week to two. This decision stems from personal burnout and the overwhelming workload involved in research, writing, and production without additional support. The host emphasizes a desire to maintain quality content while promising longer episodes of around 40 minutes each, maintaining the same format and segments familiar to listeners. The change aims to allow for more focus on exciting upcoming projects and other aspects of the platform that have been overlooked due to the previous schedule.
House Speaker Johnson's Reelection
Speaker Johnson was re-elected to lead the House, amidst a politically divided context where all Democrats voted for Hakeem Jeffries instead. Johnson has managed to gain a moderate level of respect across party lines due to his willingness to work with Democrats, despite being a staunch Republican. However, his recent efforts to pass a temporary stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown generated discontent among some of the more hardline members of his party. His re-election showcases the challenging dynamics within the House, particularly as he navigates the balance of maintaining party support while engaging in bipartisan efforts.
Biden Blocks $14 Billion Steel Deal
President Biden blocked a proposed $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns and the need to protect the domestic steel industry. The deal was intended to benefit U.S. Steel's operations significantly, promising investment in key facilities; however, the administration argued that such a merger would place a crucial U.S. steel producer under foreign control. Both U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, promptly filing lawsuits challenging the blocks. This selective approach mirrors Trump's sentiments against the sale, placing further scrutiny on how national security and economic interests are prioritized.
New Congestion Pricing in New York City
Congestion pricing in New York City took effect amid considerable controversy, aiming to reduce traffic and improve public transit funding. Most drivers will face charges using E-ZPass, with a fee of $9 for entering Manhattan during peak hours, while those without will encounter a higher bill through the mail. Proponents of the pricing argue it will alleviate congestion and promote cleaner air, yet critics question its fairness to those reliant on driving without adequate public transportation options. Lawsuits from Manhattan residents and New Jersey commuters highlight ongoing disputes, reflecting broader concerns about the implications this pricing system may have on low-income individuals.
Quick Hitters: Surgeon General Releases Cancer/Alcohol Advisory, JetBlue Fined $2M for Late Flights, TikTok Ban Update, Trump to be Sentenced on Friday, United to Use Starlink on Flights, Ohio's New Law Charges for Police Camera Footage (30:14)