NPR News Now: January 5, 2025, 9PM EST

Release Date: January 6, 2025

1. President Biden to Honor New Year's Day Attack Victims in New Orleans

Amy Held kicks off the episode with the news that President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit New Orleans the following day to honor the 14 victims killed and dozens injured in a tragic New Year's Day attack. The event underscores the severity of the attack and the administration's commitment to supporting the affected community.

2. FBI Unveils Detailed Timeline of New Year's Day Terror Attack

Debbie Elliott reports on the FBI's efforts to piece together the timeline of Shamsuddin Jabbar, the individual responsible for the attack. According to New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lionel Merthal at 00:53, Jabbar made multiple trips to New Orleans in October and November, which appeared to be scouting missions targeting the city:

Lionel Merthal [00:53]: "During that time, Jabbar, using meta glasses, recorded a video as he rode through the French Quarter on a bicycle."

These meta glasses—which resemble regular eyewear but allow hands-free recording—provided critical evidence of Jabbar's movements and intentions. Despite extensive investigations, authorities believe Jabbar acted alone, though the motive for choosing New Orleans remains unclear (Debbie Elliott [01:12]):

"Agents say the evidence still indicates that Jabbar acted alone, but they're unsure why he targeted New Orleans."

3. Severe Winter Storm Impacts Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions

Amy Held transitions to the severe winter weather affecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Shondalise Duster provides an in-depth look at the storm's impact:

Shondalise Duster [01:33]: "Wintry weather is causing dangerous travel conditions. Kansas Highway Patrol Officer Trooper Ben Gardner says they have responded to more than 200 calls for help on highways since Saturday morning. At least one was a fatal crash."

Trooper Ben Gardner [01:52] elaborates on the ongoing response efforts:

"We have first responders actively helping and responding to calls and Kansas officers out here trying to get the roadways cleared, salting and blading the roadways, and we will continue to do so as the storm moves through our state."

Residents are urged to stay home and heed weather alerts to ensure safety (Shondalise Duster [02:03]):

"Officials are warning those in the path of the storm to stay home and follow weather alerts."

4. Syria's Foreign Minister Urges U.S. to Lift Sanctions

Moving to international affairs, Amy Held reports on Syria's Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Al Shaybani's appeal to the United States. Dia Hadid provides context from Damascus:

Dia Hadid [02:27]: "The Syrian interim government has repeatedly called on the US to lift sanctions that were imposed to punish the Assad regime. They say they urgently need aid to lift Syrians out of poverty, most of whom live in poverty. There's also an urgent need for reconstruction after the former regime flattened swaths of major cities in its quest to destroy rebels opposed to its rule."

The sanctions, originally intended to penalize the Assad regime, are now reportedly harming ordinary Syrians. Senior foreign policy analysts echo this sentiment, highlighting the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by prolonged conflict and economic hardship.

5. New York City's Controversial Congestion Pricing Program Takes Effect

Amy Held covers the rollout of New York City's congestion pricing program, aimed at reducing traffic and funding infrastructure improvements. Jan Oliber, head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), explains the system's mechanics:

Jan Oliber [03:14]: "It's a first-of-its-kind system, reliant on cameras—1,400 cameras—and over 110 detection points, separate detection points on the borders of the congestion zone."

Drivers entering bustling parts of Manhattan will incur charges up to $9. Despite the aim to improve traffic flow and generate revenue for infrastructure, the program has faced opposition from suburban commuters. A New Jersey lawsuit attempting to block the initiative was unsuccessful, allowing the program to proceed as planned (Amy Held [03:50]).

6. American Rugby Star Ilona Mar Shines in UK Debut

Shifting to sports, Vicki Barker reports from London on Ilona Mar's impressive debut with a UK rugby team:

Vicki Barker [04:15]: "Ticket sales soared when the Bristol Bears announced they'd signed Ilona Mar to a three-month contract, and the Premiership women's rugby match had to be moved to a larger venue to accommodate fans."

Ilona Mar, an American rugby star, has rapidly become one of the most followed rugby players globally, amassing millions of followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her advocacy for body positivity resonates widely, promoting the message that strength and femininity coexist seamlessly. This has not only garnered her a substantial fan base in the UK but also sparked increased interest and support for women's rugby, a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Vicki Barker [04:15]: "Her message that you can be 200 pounds of muscle and power and also celebrate your femininity has won her a big fan base in the UK."

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant events ranging from national tragedies and severe weather conditions to international diplomacy, urban policy changes, and inspiring stories from the world of sports.