NPR News: January 4, 2025, 9 PM EST Summary
Host: Windsor Johnston
Source: NPR News Now
Release Date: January 5, 2025
President Jimmy Carter Honored in Atlanta
Windsor Johnston opens the episode with a heartfelt tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter, the nation's 39th president. Steve Futterman reports on the solemn ceremonies taking place in Georgia, marking the first of six days honoring Carter's legacy.
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Tribute Details:
- Carter's flag-draped casket was escorted by current and former Secret Service members.
- A motorcade made an emotional stop at Carter's childhood home in Plains, where the home's old bell rang 39 times to signify his presidency (00:37).
- The procession continued to the state Capitol in Atlanta, featuring a moment of silence before concluding at the Carter Center with a short service.
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Personal Reflections:
- Carter's son, Chip, delivered remarks, emphasizing the deep respect and love surrounding his father's legacy.
- An unnamed reporter noted the immense public support: "There was a lot of love on the side of the road. Every overpass had people on it." (01:09).
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Musical Tribute:
- The Morehouse College Glee Club performed, adding a poignant musical element to the proceedings.
Carter's body remains in repose at the Carter Center until Tuesday, allowing the public to pay their respects.
Increased Security at Joint Base San Antonio Following Recent Attacks
Windsor Johnston transitions to national security concerns, highlighting heightened security measures at the nation's largest joint military base in response to recent attacks.
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Security Enhancements:
- The Pentagon has suspended the Trusted Traveler Program, which previously allowed expedited entry for vetted individuals.
- Jerry Clayton reports that Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) now enforces 100% ID checks for all personnel and visitors. All vehicle occupants must present identification (01:23).
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Context of the Suspensions:
- The decision follows attacks on New Year's Day in New Orleans and Las Vegas, both perpetrated by individuals connected to the U.S. military.
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Impact:
- The suspension affects multiple military bases nationwide, underscoring the federal response to internal security threats.
- JBSA employs approximately 90,000 military and civilian personnel, making these changes significant for a large community.
Jerry Clayton concludes from San Antonio, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to prevent further incidents.
Federal Appeals Court Rules Against FCC’s Net Neutrality Regulations
In a significant decision affecting internet governance, the federal appeals court has invalidated the FCC's net neutrality rules, concluding that the FCC lacked the legal authority to reinstate them.
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Details of the Ruling:
- Emma Bowman explains that the decision dismantles a 20-year effort to regulate Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as public utilities.
- The FCC had attempted to restore net neutrality rules initially introduced during the Obama administration last year.
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Implications:
- Without these regulations, ISPs gain the ability to block or prioritize content, impacting how information is accessed and shared online.
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Political Divide:
- Net neutrality remains a partisan issue. Democrats largely support the regulations to ensure ISPs provide a fast, safe, and reliable Internet for all users.
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FCC’s Response:
- Incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr welcomed the court's decision, signaling his intention to further dismantle the Biden administration's net neutrality policies (02:19).
Emma Bowman provides a comprehensive overview of the ruling's ramifications for consumers and the tech industry.
Death of Filmmaker Jeff Baena
Tragedy strikes the film community as Jeff Baena, a renowned film director and screenwriter, is reported dead at his Los Angeles home.
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Background Information:
- Chloe Veltman reports that Baena, 47, was best known for directing indie films such as The Little Hours and co-writing I Heart Huckabees.
- He was married to actress Aubrey Plaza since 2021, with whom he frequently collaborated (03:15).
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Investigation Status:
- The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently investigating the cause of death. A medical examiner's report lists a man matching Baena's name and birth date deceased at a Hollywood residence, but the cause and manner of death remain undetermined.
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Public Reaction:
- As of now, Plaza has not made a public statement regarding her husband's passing, leaving the community in mourning.
Chloe Veltman emphasizes the impact of Baena's work and the ongoing investigation into his untimely death.
Major Winter Storm Expected to Impact the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic
The episode concludes with a weather alert concerning an impending major winter storm set to affect large portions of the United States.
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Storm Forecast:
- Windsor Johnston relays information from the National Weather Service indicating that the storm will move into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions on Sunday.
- Areas from central Kansas to Ohio are bracing for heavy snowfall and ice, with warnings of blizzard conditions (04:21).
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Potential Impacts:
- Travel is expected to become extremely difficult, particularly impacting air travel and road safety.
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Public Advisories:
- Residents in the affected areas are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions, stay updated with local advisories, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Windsor Johnston underscores the severity of the storm, advising listeners to monitor updates and plan accordingly.
Note: This summary excludes sponsor messages, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the episode's content.