NPR News Now – January 5, 2025, 2AM EST

Hosted by NPR's Dale Willman

1. Tributes and Services for Late President Jimmy Carter

Timestamp: 00:17 - 01:08

NPR began the episode with heartfelt tributes to the late President Jimmy Carter, who is currently lying in repose in Atlanta. Steve Futterman provided a detailed account of the first day of six days of services honoring the 39th president.

• Carter's Final Journey: The ceremonies commenced with Carter's flag-draped casket being escorted by both current and former Secret Service members. A motorcade followed, making a poignant stop at Carter's boyhood home in Plains, where the old bell rang 39 times in his honor.

• Public Tribute: An emotional motorcade proceeded to Atlanta's state Capitol, pausing for a moment of silence before moving to the Carter Center for a brief service. Carter's son, Chip Carter, spoke during the service.

  Chip Carter (01:03): "There was a lot of love on the side of the road. Every overpass had people on it."

• Community Involvement: The Morehouse College Glee Club performed, adding to the solemn atmosphere. Carter's body will remain at the Carter Center until Tuesday, allowing the public to pay their respects.

2. Major Winter Storm Hits the United States

Timestamp: 01:18 - 01:42

A significant winter storm is sweeping across the United States, bringing snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures to approximately 60 million Americans.

• Kansas City Preparedness: Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri, assured residents of the city's readiness to handle the storm's impact.

  Quinton Lucas (01:32): "This is not something that's unusual for us. Major winter storms are a thing that we have. It doesn't mean that we are unserious about them. It does mean that we're realistic and our city will reopen in the days ahead."

• Operational Impact: The Kansas City airport experienced a brief closure due to ice but has since reopened, demonstrating the city's effective response measures.

3. Elon Musk's Increasing Political Involvement and Criticism of the UK Government

Timestamp: 01:42 - 02:51

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has intensified his political involvement, expressing support for far-right politicians globally and voicing strong criticisms of the UK's center-left government.

• Accusations Against the UK: Since last summer, Musk has labeled Britain a "police state" following the arrest of individuals accused of spreading disinformation that allegedly led to race riots. He has called for the release of a far-right Islamophobe imprisoned in the UK for assault and fraud.

• Recent Controversies: This week, Musk falsely accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of neglecting to pursue child rapists and endorsed a post demanding the monarch remove Starmer from power—a move outside the monarch's constitutional role.

• Political Repercussions: British far-right MP Nigel Farage, who has sought donations from Musk, has distanced himself from some of Musk's statements. The British public remains confused about Musk's intentions, especially with his anticipated role in the incoming Trump administration.

  Lauren Frayer (02:04): "Many Britons are perplexed by Musk's interest and wonder what it portends for US Policy."

4. Austria's Chancellor to Resign Amid Government Formation Failures

Timestamp: 02:51 - 03:31

Austria faces political upheaval as Chancellor Karl Nehammer announces his intention to resign following unsuccessful negotiations to form a new government.

• Failed Coalition Talks: This marks the second time coalition talks between the People's Party and the Social Democrats have broken down. Chancellor Nehammer stated that the People's Party cannot endorse a program they believe undermines economic competitiveness.

  Karl Nehammer (02:51): "The People's Party will not agree to a program that it considers to be against economic competitiveness."

• International Stability Efforts: In a related international development, 150 international security officers have been deployed to Haiti under a UN mission aimed at restoring law and order amidst violent gang control in the country.

  Jeffrey Otunji, UN Mission Canyon Commander (03:31): "I extend my sincere gratitude to the government of Guatemala for their support and for demonstrating true solidarity with the Haitian people."

5. Washington Post Cartoonist Resigns Over Editorial Censorship

Timestamp: 03:43 - 04:51

A Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist at the Washington Post has resigned following the editorial team's decision to halt the publication of her politically charged sketch.

• Controversial Cartoon: The cartoon depicted technology and media moguls, including Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, bowing before President-Elect Donald Trump. This followed Bezos' decision in October to prevent the newspaper from endorsing Kamala Harris shortly before the presidential election.

• Impact on Subscriptions: The cancellation of the endorsement led to approximately 300,000 digital subscription losses between the revelation and election night.

• Editorial Tensions: Cartoonist Telnes expressed frustration over editorial restrictions, emphasizing the need for protections for free press and cartoonists alike.

  Telnes: "Media magnates have an obligation to protect the free press and that cartoonists need those protections, too."

  Editorial Perspective: Washington Post editorial page editor David Shipley acknowledged Telnes' contributions but cited redundancy due to similar columns by other staff members.

  David Shipley (04:51): "We value her contributions, but two colleagues had written columns on the same subject. Too much repetition."

Conclusion

The episode of NPR News Now covered significant national and international events, from the tributes to a former U.S. President and the challenges posed by a major winter storm, to the politically charged actions of Elon Musk and the turmoil within Austria's government. Additionally, the journalism sector faced internal conflicts highlighted by the resignation of a prominent Washington Post cartoonist over editorial control issues.

For more detailed updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now or visit NPR's website.