NPR News: 01-04-2025 7PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now - Episode: January 4, 2025, 7 PM EST

Release Date: January 5, 2025
Host: Windsor Johnston
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

---

Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter

[00:19] Windsor Johnston opens the episode with solemn news regarding former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Carter's body is currently lying in repose in Atlanta, marking a significant moment of respect and remembrance.

[00:39] Marlon Hyde reports that Georgia lawmakers witnessed a poignant ceremony as Carter's motorcade paused at the Georgia State Capitol. The event was marked by a moment of silence, emphasizing the nation's respect for Carter's legacy.

Notable Quote:

"Members of the state Legislature gathered to pay their respects, including former Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyry."
— Marlon Hyde [00:39]

[01:11] Hyde adds that Carter's remains will remain at the Carta Center for viewing until Tuesday, after which they will be transported to Washington, D.C., ensuring that the nation has ample opportunity to honor the former president.

---

Impending Winter Storm Threatens 62 Million Americans

[01:20] Transitioning to weather news, Windsor Johnston highlights a severe winter storm predicted to impact over two dozen states across the U.S. The National Weather Service warns of heavy snowfall, icy conditions, sleet, and rain affecting the Central Plains, Mid-Atlantic, and southern regions in the coming days.

[01:43] Mansi Khurana provides detailed insights into the storm's trajectory and potential impacts:

• Snowfall: At least 8 inches expected from central Kansas to Indiana.
• Timing: Storm to reach the East Coast by Sunday night.
• Risks: Travel delays due to freezing rain, hazardous road conditions, and possible power outages.
• Additional Threats: Severe thunderstorms anticipated in the southern states on Sunday.

Notable Quote:

"This year's first major winter storm is predicted to bring blizzard-like conditions to the Central Plains on Sunday."
— Mansi Khurana [01:43]

Khurana advises listeners to stay informed by checking alerts from the National Weather Service to navigate the storm safely.

---

New Orleans Tragedy Linked to ISIS Inspiration

[02:19] Windsor Johnston reports on a tragic incident from New Year's Day, where a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans, resulting in at least 14 fatalities. The driver, a Texas-born U.S. Army veteran, was apprehended and subsequently shot dead by police.

[02:44] Ryan Lucas delves deeper into the motives behind the attack, revealing that the FBI has linked the perpetrator's actions to inspiration from the Islamic State terrorist group.

Notable Quote:

"An individual 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."
— Ryan Lucas [02:44]

Lucas explains the concept of "inspired attacks," where direct contact with terrorist organizations isn't necessary for individuals to undertake violent acts influenced by extremist ideologies.

---

Heightened Security Measures Ahead of Election Certification in Washington, D.C.

[03:11] As the nation approaches the certification of the November election results, Windsor Johnston outlines the increased security presence in Washington, D.C. This move comes in the wake of recent violent incidents and aims to ensure the safety of the certification process.

[03:36] Dave Sundberg, Assistant Director of the FBI's Washington Field Office, provides further clarity:

• Threat Assessment: "We are certainly operating in a heightened threat environment, especially given the incidents in both New Orleans and in Las Vegas on January 1st."
• Current Status: "At this time, we have no information indicating a local threat associated with either of those incidents."

Notable Quote:

"At this time, we have no information indicating a local threat associated with either of those incidents."
— Dave Sundberg [03:36]

Sundberg emphasizes the proactive measures being taken to monitor and mitigate any potential threats, ensuring a secure environment for the election certification.

---

Historic Achievement in the World of Darts

[03:56] Shifting to lighter news, Windsor Johnston celebrates a remarkable achievement in sports. A 17-year-old has become the youngest-ever world champion in darts, signaling a new generation's rise in the sport.

[04:14] Lauren Frayer introduces the young champion, highlighting that darts is more than just a bar game—it is a serious sport with a dedicated annual World Championship tournament.

