NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of December 29, 2024, 6PM EST Episode

Hosted by Jeanine Herbst and featuring reports from Don Gonyea, Brian Mann, and Julia Simon

1. Former President Jimmy Carter Dies at Age 100

Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with the somber announcement: “Former President Jimmy Carter has died today at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.” [00:19]

Don Gonyea provides a comprehensive overview of Carter’s political journey:

• Early Political Career: Carter was a relatively obscure governor of Georgia when he declared his presidential candidacy nearly two years before Election Day [00:35].
• Presidential Campaign: He capitalized on widespread distrust of Washington following the Watergate scandal, positioning himself as an outsider [00:53].
  • An editorial from the Atlanta Constitution read, “Jimmy Carter is running for what,” highlighting the surprise in his entry [00:47].
  • A notable quote from an unidentified speaker states, “We lost China. We lost credit.” [00:53], reflecting the national sentiment during Carter’s rise.
• Election and Legacy: After securing a narrow victory against incumbent President Gerald Ford in the general election, Carter’s presidency was marked by significant challenges, ultimately losing re-election to Ronald Reagan four years later [01:04].

Gonyea concludes by reflecting on Carter’s unexpected rise from a peanut farmer to the White House, underscoring his lasting impact on American politics [01:04].

2. Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Downing Airliner

Jeanine Herbst transitions to international news, reporting on the tragic downing of an Azerbaijani airliner: “The president of Azerbaijan says Russian anti-aircraft weapons hit the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week, killing 38.” [01:21]

Brian Mann delves deeper into the accusations made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev:

• Official Statement: Aliyev asserts, “We can say with complete clarity the plane was shot down by Russia.” [01:41]
• Denial of Intent: Despite the accusation, Aliyev mentions, “there's no evidence Russia struck the passenger liner intentionally,” suggesting complexities in the incident [01:41].
• Criticism of Russian Response: He accuses Russian officials of attempting to obscure the truth by providing “delirious versions of the crash,” and calls for accountability and compensation [01:53].
• Incident Details: The flight was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it experienced erratic flight patterns before crashing in Kazakhstan. Notably, 29 passengers survived the crash.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Aliyev’s office states that he has had a second conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the incident, though no further details were provided [02:24].

This report highlights the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, particularly in the context of regional security and aviation safety [02:24].

3. Southeastern US Tornadoes Cause Damage and Fatalities

Jeanine Herbst brings attention to severe weather impacting the southeastern United States: “Residents in the southeastern US are assessing the damage today after a strong storm system swept through the area.” [02:24]

Details from the National Weather Service:

• Tornado Reports: Approximately 40 tornadoes have been reported from southeastern Texas to Alabama [02:24].
• Local Impact: Holly Hallman, spokesperson for Athens, Alabama, recounts the devastation: “I heard like a roaring sound… sparks flying… roof is completely gone, trees down.” She describes the destruction of buildings and the displacement caused by the tornado [02:44].
• Casualties: The storm system has resulted in at least two fatalities in Texas and Mississippi [03:07].

As the storm moves eastward, communities are left to rebuild and recover from the extensive damage inflicted by the tornadoes [03:07].

4. Geothermal Energy Poised for Significant Growth

Looking ahead to future energy trends, Jeanine Herbst introduces a segment on renewable energy: “In the coming year, analysts see big gains for one specific type of energy across the world, geothermal energy.” [03:07]

Julia Simon explores the potential of geothermal energy:

• Fundamentals of Geothermal Energy: Simon explains, “Deep down in the earth's crust, it is hot. Tap into that heat and the steam can turn a turbine that makes reliable electricity.” [03:29]
• Technological Advancements: Advancements in tools from the oil and gas industry, such as fracking, are enabling deeper access to geothermal resources, making the technology more viable [03:29].
• Environmental Benefits: Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy produces significantly less carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions [03:29].
• Global Impact: The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that geothermal energy could account for up to 15% of global electricity demand growth by 2050 in the United States alone [03:29].

Simon underscores geothermal energy’s role in achieving sustainable energy goals and mitigating climate change [04:17].

5. Big Lots Reaches Deal to Keep Stores Open

Jeanine Herbst reports on developments in the retail sector: “Big Lots reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores open.” [04:17]

Key Points of the Deal:

• Acquisition by Gordon Brothers: The discount chain will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm specializing in distressed companies [04:17].
• Transfer to Other Retailers: Gordon Brothers plans to transfer Big Lots stores to other operators. Variety Wholesalers, which owns over 400 U.S. discount stores, aims to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, maintaining them under the Big Lots brand [04:17].
• Bankruptcy Background: Big Lots filed for bankruptcy protection in September, prompting this strategic move to stabilize and preserve employment [04:17].

Herbst concludes this segment by reiterating the news of Jimmy Carter’s passing, emphasizing the day’s significant events [04:17].

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive roundup of pivotal events, from the passing of a former U.S. president to international tensions, natural disasters, advancements in renewable energy, and notable developments in the retail industry. Through detailed reporting and poignant quotes, the episode offers listeners a thorough understanding of the day’s most pressing news.

End of Summary