NPR News: 01-06-2025 1AM EST

Summary

New Orleans Truck Attack Investigation

In the latest developments surrounding the deadly New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans, the FBI has made significant strides in understanding the perpetrator's actions. According to Dale Willman, the suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, had visited New Orleans at least twice prior to the attack. Notably, Jabbar conducted a reconnaissance of the French Quarter by recording a bike trip using Metaglasses, indicating a premeditated approach to the assault.

Joshua Jackson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provided insight into the technical shortcomings of the attack. At [00:42], Jackson stated, "He didn't use the right or the correct device to set it off. And that is just indicative of his inexperience and lack of understanding how that material might be set off." This admission underscores the possibility that Jabbar's lack of expertise prevented the bombs from detonating as intended.

National Security Concerns Ahead of Mardi Gras

As Mardi Gras festivities commence in New Orleans, concerns over national security have intensified. The mayor of New Orleans has formally requested assistance from the White House to bolster the city's security measures. Dale Willman highlights that this attack has prompted heightened federal scrutiny on national security protocols.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed these concerns on ABC’s "This Week on Sunday" at [01:13]. He emphasized the dual threats facing the nation, stating, "We have not only the persistent threat of foreign terrorism that, of course, created the Department of Homeland Security, but we have adverse nation states. And for the past 10 years, we've seen a significant increase in what we term homegrown violent extremism." Mayorkas’s comments reflect a broader strategy to counter both external and internal security threats.

Major Winter Storm Impacts Central United States

A severe winter storm continues its path across the central United States, now affecting the Mid-Atlantic region, including Washington, D.C. Karen Zarr from member station WKY reports on the storm's impact on Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency at [01:46], activating the emergency operations center and deploying the Kentucky National Guard. Beshear detailed the National Guard's initial roles: "Members of the Kentucky National Guard have also been activated and will initially be helping state transportation crews keep roadways clear and assisting stranded motorists."

The storm has prompted states such as Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia to declare emergencies as well. Forecasters warn that some areas could experience the heaviest snowfall in decades, posing significant challenges for residents and emergency services alike.

Tributes to Former President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta

Atlanta is currently honoring former President Jimmy Carter, who lies in repose as citizens come to pay their respects. Steve Futterman reports at [02:25] that the continuous flow of people passing by Carter’s flag-draped casket reflects the widespread admiration for his legacy. Visitors express their sentiments in various ways; some salute, others clasp their hands in prayer, and many are visibly moved, with tears shedding as they remember Carter's contributions.

Governor Andy Beshear conveyed his personal respect for Carter at [02:39], saying, "I just admire Jimmy Carter. I appreciate what he did for this country, both as a president and as a philanthropist and for the world. I just wanted an opportunity to pay my respects." A makeshift memorial at the center allows people to leave flowers, flags, and even peanuts, symbolizing Carter's Georgia roots. Carter’s body is scheduled to be flown to Washington on Tuesday, where he will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda following a state funeral on Thursday. Subsequently, he will be laid to rest in Georgia alongside his wife, Rosalynn.

Ukraine Seeks Increased Air Defenses Support

Amid ongoing tensions, Ukraine's president has announced plans to request increased air defense support from allied nations during an upcoming meeting in Germany. Dale Willman notes that this meeting will convene dozens of countries, including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, to discuss fortifying Ukraine's defenses against external threats. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces have initiated new attacks in Russia's Kursk region, indicating a heightened state of military engagement.

This move aligns with broader international efforts to support Ukraine amidst escalating conflicts, emphasizing the need for robust defensive capabilities to safeguard the nation's sovereignty.

Processing Issues Affect Medicare Advantage U Cards at Safeway

Safeway grocery stores nationwide are experiencing disruptions in processing United Healthcare’s U cards, affecting over 6 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Scott Mascioni from member station WWYPR explains at [03:49] that the U cards, which facilitate the purchase of medications, food, and home utilities, will not be accepted for food or over-the-counter medications at Safeway locations until February 1st. While prescriptions remain accessible, the inability to use U cards for other essential purchases poses significant challenges for vulnerable populations seeking healthy foods and necessary medications.

UnitedHealthcare and Albertsons, Safeway’s parent company, are urging affected customers to contact them for alternative solutions. The processing issues highlight potential barriers to accessing essential goods, raising concerns about the well-being of Medicare Advantage members during this period.

