NPR News: 01-04-2025 1PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 4, 2025, 1 PM EST

Nora Ramm brings you the latest developments from around the world in this comprehensive summary of today's NPR News Now episode.

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Passing of President Jimmy Carter

[00:24] Nora Ramm begins the episode with a heartfelt report on the final journey of former President Jimmy Carter. At the age of 100, Carter passed away last Sunday, and his motorcade is now proceeding through Plains, Georgia. Steve Futterman provides on-the-ground insights:

"Some people here who have come are carrying signs. I see one sign that says 'You were one of us.' Other people are carrying American flags. Some people seem to be saying prayers as the motorcade goes by. Just a very solemn moment as the six days of commemoration begin." [00:48]

The casket, draped in the American flag, is accompanied by Carter’s family and former Secret Service members who served as pallbearers. The community reflects on Carter's legacy as his remains are transported to his hometown, marking a moment of national remembrance.

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Deadly New Orleans Attack and ISIS Inspiration

In a tragic incident, Nora Ramm reports on a violent attack that shook New Orleans on New Year's Day. Shamsa Denja Barr, a Texas-born U.S. Army veteran, drove a pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in at least 14 fatalities before being fatally shot by police.

[01:25] Ramm highlights the FBI's ongoing investigation:

"The FBI now believes he was inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group." [01:51]

An NPR Analyst elaborates on the nature of such attacks:

"In a directed attack, a terrorist organization is in contact with a person or a cell of people... In contrast, an individual can say, watch or read ISIS propaganda online, come to sympathize with the group's ideology... and then decide to carry out violence to act in their name on their own." [01:51]

This distinction underscores the complexities in combating both organized and lone-wolf terrorism.

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Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Negotiations

Nora Ramm transitions to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, noting the resumption of ceasefire talks in Qatar. However, recent weeks have seen negotiations stall, with both parties attributing the impasse to each other's actions.

[02:17] Reporting from Tel Aviv, Carrie Khan shares statements from key figures involved:

Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, issued a rare English-language statement on social media:

"Palestinians in Gaza are suffering greatly under endless Israeli airstrikes. We call for a permanent ceasefire now." [02:35]

John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Adviser, responded:

"To secure and deliver the necessary needs to confront the tragic circumstances, especially in the face of the cold winter season." [02:48]

Furthermore, Bassem Naim criticized Israel's stance:

"Israel says Hamas is holding up a deal and has not released a full list of hostages it is holding in Gaza, along with other demands. It says any ceasefire must be temporary." [02:58]

Kirby affirmed the U.S. commitment:

"The US will stay engaged in the talks until President Biden leaves office later this month." [02:58]

These developments highlight the fragile and contentious nature of peace negotiations in the region.

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Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia Causes Evacuations

Shifting focus to environmental news, Nora Ramm reports on a natural disaster unfolding in northeastern Ethiopia. Mount Dofen, a long-dormant volcano, has shown signs of renewed activity with steam eruptions commencing on Thursday.

[03:19] The eruptions have led to volcanic mudflows, causing significant damage to critical infrastructure, including major roadways that now exhibit large cracks. Authorities have initiated evacuations to ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.

This resurgence of volcanic activity poses substantial challenges for the region, both in terms of immediate safety and long-term infrastructural integrity.

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Young Prodigy Becomes World Darts Champion

In a remarkable achievement in the world of sports, a 17-year-old Luke Littler has become the youngest ever world champion in darts. Lauren Freyr covers this inspiring story:

[03:59] Littler, a former junior world champion, has been recognized as a darts prodigy. The BBC has showcased home videos of him honing his skills as a toddler, even before he outgrew diapers. After defeating a seasoned Dutch player in the final, Littler expressed his disbelief:

"I just can't believe it." [03:59]

Echoing his sentiments, John Kirby reflects on the victory:

"Walking around backstage with it, I can tell myself I've won it and it's mine. But it's not sunk in." [04:15]

Littler's triumph has significantly boosted the popularity of darts, with 90,000 tickets for this year's championship selling out within 15 minutes. The final, held in London, was a vibrant event with fans donning festive costumes, celebrating the young champion's success. Lauren Freyr concludes:

"He's helped popularize the sport of darts." [04:21]

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German Chancellor Criticizes Elon Musk’s Political Involvement

In political news from Germany, Nora Ramm reports on concerns expressed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding billionaire Elon Musk's involvement in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

[04:34] Scholz voiced his apprehensions over Musk's support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This follows Musk's contentious remarks, including calling Scholz a "fool" when Scholz's coalition government collapsed in November.

