NPR News Now: January 4, 2025, 5 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events. This episode, released on January 4, 2025, encompasses significant developments ranging from the passing of a former U.S. President to security measures in major cities. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter

Timestamp: [00:32] – [01:44]

The episode opens with the somber news of former President Jimmy Carter's passing at the age of 100. Members of the military honored Carter by saluting as his flag-draped casket arrived in Atlanta. Carter will lie in repose at the Carter Center from the evening of January 4 until the morning of January 8.

Sophie Gradis, reporting for Georgia Public Broadcasting, provides an overview of the six-day observance period. The funeral procession will traverse Washington, D.C., before returning Carter's remains to Georgia. The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which includes Carter's boyhood farm and his long-time residence, will serve as his final resting place, with the burial scheduled for January 9.

Robyn Thomas, a National Park Service employee, reflects on her role during the funeral proceedings:

"He's got a lot of people that work for him and care about him and care about this town and care about what he cared about. I really am just proud to be just a small part of it."
[01:20]

Thomas expressed deep respect and pride in being part of the observances, highlighting Carter's enduring legacy and the community's connection to his life and work.

Security Enhancements in New Orleans Following Bourbon Street Attack

Timestamp: [01:44] – [02:40]

The city of New Orleans is reassessing its security protocols after a tragic incident on Bourbon Street, where a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in 14 fatalities. The attack occurred on New Year’s Day, causing significant casualties and raising concerns about public safety.

At the time of the attack, the city was implementing new steel columns designed to prevent vehicular intrusions into Bourbon Street. In response to the tragedy, additional security measures are being advocated by officials to safeguard against similar future incidents.

Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis emphasized the necessity of enhancing security:

"We can't control what some person's gonna 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."
[02:15]

With major events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras approaching, millions of tourists are expected to visit New Orleans in the coming months. The city aims to balance festive activities with heightened security to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

President Biden Honors Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Timestamp: [02:40] – [03:05]

In a notable ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to 19 distinguished individuals. This marks the final time Biden, as president, will bestow this accolade.

During his remarks, President Biden highlighted the significance of the honor:

"For the final time as president, I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom on our nation's highest civilian honor on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America."
[02:46]

Among the esteemed recipients are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, U2 frontman Bono, and philanthropist George Soros. These individuals were recognized for their substantial contributions to American culture, public service, and global humanitarian efforts.

Implementation of New York City's Congestion Toll

Timestamp: [03:05] – [04:22]

New York City is set to introduce the nation's first congestion toll, a measure aimed at reducing traffic congestion and generating significant revenue for the city's public transit system. This initiative has successfully overcome a critical legal hurdle, ensuring its implementation despite opposition.

John Campbell from WNYC outlines the details of the congestion toll:

"The congestion toll is designed to reduce traffic and generate billions for New York City's public transit system."
[03:40]

A federal judge has approved the toll, allowing it to take effect from Sunday. The toll will charge $9 for passenger vehicles during peak hours, with higher fees for trucks and tour buses. Despite the approval, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans to appeal the decision, challenging the toll's legality.

President Biden addressed the initiative, underscoring the importance of addressing traffic-related issues:

"We're doing something to deal with the reality of the way that congestion is hurting our city and costing people time and money."
[04:01]

Jano Lieber, chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which manages New York City's subways and buses, supports the toll as a necessary step toward improving public transportation infrastructure.

Heightened Security Ahead of Washington D.C.'s Election Certification

Timestamp: [04:22] – [04:46]

In anticipation of Monday's certification of the November election results, authorities in Washington, D.C. are increasing security measures. This move reflects ongoing concerns about potential threats, especially in the context of past incidents.

Dave Sundberg, Assistant Director in charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office, commented on the security status:

"That being said, we are certainly operating in a heightened threat environment. At this time, we have no information indicating a local threat."
[04:36]

This heightened alert comes four years after the violent attack on the Capitol during the certification of the 2020 election results, where supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the building. The FBI's proactive stance aims to ensure the safety of lawmakers and the orderly conduct of the certification process.

Conclusion

NPR News Now provided a thorough overview of significant events shaping the current national landscape. From honoring a venerable former president and enhancing city security to implementing pioneering congestion tolls and preparing for critical electoral processes, the episode encapsulates a diverse array of pressing issues. Notable quotes from key figures like Robyn Thomas, President Biden, Senator Duplessis, and FBI's Dave Sundberg enrich the narrative, offering personal insights and authoritative perspectives on the matters at hand.

Listeners are kept well-informed on developments that impact both local communities and the broader national framework, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of current events even for those who did not tune into the live broadcast.