NPR News Now: January 4, 2025, 11 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth reporting in a concise five-minute format. In the January 4, 2025, episode, hosted by Dale Willman, the program covers a range of significant events from national and international spheres. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

Former President Jimmy Carter Lies in Repose in Atlanta

[00:17] Dale Willman opens the episode with a poignant update on former President Jimmy Carter. Carter is currently lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, marking a moment of national mourning.

[00:29] Marissa Mecke from WABE describes the solemn arrival of Carter's motorcade:
"The state capitol today under a cold setting sun. The 282nd Army Band processes in front of the Carter Presidential Center."

[01:01] In an emotional address, Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, remarks:
"It's important to stop at the Carter Center while we mourn my grandfather's passing. I know in my heart and you all do, that his legacy will live on."
This statement underscores the enduring impact of Carter’s contributions to the nation and the world.

Rise in Vehicular Attacks in Western Cities

[01:16] The program shifts focus to a concerning trend in urban terrorism. Dale Willman introduces the segment by highlighting a recent tragic incident in New Orleans where a vehicular attack resulted in 14 fatalities.

[01:29] Brian Stevens of Teneo comments on the increasing use of such tactics:
"Some cities have put up barriers to defend urban centers from such attacks, but New Orleans police say the suspect drove around the temporary barricades that were in place."
He emphasizes the growing challenge authorities face in mitigating these threats.

[01:50] Greg Schill, a law professor from the University of Iowa, adds depth to the discussion:
"Research reducing car dependency in cities could help, but even modest proposals to pedestrianize a street are often met with fierce opposition."
Schill points out the complexities involved in addressing vehicular attacks, highlighting that solutions are neither simple nor universally accepted.

Resumption of Commercial Flights to Damascus

[02:16] In international news, commercial flights are set to resume operations to Damascus, Syria, after a prolonged suspension due to conflict and instability.

[02:29] Dia Hadid from Damascus reports on the developments:
"The general manager of Syrian Air, Hatem Kabba, tells NPR that their first international flight is scheduled to fly from the Damascus airport to Dubai on Tuesday. Qatar Airways... will start flying into the Syrian capital three times a week."
Hadid notes that while humanitarian and diplomatic flights have been operational, commercial aviation faced setbacks following rebel takeovers and airport vandalism.

[03:12] The segment provides context on Syria’s battered aviation infrastructure, attributing its woes to years of war, sanctions, and bombardments, indicating a gradual but hopeful stabilization of the region’s connectivity.

Winter Storm Prompts States of Emergency in the US

[03:12] Dale Willman updates listeners on impending severe weather conditions affecting large swathes of the United States. Governors of Kentucky and Virginia have declared states of emergency in anticipation of a winter storm poised to bring blizzards, heavy snowfall, and dangerous ice.

[03:12] The storm is expected to impact states from Nebraska and Kansas to Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with snowfall ranging from one inch to a foot. Power lines are at risk, potentially leading to widespread outages.

London Zoo's Annual Census of Animal Residents

[03:12] Transitioning to lighter news, Vicki Barker reports from London on the commencement of the annual animal census at the renowned London Zoo.

[03:51] Barker elaborates:
"The sprawling complex in London's Regents Park is home to more than 10,000 mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates new to the zoo since the last annual census, including two baby western lowland gorillas, three Asiatic lion cubs, and 53 highly endangered frogs."
She explains that this rigorous stocktake is essential for maintaining the zoo’s license and aids global breeding programs for endangered species.

PGA Golf Tournament Highlights in Hawaii

[04:32] In sports news, the PGA Golf event in Hawaii unfolds with remarkable performances. Hideki Matsuyama achieves a personal best, recording 11 birdies and concluding the penultimate round with a score of 62, thereby taking the lead.

[04:32] Competitive dynamics are highlighted as Colin Morikawa trails by one shot, with one final round remaining on Sunday. Meanwhile, Thomas Detrie, who shot a 65, stands five strokes behind the leader.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and comprehensive coverage of events shaping our world. For continuous updates, tune in hourly to stay informed.