NPR News Now: January 5, 2025, 3AM EST – Detailed Summary

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on significant national and international events in its January 5, 2025 episode. Hosted by Dale Willman and featuring reports from journalists Marlon Hyde, Scott Horsley, Yoav Golant, Chloe Veltman, and covering various topics from the passing of a former U.S. President to economic updates and international conflicts. Below is a detailed summary structured into key sections:

Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter

Passing and Repose

• Reporter: Marlon Hyde (00:32)
• The episode opens with the somber news that the body of former President Jimmy Carter is lying in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta.
• Members of the Georgia state legislature observed a moment of silence as Carter's motorcade arrived at the Georgia State Capitol.
• Notable Figures: Jack Carter, eldest son of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, and Jason Carter, their grandson, attended the ceremony, shaking hands with political leaders.
• Unnamed Speaker (00:53): "Jimmy Carter was an awesome person. A giant pine tree has fallen in the state of Georgia forest. And for humbled and a little emotional."

Repose Details

• Marlon Hyde (01:03): Carter's remains will be on display at the Carter Center until Tuesday before being transferred to Washington, D.C.

Winter Storm Impacts Central and East Coast U.S.

Current Conditions

• Host: Dale Willman (01:13)
• A significant winter storm is affecting central United States, bringing snow, ice, and dropping temperatures, leading to hazardous road conditions.
• Meteorological Cause: The storm is driven by a polar vortex transporting ultra-cold air southward.

Future Outlook

• Forecasters predict the storm will extend its reach to the East Coast in the upcoming days, potentially exacerbating travel and safety concerns.

Stock Market Overview

Market Performance

• Reporter: Scott Horsley (01:41)

• Despite gains on the previous Friday, all major stock indexes closed the week on a downtrend, each falling by at least half a percent.

• Highlights:

  • Wall Street's Short Week: Markets were closed on Wednesday for the New Year's holiday.
  • Annual Gains vs. Weekly Decline: While 2024 concluded with double-digit annual market gains, the first week of 2025 saw dropped momentum.
  • Sector Impact: U.S. steel stocks dipped following President Biden's blockade of the company's sale to Japan.
  • Manufacturing Report: US factories continue to face challenges, though indicators like new orders and production activity showed slight improvements.

• Market Specifics:

  • Dow Jones: Slipped by six-tenths of a percent.
  • S&P 500 & Nasdaq: Both indices fell approximately 0.5%.

Protests and Conflict in Israel

Weekly Demonstrations

• Host: Dale Willman (02:20)
• Hundreds rallied outside Israel's Defense Ministry in protest against ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Hostage Situation

• Hamas Announcement: Released a video showing an Israeli hostage alive, intensifying the calls for a ceasefire.
• Former Defense Minister Yoav Golant (02:40):

  "I am fully aware of all the other goals and achievements in different areas of our security campaign, but this is probably the most important one, getting them back home."

Political Context

• Firing of Yoav Golant: He was dismissed in November by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding another layer to the protestors' grievances.

Violence in Pakistan

Bombing Incident

• Host: Dale Willman (02:51)
• A blast from an improvised explosive device in southwestern Pakistan resulted in the death of one person and injured at least 35 others.
• Perpetrators: The Baloc Liberation Army claimed responsibility, stating the target was a military convoy.
• Casualties: Eight injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition.

Tragic Loss in the Film Industry

Death of Jeff Baena

• Reporter: Chloe Veltman (03:30)
• Jeff Baena, a renowned film director and screenwriter, was found deceased at his Los Angeles home at the age of 47.
• Contributions: Known for directing indie films such as The Little Hours and co-writing I Heart Huckabees, Baena was a frequent collaborator with actress and producer Aubrey Plaza, to whom he was married in 2021.
• Current Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department is examining the cause of death, with no public comments from Plaza as of the report.
• Background: Baena, born in Miami in 1977, was an NYU graduate and worked with filmmakers Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell.

Sports and Weather Updates

Kansas City Chiefs Delay

• Host: Dale Willman (04:13)
• The Kansas City Chiefs experienced a four-hour delay departing from their home airport due to an ice storm that halted all flight operations.
• Resolution: A temporary break from the ice allowed the team’s plane to depart for Denver just before an anticipated blizzard struck Kansas City.
• Game Schedule: The Chiefs are set to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon.

PGA Golf Highlights

• Hideki Matsuyama's Achievement:
  • Shot a remarkable 62 at the PGA event in Hawaii, marking his personal best with 11 birdies.
  • Set a 54-hole scoring record at 27 under par (192).
• Competition Standings:
  • Colin Morikawa also scored a 62, trailing the lead by one stroke.
  • Thomas Detry secured third place, five strokes behind after a 65.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulated a blend of national commemorations, weather-induced challenges, economic shifts, international conflicts, tragic losses in the arts, and notable sports achievements, providing listeners with a thorough overview of the day's most pressing issues.