NPR News Now – January 5, 2025, 7AM EST
Host: Jael Snyder
1. Tributes and Services for Late President Jimmy Carter
Jael Snyder opens the episode by announcing that the late President Jimmy Carter is lying in repose in Atlanta, marking the beginning of six days of tributes and services to honor the 39th president of the United States.
Steve Futterman provides an in-depth report on the day's events:
- Flag-Draped Casket: Carter's casket, adorned with a flag, was ceremoniously carried by current and former members of his Secret Service entourage.
- Motorcade Highlights: The motorcade made an emotional stop at Carter's boyhood home in Plains, Georgia. A poignant moment occurred when the old bell in front of the home rang 39 times to signify Carter's presidential number. The journey continued to Atlanta, where the motorcade paused at the state Capitol for a moment of silence before proceeding to the Carter Center for a short service.
An Unnamed Witness shares the public's heartfelt response:
“[00:33] There was a lot of love on the side of the road. Every overpass had people on it.”
The Morehouse College Glee Club honored Carter by singing, emphasizing the community's respect and admiration. Carter's body will remain in repose at the Carter Center until Tuesday. Looking ahead, Jael Snyder outlines the upcoming events:
- Washington, D.C. Service: On Tuesday, Carter's casket will be transported to D.C. for a service at the U.S. Capitol.
- State Funeral: Scheduled for Thursday at Washington's National Cathedral on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
2. Candlelight Vigil for New Year's Truck Attack Victims
In a somber reflection, Jael Snyder reports on a candlelight vigil held last night to honor the 14 victims killed and 30 injured in the New Year's truck attack. Eric Dallas attends the vigil and shares his sentiments:
“[01:43] All these young people lost their lives, never going to get to go home again with their families. And it's just painful. Just thank God everybody's coming together and do the right thing and show their families that people do care even though they don't know them.”
Jael Snyder adds that President Biden plans to visit New Orleans the following day. Authorities continue to investigate the attacker's motives, noting that the assailant injured at least two police officers before being fatally shot during a gunfight.
3. Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
A significant development in internet regulation is covered by Jael Snyder, introducing Emma Bowman's report on the federal appeals court ruling that dismantles the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) net neutrality rules. This decision potentially ends a two-decade-long effort to treat Internet service providers (ISPs) as public utilities.
Emma Bowman explains:
“[02:26] A U.S. court of Appeals on Thursday said that the FCC did not have the legal authority to reinstate the landmark net neutrality quality rules.”
The stance of the FCC under incoming Chair Brendan Carr is highlighted:
“[02:26] Incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr celebrated the court's decision and said he would continue to work to unwind the Biden administration's regulations.”
Emma Bowman elaborates on the implications:
- Regulatory Impact: Without net neutrality, ISPs can potentially block or prioritize certain content, affecting the accessibility and fairness of internet services.
- Political Divide: The issue remains largely partisan, with Democrats championing net neutrality to ensure accountability and reliability in internet services.
4. Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo Gonzalez Embarks on International Tour
Jael Snyder updates listeners on the political tensions in Venezuela:
- Edmundo Gonzalez's Tour: As President Nicolas Maduro prepares for his third term, opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez has initiated an international tour to garner support. Recently in Argentina, Gonzalez met with President Xavier Milei and plans to travel to the United States after a brief stop in Uruguay.
- Legal Challenges: The U.S. recognizes Gonzalez as the winner of last year's presidential election. However, facing an arrest warrant issued by a Venezuelan judge, Gonzalez has been in exile in Spain since September.
5. California’s Dungeness Crab Season Launches Amidst New Sales Strategies
With the commencement of California's commercial Dungeness crab season, Jael Snyder introduces Billy Cruz's report from San Francisco:
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Responding to weeks of delays and restrictions caused by concerns over whale entanglement in commercial crabbing nets, the Port of San Francisco is initiating fresh off-the-boat (FOT) crab sales.
- ADA Accessible Float: This year's sales will feature a new float designed to be ADA accessible, aiming to support local fishers and enhance public access to fresh seafood.
- Economic Impact: The long-standing delays have financially strained crabbers. Since 2021, some have been permitted to sell crab directly from their boats at Fisherman's Wharf, a practice now being expanded.
Billy Cruz notes:
“[03:57] The Port of San Francisco says this year's off the boat sales will include a new ADA accessible float. The port says they hope this float supports local fishers and increases public access.”
6. East Coast Prepares for Impending Winter Storm
Concluding the episode, Jael Snyder alerts listeners to the approaching winter storm poised to impact the East Coast:
- Storm Details: The National Weather Service warns of significant snow and ice accumulations, posing dangers such as hazardous travel conditions, widespread tree damage, and potential power outages.
- Public Advisory: Residents are urged to prepare accordingly, anticipating disruptions in daily activities and emergency services.
NPR News Now provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the day’s most pressing news, ensuring listeners are well-informed on national tributes, tragic events, regulatory changes, international political movements, economic activities in California, and impending weather challenges.