Movie Ticket Sales Surge in Early 2025

The new year has seen a remarkable uptick in movie ticket sales, with a 20% increase compared to the same week last year. Dale Willman reports that the animated film "Mufasa" from Walt Disney tops the box office, earning an impressive $23.8 million. Trailing closely is "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," maintaining strong performance in the number two spot. Other notable films include "Nosferatu," "Moana 2," and "Wicked," which round out the top five.

This surge reflects a resurgence in Hollywood's popularity and audience engagement, signaling a positive trend for the film industry as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape.

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This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights from the January 6, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, capturing the essential news updates and expert analyses presented.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. The FBI is learning more about the man responsible for the deadly New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans. They say he visited the city at least twice before the attack and recorded a bike trip through the French Quarter using Metaglasses. And Joshua Jackson of the ATF says that while Shamsud Din Jabbar set some bombs elsewhere, they failed to explode because he didn't rig the detonator properly.

[Joshua Jackson]

He didn't use the right or the correct device to set it off. And that is just indicative of his inexperience and lack of understanding how that material might be set off.

[Dale Willman]

The mayor of New Orleans, meanwhile, says she's asked the White House for help in improving the city's security. And as Mardi Gras festivities begin there this week, the attack has increased scrutiny at the federal level on national security. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed that on ABC's this Week on Sunday.

[Alejandro Mayorkas]

We have not only the persistent threat of foreign terrorism that, of course, created the Department of Homeland Security, but we have adverse nation states. And for the past 10 years, we've seen a significant increase in what we term homegrown violent extremism.

[Dale Willman]

A major winter storm is continuing to move across the central United States at this hour and it's now reaching the Mid Atlantic, including Washington, D.C. karen Zarr with member station WKY reports on how it's affecting Kentucky.

[Governor Andy Beshear]

Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency and opened the emergency operations center. Members of the Kentucky National Guard have also been activated and and will initially be helping state transportation crews keep roadways clear and assisting stranded motorists.

[Dale Willman]

States of emergency were also declared in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri as well as Virginia. Forecasters say the storm could bring the heaviest snowfall in decades to some of those areas. In Atlanta, former President Jimmy Carter continues to lie in repose as people walk past his flag draped casket to pay their respects. Steve Futterman has our reports.

[Steve Futterman]

The steady stream of people seems to be non stop. People react differently as they walk past. Some pause to salute, others clasp their hands and say a prayer, and some wipe away tears. Nikki Polk is from here in Atlanta.

[Governor Andy Beshear]

I just admire Jimmy Carter. I appreciate what he did for this country, both as a president and as a philanthropist and for the world. I just wanted an opportunity to pay my respects.

[Steve Futterman]

A makeshift memorial has also been set up at the center. People are leaving flowers and flags, even some peanuts. Carter's body will be flown to Washington on Tuesday. He will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda After Thursday's state funeral. He returns to Georgia, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Rosalynn. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Atlanta.

[Dale Willman]

And you're listening to NPR News. Ukraine's president says he'll urge allies to increase his country's air defenses at a meeting this week in Germany. Dozens of countries will be gathering, including U.S. defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, launched new attacks in Russia's Kursk region on Sunday. Safeway Grocery stores across the nation are unable to process United Healthcare's U cards. The processing issues could make it harder for people with Medicare Advantage to buy healthy foods and over the counter medications. Scott Mascioni from member station WWYPR has more.

[Scott Mascioni]

UnitedHealthcare and Albertsons, the parent company of Safeway, say the cards will not be accepted at grocery stores until February 1st. The U cards are part of the Medicare Advantage package offered by United Healthcare and allow people to buy medication, food and pay for home utilities. Albertson says the cards can be used for prescriptions at Safeway locations, but not for food or for over the counter medications. Safeway has 922 locations across the country. Country According to UnitedHealthcare, more than 6 million people are using UCards for their Medicare needs. The processing issue could keep some vulnerable parts of the population from buying essential goods. The companies are urging customers to contact them to find alternative measures. For NPR News, I'm Scott Mascioni.

[Dale Willman]

Less than a week into the new year and Hollywood moguls are already smiling. Movie ticket sales are up 20% over the same week last year. In the number one spot is Mufasa from Walt Disney, which brought in $23.8 million. At North Americ box offices, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was close behind in second. Nosferatu took third, with Moana 2 and Wicked rounding out the top five. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

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