[04:18] Luke Littler, the prodigious darts talent and former junior world champion, shares his excitement:

"I just can't believe it. Walking around backstage with it, I can tell myself I've won it and it's mine. But it's not sunk in."
— Luke Littler [04:29]

[04:40] Littler also remarks on the growing popularity of darts:

"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."
— Luke Littler [04:40]

Lauren Frayer concludes by acknowledging Littler's contribution to the sport, noting the enthusiastic fan support that underscores darts' vibrant community.

---

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of significant events, from the respectful farewell to a former president and impending natural disasters to tragic incidents linked to terrorism, heightened political security measures, and inspiring achievements in sports. Each segment provides listeners with concise yet comprehensive insights into pressing national and international matters.

Transcript

[Sponsor Announcement]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Rosetta Stone, an expert in language learning for 30 years. Right now, NPR listeners can get Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership to 25 different languages for 50% off. Learn more at Rosetta Stone.com NPR LIVE.

[Windsor Johnston]

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The body of former President Jimmy Carter is lying in repose in Atlanta this evening. Marlon Hyde from member station reports, Members of the state legislature observed a moment of silence when Carter arrived in the state Capitol earlier today.

[Marlon Hyde]

A crowd of Georgia lawmakers watched as the motorcade carrying the remains of former US President Jimmy Carter paused in front of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Jack Carter, the eldest son of Jimmy and Rosalynn, and Jason Carter, their grandson, shook hands with political leaders as part of the ceremony. Members of the state Legislature gathered to pay their respects, including former Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyry.

[Sponsor Announcement]

Jimmy Carter was an awesome A giant pine tree has fallen in the state of Georgia forest, and for that I'm humbled and a little emotional today.

[Marlon Hyde]

Carter's remains will lie in repose at the Carta center for viewing until Tuesday before heading to Washington, D.C. for NPR News, I'm Marlon Hyde in Atlanta.

[Windsor Johnston]

A massive winter storm is forecast to hit more than two dozen states in the U.S. the National Weather Service says heavy snowfall, icy conditions, sleet and rain are expected to hit the Central Plains, the Mid Atlantic region and southern U.S. over the next several days. NPR's Manzi Khurana reports. 62 million Americans are in the path of the storm.

[Mansi Khurana]

This year's first major winter storm is predicted to bring blizzard like conditions to the Central Plains on Sunday. There's expected to be at least 8 inches of snow from central Kansas to Indiana. The storm will reach the east coast by Sunday night. Travel delays are possible, especially if rain begins to freeze into ice. This can also make road conditions dangerous and power outages can occur. Severe thunderstorms are expected to roll into the south on Sunday. To stay up to date on conditions in your area, check for alerts from the National Weather Service. Mansi Khurana, NPR News.

[Windsor Johnston]

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. The driver, who was shot dead by police, was born in Texas and had served in the U.S. army. NPR's Ryan Lucas reports. The FBI now believes he was inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group.

[Ryan Lucas]

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.

[Windsor Johnston]

That's NPR's Ryan Lucas reporting. This is NPR News in Washington. Authorities are stepping up security in Washington, D.C. ahead of Monday's certification of the November election. Dave Sundberg is the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office. He says authorities parties are closely monitoring any potential threats.

[Dave Sundberg]

That being said, we are certainly operating in a heightened threat environment, especially given the incidents in both New Orleans and in Las Vegas on January 1st. At this time, we have no information indicating a local threat associated with either of those incidents.

[Windsor Johnston]

Monday marks four years since the January 6th insurrection. A 17 year old has become the youngest ever world champion in darts. It's not just a bar game, but a sport with an annual World Championship tournament. NPR's Lauren Frere reports.

[Lauren Frayer]

The teenager is champion of the world.

[Luke Littler]

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

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 Frayer, NPR News, London.

[Windsor Johnston]

I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.

[Sponsor Announcement]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Bol and Branch. Change your sleep with the softness of Bolen Branch's 100% organic cotton sheets. Feel the difference with 15% off your first set of [e-mail] with code NPR exclusions apply. See site for details.