Detailed Summary of NPR News Now - January 1, 2025, 7AM EST

NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing events in its January 1, 2025, 7AM EST episode. Hosted by NPR, the five-minute broadcast covers a range of topics from tragic incidents and political updates to public health concerns and shifts in media consumption. Below is a detailed, sectioned summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Tragic Attack in New Orleans

Nora Ramm opens the broadcast with a report on a devastating incident in New Orleans:

• Incident Details:
  • Casualties: At least 10 people were killed early this morning.
  • Method: A pickup truck drove through a crowd of New Year's revelers.
  • Aftermath: Eyewitnesses reported that the driver exchanged gunfire with police before fleeing the scene.
  • Investigation Status: Authorities have not yet identified a suspect or determined a motive.

Notable Quote:

• Nora Ramm [00:17]: "Police have no information yet on a suspect or a motive."

2. President-Elect Donald Trump's Attendance at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

The episode highlights President-elect Donald Trump's plans regarding the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

• Jimmy Carter's Passing:

  • Date of Death: January 1, 2025, at the age of 100.
  • Legacy: Carter is celebrated for his efforts in promoting the role of women in government.

• Trump's Attendance:

  • Event: Next week's funeral for Jimmy Carter.
  • Significance: Marks a moment of national reflection on Carter's contributions.

Extended Coverage by Molly Samuel: Molly Samuel from WA abe provides an in-depth look at Carter's legacy in staffing cabinet-level positions with women:

• Historical Context:

  • Patricia Roberts Harris: The nation's first black woman in a cabinet-level position, serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and head of what became Health and Human Services.
  • Juanita Kreps: Served as Secretary of Commerce.
  • Shirley Hefstetler: Served as Secretary of Education.

• Statistical Insight:

  • Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics: Highlights that 66 women have served in presidential cabinets or cabinet-level positions, with Frances Perkins being the first appointed by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Samuel [01:02]: "Patricia Roberts Harris was the nation's first black woman in a cabinet level position... Juanita Kreps served as secretary of commerce and Shirley Hefstetler as secretary of education."

3. Bird Flu Outbreak Affecting Dairy Herds and Humans

Nora Ramm reports on the ongoing bird flu situation:

• Impact on Agriculture:

  • Affected Herds: Primarily in California.
  • Human Infections: Over 65 people in the U.S. have contracted the virus in the past year.

• Transmission Details:

  • Animal to Human: Most cases result from close contact with infected animals, especially dairy farm workers exposed during milking.

Insights from Will Stone: Will Stone elaborates on the public health implications:

• Expert Opinion:

  • Benjamin Anderson (Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, University of Florida):
    • Quote [02:26]: "We're very concerned about this virus. You know, we have to temper that with, okay, no, there's not a lot of risk right now to you directly."

• Preventative Measures:

  • Avoid handling wild birds.
  • Keep pets away from wild birds to reduce transmission risks.

Notable Quote:

• Will Stone [02:33]: "His advice is not to handle wild birds and keep your pets away from them if possible."

4. South Korean Plane Crash Fatalities Identified

Tragedy struck South Korea with a recent plane crash:

• Casualties:

  • Total Deaths: 179 people identified.
  • Condition of Remains: Many victims were severely injured, making identification and recovery efforts challenging.

• Crash Details:

  • Location: The plane collided with a concrete wall housing navigation equipment at the end of the runway.
  • Investigative Focus: Determining if the airport's placement was a factor in the disaster.

Reporting by Anthony Kuhn: Anthony Kuhn provides updates on the aftermath:

• Funeral Preparations: Now able to commence three days post-disaster, though families await remains.

Notable Quote:

• Anthony Kuhn [02:53]: "Investigators will look at whether it was a mistake to put it there when the airport was built."

5. Restoration of Power in Puerto Rico and Shifts in Media Consumption

Nora Ramm covers two distinct but significant topics:

a. Power Restoration in Puerto Rico

• Situation: The power grid in Puerto Rico collapsed yesterday, leaving nearly the entire island without electricity.
• Recovery Effort: Electrical services are being gradually restored, with officials estimating full restoration within 48 hours.

b. American Radio Listening Trends

Netta Ulaby discusses a study by Edison Research on audio consumption habits in 2024:

• Key Findings:

  • Traditional Radio: Listeners over age 13 spend 32% of their listening time on AM/FM radio.
  • Streaming Services: Account for 28% of listening time.

• Driving Influence: A significant portion of radio listening occurs in cars.

• Content Preferences: Approximately 75% of audio time is dedicated to music, leaving the remaining 25% for podcasts, audiobooks, and NPR content.

Notable Quote:

• Netta Ulaby [03:44]: "No matter where they tune in, they might hear one of 2024's top singles, 'Lose Control' by Teddy Swims."

6. Passing of Harry Chandler, Pearl Harbor Survivor

In a poignant segment, Nora Ramm reports the death of a historical figure:

• Harry Chandler:

  • Age at Death: 103 years old.
  • Service: Served as a Navy medic during the Pearl Harbor attack.
  • Legacy: One of the last surviving veterans of the attack, contributing to medical efforts amidst chaos.

• Personal Reflections:

  • Chandler's Words: "It got so busy you weren't scared. It was after you got scared."

Notable Quote:

• Harry Chandler [04:26]: "It got so busy you weren't scared. It was after you got scared."

7. Closing Notes

The episode concludes without additional news segments, focusing instead on informational content and updates on ongoing stories.

This summary encapsulates the key developments and insightful discussions presented in the January 1, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. From tragic events and historical retrospectives to public health alerts and media consumption trends, the broadcast provides listeners with a well-rounded snapshot of current affairs.