NPR News Now: January 4, 2025, 8 PM EST

Released on January 5, 2025

Former President Jimmy Carter Memorial Service Held in Atlanta

Timestamp: [00:26]

NPR News begins the episode with significant coverage of a memorial service honoring the life of former President Jimmy Carter. Hosted in Atlanta, the service marked a poignant farewell to the late president. The funeral motorcade made a symbolic stop in Carter's hometown of Plains before proceeding to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where Carter's body will lie in state.

Chip Carter, President Carter's son, addressed the gathering, reflecting on his father's legacy:

“From Georgia and his governor's office and from the presidency was a little bit rough at the end of it because of our opposition and the way they framed us, which was probably somewhat true and somewhat not.”
[00:47]

This statement highlights the complexities and challenges Carter faced during his tenure, acknowledging both the criticisms and the strengths of his leadership.

New Orleans Business Community Responds to Bourbon Street Attack

Timestamp: [01:04]

The episode shifts focus to New Orleans, where businesses are striving to rejuvenate tourism following a deadly attack on Bourbon Street earlier in the week. As the city gears up for major events like the Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl, and Mardi Gras, local businesses are cautiously optimistic about the return of visitors.

Cindy Dakula, owner of Nola Gifts, shared insights into the local economy's resilience:

“This is a crucial time of year for the French Quarter. We only make money during events like this because we always run out of the beads, but this time we stuck with a lot of unsold beads.”
[01:37]

Dakula's comment underscores the delicate balance businesses maintain in anticipating consumer demand. Additionally, the absence of usual crowds at iconic restaurants and concerns from tour ticket sellers reflect the community's hope that the attack won't deter long-term tourism prospects.

Jennifer Lutton, NPR correspondent in New Orleans, elaborated:

“Many say the attack should not be a bad market for the city. It could have happened anywhere, and they hope crowds return soon for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.”
[01:45]

This perspective emphasizes the city's determination to overcome adversity and continue its tradition of vibrant celebrations.

Washington Post Cartoonist Resigns Over Editorial Conflict

Timestamp: [02:09]

In media news, NPR reports on the resignation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist from the Washington Post. The departure follows disagreements with the editorial page editor over a satirical sketch that depicted technology and media leaders seemingly subservient to President-elect Donald Trump.

David Folkenflick, NPR reporter, provides context:

“Among those people depicted was the Post's owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.”
[02:32]

The controversy intensified after Jeff Bezos decided to withdraw the Post's planned endorsement of Kamala Harris during a critical election period. This decision led to a significant loss of digital subscriptions—approximately 300,000 canceled between the announcement and election night.

The cartoonist, identified as Telnes, expressed her frustration:

“I've used to editing, but have never had an editor say I cannot address a particular subject at the Post editorial page.”
[02:32]

Editor David Shipley responded by valuing Telnes' contributions but cited the existence of multiple columns on the same topic as the reason for her resignation. Telnes emphasized the importance of protecting free press and the rights of cartoonists:

“Media magnates have an obligation to protect the free press and that cartoonists need those protections, too.”
[02:32]

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between media ownership, editorial direction, and journalistic freedom.

President Biden Awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Timestamp: [03:12]

President Joe Biden took center stage during a White House ceremony to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. This event marked Biden's final act as president before leaving office.

In his remarks, President Biden expressed honor and admiration for the recipients:

“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.”
[03:24]

Nineteen individuals were recognized, including prominent figures such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, and philanthropist George Soros. These awards celebrate contributions across various fields, reflecting the diverse ways individuals can impact American society.

Discovery of Over 200 Jurassic Dinosaur Footprints in Southern England

Timestamp: [03:42]

In a fascinating paleontological update, a team of researchers in southern England has uncovered more than 200 dinosaur footprints, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period approximately 166 million years ago. NPR's Rebecca Rossman reports on this significant discovery.

The footprints were found in a site known colloquially as the "dinosaur highway," within a limestone quarry in Oxfordshire. Initial signs were spotted by a worker in June, leading to a comprehensive excavation involving over 100 researchers.

Rebecca Rossman provides details on the findings:

“They uncovered five trackways, four made by long-necked herbivores called sauropods, and one believed to have been made by a carnivorous megalosaurus.”
[04:04]

Notably, in one area, tracks from both sauropods and megalosaurus overlap, suggesting possible interactions between these species—a rare glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems.

The quarry's significance was recognized nearly three decades ago, leading the British government to designate it as one of the world's most important dinosaur track sites. This recent discovery further cements its status in the paleontological community.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive roundup of pivotal events, from honoring a former president and addressing local crises in New Orleans to exploring significant discoveries in media and paleontology. Each story was presented with depth and clarity, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on current affairs shaping the nation and beyond.