In a magazine interview published today, Scholz stated:

"There is nothing new in criticism by rich media. Entrepreneurs do not appreciate social democratic policies." [04:34]

Scholz's comments reflect broader tensions between media moguls and social democratic governance, emphasizing the impact of influential figures like Musk on political landscapes.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from NPR News Now's January 4, 2025, episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and readers alike.

Transcript

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[Nora Ramm]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Nora Ramm. A motorcade is making its way through Georgia, Kansas, carrying the remains of President Jimmy Carter, who died last Sunday at the age of 100. Members of his family are accompanying the flag draped casket. Former members of the Secret Service who had protected him during his presidency are serving as pallbearers. Steve Futterman reports.

[Steve Futterman]

Some people here who have come are carrying signs. I see one sign that says you were one of us. Other people are carrying American flags. Some people seem to be saying prayers as the motorcade goes by. Just a very solemn moment as the six days of commemoration begin. The former president's body has left the medical center and is now on its way to his hometown. One last trip to Plains, Georgia, for Jimmy Carter. For NPR News, Steve I'm Steve Futterman.

[Nora Ramm]

In America's Georgia, authorities are learning more about the man who slammed a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans on New Year's Day, killing at least 14 people before being shot dead by police. Shamsa Denja Barr was born and raised in Texas and has served in the U.S. army. NPR's Ryan Lucas reports. The FBI now believes he was inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group.

[NPR Analyst]

In a directed attack, a terrorist organization is in contact with a person or a cell of people, say, in the United States, and directs them, for example, to attack a specific target in an inspired attack. In contrast, there doesn't need to be any direct contact. An individual instead can say, watch or read ISIS propaganda online, come to sympathize with the group's ideology or its worldview, and then decide to carry out violence to act in the group's name on their own.

[Nora Ramm]

NPR's Ryan Lucas. Ceasefire talks in the war between Israel and Hamas are resuming once again. The negotiations taking place in Qatar seem stalled in recent weeks, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of a deal. NPR's Carrie Khan reports from Tel Aviv.

[Bassem Naim]

In a rare video statement in English posted on social media, senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim says Palestinians in Gaza are suffering greatly under endless Israeli airstrikes. He called for a permanent ceasefire now.

[John Kirby]

To secure and deliver the necessary needs to confront the tragic circumstances, especially in the face of the cold winter season.

[Bassem Naim]

Israel says Hamas is holding up a deal and has not released a full list of hostages it is holding in Gaza, along with other demands. It says any ceasefire must be temporary. National Security Adviser John Kirby says the US Will stay engaged in the talks until President Biden leaves office later this month. Carrie Kon, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Nora Ramm]

This is NPR News in Washington. Evacuations are underway in northeastern Ethiopia as a long dormant volcano is showing signs of volcanoes volcanic activity. Steam eruptions from Mount Dofen started Thursday. Volcanic mud flowing from the volcano has caused damage to critical infrastructure, including huge cracks on major roads. A 17 year old has become the youngest ever world champion in darts. It's a sport with an annual world championship tournament. The final was last night in London. NPR's Lauren Freyr reports.

[Podcast Sponsor]

The teenager is champion of the world.

[Lauren Freyr]

A former junior world champion. Luke Littler is a darts prodigy. The BBC has been broadcasting home videos of him as a toddler throwing darts before he was out of diapers. After beating a Dutch player in the final, Little told reporters, I just can't believe it.

[John Kirby]

Walking around backstage with it, I can tell myself I've won it and it's mine. But it's not sunk in.

[Lauren Freyr]

He's helped popularize the Sport of Darts. 90,000 tickets for this year's championship sold out in 15 minutes, and many fans attended the final in festive costumes. Lauren Fryer, NPR News, London.

[Nora Ramm]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he finds it worrying that billionaire Elon Musk supports the far right alternative for Germany party in that country's parliamentary election next month. Musk, an advisor to President Elect Trump, called Scholz a fool when his coalition government collapsed in November. In a magazine interview published today, Scholz says there is nothing new in criticism by rich media. Entrepreneurs do not appreciate social democratic policies. I'm Nora Ram, NPR News.

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