NPR News Now: January 7, 2025, 5AM EST

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events. This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and developments covered in the episode, providing a clear overview for those who missed the broadcast.

1. Former President Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral

Host: Dave Mattingly
Reporter: Steve Futterman
Timestamp: [00:18]

The nation prepares to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away late last month at the age of 100. Steve Futterman reports that Carter's body is being relocated from Atlanta to Washington D.C. for a state funeral scheduled for Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral. Prior to the service, Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

"The casket will lie on the same catafalque that held the casket of Abraham Lincoln," Futterman noted at [01:16], highlighting the historical significance of the event.

The funeral procession will involve military body bearers transporting Carter’s flag-draped casket aboard a presidential plane, designated as Special Air Mission 39. Despite freezing temperatures and a steady flow of mourners, the ceremony underscores Carter's enduring impact on the nation.

2. President Biden’s Tribute to Bourbon Street Attack Victims & Creation of National Monuments

Host: Dave Mattingly
Reporter 1: Steve Futterman
Reporter 2: Deepa Shivaram
Timestamp: [01:32] & [02:14]

a. Tribute to Bourbon Street Attack Victims

President Joe Biden visited New Orleans yesterday to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic Bourbon Street attack that occurred on New Year's Day. An American army veteran drove a pickup truck through crowds, resulting in 14 deaths and over 30 injuries. Speaking at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, Biden commended the bravery of first responders and those who saved lives during the incident.

"President Biden praised those who helped to save others, including first responders," reported Mattingly at [01:32].

The FBI is currently investigating the attack as an act of terrorism potentially inspired by ISIS.

b. Creation of New National Monuments

In addition to his visit, President Biden announced the establishment of two new national monuments in Northern California, aiming to protect over 800,000 acres of land.

Deepa Shivaram elaborated on the significance of these designations:

"The two national monuments are Chuckwalla and Satitla Highlands. Their designation means the land will be protected from development and preserved for its significance to tribal nations and ecological importance," shared Shivaram at [02:14].

The Satitla Highlands monument, for instance, includes a dormant volcano and hosts the longest known lava tube system in the world. These actions mark a historic conservation achievement, setting a record for the most land and water preserved by any president and establishing the longest stretch of protected land in the continental United States, spanning approximately 18 million acres across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

3. Unusually Cold Temperatures Grip the Gulf Coast

Host: Dave Mattingly
Timestamp: [02:51]

A significant cold snap is affecting much of the U.S. Gulf Coast, with temperatures plummeting below freezing in several areas. Cold weather advisories are in effect from central Florida to West Texas, extending into parts of New Mexico. Cities such as Austin, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are experiencing temperatures near freezing, and the National Weather Service warns of overnight wind chills dipping into the teens throughout the week.

"Unusually cold temperatures are gripping much of the Gulf coast of the U.S., some areas could see overnight wind chills in the teens this week," Mattingly reported at [02:51].

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during this unexpected weather event.

4. Nippon Steel’s $14 Billion Merger with U.S. Steel Faces Legal Hurdles

Host: Dave Mattingly
Timestamp: [02:51]

The proposed $14 billion merger between Japan's Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel is encountering significant resistance. The chief executive of Nippon Steel has reiterated his commitment to the merger despite legal challenges. Two lawsuits have been filed aiming to prevent President Biden from blocking the deal on the grounds of national security concerns.

"The chief executive of Japan's Nippon Steel is reaffirming his commitment to the company's proposed $14 billion merger with U.S. steel," Mattingly stated at [02:51].

President Biden had signed an order last week to halt the merger, citing potential threats to national security. Interestingly, President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed opposition to the merger, aligning with Biden's stance and further complicating the approval process.

5. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation

Host: Dave Mattingly
Reporter: Dan Karpenschuk
Timestamp: [03:46]

After over nine years in office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation amid declining public support. Trudeau stated his intention to remain in office until a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen. This decision comes as Trudeau faces significant political challenges and waning popularity.

Dan Karpenschuk detailed the political climate surrounding Trudeau's resignation:

"Trudeau had barely finished his resignation announcement before the opposition Conservatives came out with a campaign-like ad, saying a dark chapter in Canadian history is over," Karpenschuk explained at [04:01].

The opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, criticized the Liberal Party, portraying them as followers of Trudeau’s policies. Additionally, other political parties in Canada are seizing the opportunity to challenge the Liberals, suggesting that Trudeau's departure could lead to a shrinking in their electoral lead.

Trudeau emphasized that Poilievre's vision does not align with what Canadians want, asserting, "A Liberal leadership contest must take place before Parliament resumes on March 24." The Liberal minority government is expected to fall, potentially triggering a national election later in the spring.

6. Deadly Earthquake Strikes Tibet

Host: Dave Mattingly
Timestamp: [04:46]

A powerful earthquake has struck Tibet earlier today, resulting in the deaths of nearly 100 people and trapping dozens more under the rubble. The severity of the quake has prompted urgent rescue efforts to locate and aid those affected.

"Officials in Tibet say a strong earthquake earlier today has killed nearly 100 people and trapped dozens more," Mattingly reported at [04:46].

Authorities are mobilizing resources to address the immediate humanitarian crisis, though specific details on the affected regions and ongoing rescue operations remain limited at this time.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and in-depth coverage of critical events shaping our world. For more updates, stay tuned to NPR.