NPR News Now: December 31, 2024, 3AM EST
NPR News Now brings you the latest developments from around the world in this comprehensive summary of the December 31, 2024, episode. Covering significant events from political transitions to climate concerns, aviation incidents, and legal battles, this edition provides a detailed overview of key news stories shaping our global landscape.
Funeral Arrangements for Former President Jimmy Carter
Dan Ronan opens the broadcast with heartfelt news about the passing of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. Grant Blankenship of Georgia Public Broadcasting provides an intimate look into the funeral preparations in Carter's hometown, Plains, Georgia.
"Carter spent most of his life in the southwest Georgia farming community of Plains," reports Blankenship at 00:28. The town is transitioning from festive Christmas decorations to patriotic symbols, reflecting the nation's mourning. Agnes McAllister, a longtime inn cleaner, shares her personal connection and dedication to preparing for the Carters' stay:
"I have to get everything ready upstairs because all the Carters will be staying upstairs. It makes me feel good that I'm able to do that for them." (00:49)
The funeral proceedings will span multiple locations, beginning and ending in Plains, with interim services at the Carter Center in Atlanta and a final state service at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Blankenship concludes this segment at 01:13.
UN’s 2025 Vision and Climate Change Concerns
In an end-of-year address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined a vision for 2025 aimed at fostering a more peaceful, stable, and healthy future globally. He emphasized the urgent need for increased renewable energy adoption and collective action against climate change.
A Climate Expert underscores the gravity of the situation:
"We have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024. This is climate breakdown in real time." (01:33)
Despite these alarming trends, Guterres remains optimistic. He credits civic activism and public pressure as driving forces pushing governments and organizations towards meaningful climate action.
South Korean Jetliner Crash Investigation
Tragedy struck in South Korea as a jetliner crashed, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals. Anthony Kuhn provides a solemn report on the aftermath and ongoing investigations.
Families of the victims are receiving support from officials, volunteers, and church groups, many of whom have taken shelter in tents at Muon International Airport. The emotional toll is palpable as Kuhn describes the scene:
"Anguished cries and sobs occasionally rose from the tents." (02:06)
Authorities are meticulously recovering and examining the wreckage. Only five bodies were relatively intact, necessitating careful sorting before return. The flight recorders are under scrutiny in Seoul to determine the cause of the crash.
FAA Investigates Near-Runway Incident at LAX
An alarming incident at Los Angeles International Airport prompted immediate action from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A charter jet carrying Gonzaga University's men’s basketball team nearly veered onto an active runway as a Delta flight was taking off, narrowly avoiding a potential disaster. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The FAA has launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the factors that led to this close call, prioritizing passenger and airport safety.
Legal Battles Over New York's Congestion Pricing Plan
New York City's ambitious congestion pricing strategy for Lower Manhattan is set to commence next Sunday amidst significant legal challenges. The plan aims to fund mass transit by charging motorists $9 daily to enter Manhattan below 60th Street.
A federal judge ruled that the city and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have satisfied most prerequisites to implement the program but mandated further reviews on certain aspects. This decision has reignited disputes, particularly from New Jersey, which argues that the judge's directive effectively halts the program's initiation.
The congestion pricing initiative is a pivotal move towards sustainable urban transportation, yet its future remains uncertain as legal proceedings continue.
State of Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago
In response to escalating gang-related violence, Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency. Orlando Thiel from the BBC reports that the government attributed the decision to a surge in criminal activities threatening public safety.
"Security forces will have powers to conduct searches without a warrant," Thiel explains (04:02). The Caribbean nation is grappling with one of the highest murder rates in the region, with over 620 fatalities this year linked primarily to the international drug trade. The state of emergency aims to restore order and mitigate the ongoing violence.
Federal Court Upholds Civil Award Against Donald Trump
In a significant legal development, a federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million civil judgment against former President Donald Trump. The case pertains to allegations of sexual abuse by E. Jean Carroll, a columnist who testified that a friendly encounter with Trump in a department store dressing room turned sexually abusive 28 years ago.
This ruling reaffirms the court's stance on addressing and validating the experiences of abuse victims, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal challenges faced by Trump.
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