NPR News Now: January 5, 2025, 8AM EST
NPR's "News Now" delivers the latest headlines in five minutes. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the January 5, 2025, episode.
Honoring the Late Former President Jimmy Carter
NPR began the morning by paying tribute to the late former President Jimmy Carter, highlighting the public’s tribute to his enduring legacy. Giles Snyder introduced the segment:
"Members of the public are paying their respects to the late former President Jimmy Carter. Carter will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta through Tuesday morning." (00:12)
Stephen Fowler provided further details on Carter's funeral services:
"Carter's first funeral service Saturday was held in front of staff members who worked at his presidential library and his nonprofit Carter Center, where he spent more than 40 years after the White House fighting to advance democracy and public health goals." (00:32)
Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, emphasized the continuation of his grandfather’s mission:
"We will spend this week celebrating this incredible life and a life that I think we can all agree is as full and powerful as any life can be. As someone said, it's amazing what you can cram into 100 years." (00:48)
Carter is set to lie in repose until Tuesday before services in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Capitol and Washington National Cathedral. (01:04)
Winter Storm Brings Disruption Across the Nation and Beyond
Moving to weather news, Giles Snyder reported on an impending winter storm affecting the central United States to the nation's capital:
"Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quentin Lucas says his city is prepared for that winter storm that's socking the region." (01:14)
Quentin Lucas reassured residents about the city’s readiness:
"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." (01:21)
The National Weather Service forecasted heavy snow and damaging ice accumulations through late Tuesday night. The storm led to significant disruptions:
- Kansas City International Airport temporarily closed due to ice, with dozens of overseas flights canceled.
- International Impact: Heavy snow disrupted flights in the UK and the Netherlands.
Additionally, the White House announced that President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden would travel to New Orleans to attend a candlelight vigil following a tragic New Year's truck attack on Bourbon Street that claimed 14 lives.
Washington Post Faces Backlash Over Editorial Decisions
In the realm of media, NPR highlighted the resignation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist from the Washington Post after a sketch controversially depicted tech and media moguls bowing to President-elect Donald Trump. David Folkenflick detailed the incident:
"The backdrop for all this is Bezos decision back in October to kill the paper's planned endorsement of Kamala Harris. Just days before the neck and neck, about 300,000 people canceled digital subscriptions between revelation of his decision and election night." (02:27)
The cartoonist, Telnes, expressed her frustration:
"She's used to editing but has never had an editor say she cannot address a particular subject." (02:27)
Editorial Page Editor David Shipley defended the decision, citing concerns over repetition:
"At the Post, editorial page editor David Shipley says he values her contributions but that two colleagues had written columns on the same subject. Too much repetition." (02:27)
Telnes argued for the protection of free press and the rights of cartoonists:
"Media magnates have an obligation to protect the free press and that cartoonists need those protections, too." (02:27)
Political Turmoil in South Korea: Protests Against Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol
Giles Snyder transitioned to international news, covering the intense political scene in South Korea. Anthony Kuhn reported from Seoul:
"Supporters and opponents of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held vigils outside his residence overnight amid a stalemate." (03:07)
Key points from Kuhn’s report include:
- Protests Amid Security Crackdown: Police separated opposing protest camps, leading to a shutdown of a major north-south artery in Seoul due to harsh winter conditions.
- Impeachment Details: Yoon faces a week-long arrest warrant valid through Monday, related to charges of insurrection from his brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
- Legal Proceedings: Yoon defied three summonses for questioning and sought a court injunction against his warrant, which was rejected.
- International Involvement: Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to discuss the crisis during his visit to Seoul on Sunday and Monday.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Meets President-Elect Donald Trump in Florida
Concluding the episode, Giles Snyder shared international diplomatic developments. BBC’s Sasha Schlichter reported on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s unexpected visit to Florida to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump:
"Giorgia Meloni is clearly a lady after Donald Trump's heart. He described her as a fantastic woman who had taken Europe by storm." (04:19)
Key highlights from Schlichter’s report:
- Friendly Relations: Meloni and Trump shared a dinner and watched a film together, underscoring a rare harmonious relationship between a major European leader and Trump.
- Political Implications: Many of Meloni’s fellow Italian prime ministers are hopeful that her good relations with Trump could help avert a potential trade war with the United States.
This comprehensive overview encapsulates the pivotal moments from NPR's "News Now" episode on January 5, 2025, ensuring listeners stay informed on national and international developments.