NPR News Now: January 4, 2025, 2 PM EST

Nora Ramm | NPR

The latest edition of NPR News Now, hosted by Nora Ramm, delivers a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events. This summary encapsulates the key stories, insightful discussions, and notable quotes from the episode released on January 4, 2025.

1. Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter

Host: Nora Ramm
Reporter: Marlon Hyde
Timestamp: [00:24]

Nora Ramm opens the episode with a poignant update on the funeral services of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The 39th president's remains have begun their journey in Georgia, allowing the public to pay their respects.

Marlon Hyde reports:

The motorcade departed from the Phoebe Sumner Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, and traveled through Plains, Carter's boyhood home. The procession is set to arrive at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, where Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, alongside state legislators, will participate in a moment of silence.

"Governor Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and members of the state Legislature will hold a moment of silence." [00:44]

Following the Capitol, the route leads to the Carter Center, where mourners have begun laying flowers. Carter's remains will lie in repose at the center for public viewing until Tuesday before being transported to Washington, D.C.

2. Tragic Attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans

Host: Nora Ramm
Reporter: Debbie Elliott
Timestamp: [01:18]

Nora Ramm shifts focus to New Orleans, where the city is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating attack during New Year's celebrations.

Debbie Elliott reports:

A man rammed a pickup truck into revelers on Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 fatalities and dozens of injuries. At the time of the attack, the city was upgrading security by replacing steel columns intended to block vehicle access to the vibrant Bourbon Street area.

Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis emphasizes the city's response:

"We can't control what some person's going to do. But whatever the best practices are to try to prevent that person or persons from carrying out acts of harm, I believe those strategies will be in place. And I believe that we will be as safe as humanly possible." [01:44]

Duplessis adds that with millions of tourists expected for events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, enhanced security measures are crucial to ensure public safety.

"Millions of tourists are expected in the coming months for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras." [02:01]

3. Leadership Changes in the 119th Congress

Host: Nora Ramm
Reporter: Deirdre Walsh
Timestamp: [02:09]

As the 119th Congress convenes, significant leadership changes set the legislative agenda.

Deirdre Walsh reports:

Mike Johnson from Louisiana has been re-elected as Speaker of the House, declaring border security as his top priority.

"He said he intends to make border security a top priority." [02:09]

In the Senate, John Thune of South Dakota has assumed the role of majority leader. His primary focus is ensuring the confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees.

"He says his top priority will be to confirm President elect Donald Trump's choices for his cabinet." [02:09]

Thune faces challenges with some controversial nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. Although no Republican senators have publicly opposed any nominees, a few have requested more information before granting approval.

"There are some controversial nominees that we've talked about before... There are still some Republican senators who want more details." [02:36]

4. Presidential Medals and New York City's Congestion Toll

Host: Nora Ramm
Topics Covered:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Ceremony
• New York City's Congestion Toll Implementation

At a White House ceremony, President Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to distinguished individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Additionally, a federal judge has upheld New York City's plan to implement a congestion toll. Beginning the next day, passenger cars will be charged $9 to enter designated parts of the city during peak hours, with higher fees for trucks and tour buses. This measure aims to reduce traffic congestion and generate billions for the public transit system.

5. Antony Blinken's Final Overseas Tour and International Affairs

Host: Nora Ramm
Reporter: Unnamed
Timestamp: [03:05]

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on his final overseas trip in office, signaling the culmination of his diplomatic efforts. His itinerary includes visits to South Korea and Japan, with a concluding stop in France to discuss Middle East and European security issues.

In South Korea, political instability persists as presidential guards and military troops have intervened to prevent authorities from arresting the impeached president, heightening tensions in the region.

6. Team USA Advances in the United Cup Tennis Tournament

Host: Nora Ramm
Reporter: Christina Kukola
Timestamp: [04:23]

The episode highlights Team USA's progress in the prestigious United Cup International team tennis tournament held in Sydney, Australia.

Christina Kukola reports:

Coco Gauff secured a straight-sets victory against Czech player Karolina Mokova in the women's singles semi-final. On the men's side, Taylor Fritz demonstrated resilience by overcoming one set down to lead the match against Tomasz Mahac. However, Mahac retired, allowing Fritz and his compatriots, the top seeds and 2023 tournament champions, to advance to Sunday's final against Poland.

"It took Coco Gauff less than 90 minutes to secure a straight sets win over Czechia's Karolina Mokova [06:16]." [04:23]

"American Taylor Fritz initially faced a tougher opponent... But before it was over, Mahac retired from the match, sending the US top seeds and 2023 tournament champions through to Sunday's final against Poland." [04:23]

Conclusion

NPR News Now delivers a succinct yet thorough roundup of the day's most pressing news, from the somber farewell to a beloved former president and the tragic events in New Orleans, to significant political shifts in Congress and international sporting achievements. With engaging reporting and insightful commentary, this episode ensures listeners are well-informed on key developments shaping the nation and the world.

Notable Quotes:

• Royce Duplessis on New Orleans security:
  "We can't control what some person's going to do. But whatever the best practices are to try to prevent that person or persons from carrying out acts of harm, I believe those strategies will be in place. And I believe that we will be as safe as humanly possible." [01:44]

• Mike Johnson on congressional priorities:
  "He intends to make border security a top priority." [02:09]

• John Thune on Senate leadership:
  "His top priority will be to confirm President elect Donald Trump's choices for his cabinet." [02:09]

This detailed summary aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the podcast episode, capturing all essential stories and perspectives for those who could not listen to the original broadcast.