ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - January 17th, 2025

Key Concepts

• Winter Storms: Back-to-back storms impacting the Eastern US with significant snowfall and frigid temperatures.
• President Trump & Greenland: Threats of tariffs against NATO allies opposing potential US acquisition of Greenland.
• Minneapolis Protests: Unrest related to a shooting involving an ICE officer, leading to National Guard mobilization and federal investigations.
• FAA Warning: Caution issued to pilots regarding increased military activity and potential GPS interference in parts of Latin America.
• Measles Outbreak: A significant outbreak in South Carolina, with over 500 cases reported.
• Artemis II: NASA’s upcoming crewed mission around the Moon, scheduled for launch in February.
• GLP-1 Drugs & Airlines: Potential fuel savings for airlines due to weight reduction from increased use of weight loss drugs.

Weather Events & Natural Disasters

The Eastern half of the United States is currently experiencing the impact of back-to-back winter storms. Over 55 million Americans are under winter weather alerts. A car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, due to icy conditions was reported, along with de-icing procedures at Newark Airport in New Jersey. New York City firefighters battled a church fire exacerbated by freezing temperatures. Another storm system is expected to bring snow as far south as Macon, Georgia, and potentially impact the Patriots game in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Wind chills are predicted to drop well below zero next week. The storms are reminiscent of those that affected Florida last week, causing iguanas to fall from trees due to the cold. Jeff Smith reported that the I-95 corridor, from Philadelphia to New York to New England, could receive three to four inches of snow.

Political & International Affairs

President Trump has escalated tensions with NATO allies by threatening a 10% tariff on goods from the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark, set to increase to 25% in June, unless a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland. He stated the US will acquire Greenland “one way or another,” and hasn’t ruled out military force. In response, several European countries have sent small military contingents to Greenland to support Denmark. Thousands protested in Copenhagen, Denmark, with signs reading “Hands Off Greenland” and “Make America Strong Again.” A bipartisan group of US Senators is traveling to Denmark to demonstrate support for the ally. Trump criticized the countries for “playing a very dangerous game.” Selina Wang reported that Danish political leaders are alarmed and preparing for a potential shift from the US being a trusted ally to an adversary. Trump claims Greenland is needed for national security due to Russian and Chinese activity, but experts argue there is no immediate threat.

Domestic Unrest & Legal Issues

Minneapolis is experiencing ongoing unrest following a shooting involving an ICE officer. Multiple federal prosecutors from Minnesota have reportedly resigned due to concerns that the federal investigation into the death of Renee Good is focused more on her and her connections to activist groups than on the actions of the officer, Jonathan Ross. Protests have continued for ten days, with hundreds of anti-ICE demonstrators clashing with a smaller pro-ICE rally organized by a conservative influencer. The Minnesota National Guard is on standby. A judge has temporarily barred ICE agents from arresting peaceful protesters without reasonable suspicion. The Trump administration is investigating Minnesota politicians, including the mayor and governor, for allegedly obstructing law enforcement. Mayor Frey called the investigation an attempt to intimidate him.

The FAA has issued a warning to airlines to exercise caution when flying over parts of the Pacific Ocean near Latin America due to increased military activity and potential GPS interference, following incidents like a JetBlue flight having to avoid a collision. US military strikes against alleged drug boats and tensions surrounding Venezuela are contributing factors.

Public Health Crisis

South Carolina is facing the largest measles outbreak in the US, with over 500 cases reported, and the number is expected to rise. The epicenter is in rural Spartanburg County, where over 500 people are under quarantine. The CDC reports that one case can infect nine out of ten nearby unprotected individuals. Over 80% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak follows a year with 2242 measles cases nationwide, the highest since 1992, with three deaths among the unvaccinated. Nine states currently have active measles cases. Authorities are expanding access to the MMR vaccine.

Space Exploration

NASA is preparing for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission around the Moon in over 50 years, scheduled for as early as February 6th. The rocket and spacecraft have been moved to the launch pad. The mission will involve four astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. NASA hopes this mission will pave the way for a return to the lunar surface and eventually to Mars.

Economic & Scientific Developments

New research suggests that the increasing prevalence of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, could lead to fuel savings for airlines. A study found that a 10% reduction in societal weight could result in a 25% decrease in airline fuel costs due to lighter aircraft loads.

Human Interest Story

Fourteen-year-old Trent Cason of Arizona was highlighted for his ongoing efforts to help those in need through his non-profit, Trent Cares. He began making and distributing bagged lunches to the homeless at age five and has since provided over 5,000 meals. He involves his family, friends, and basketball teammates in the monthly effort.

This report details a range of significant events occurring domestically and internationally, from severe weather conditions and political tensions to public health concerns and advancements in space exploration. The interconnectedness of these events highlights the complex challenges facing the nation and the world.