NPR News Now: January 1, 2025, 8 PM EST
On the first evening of 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update covering a range of critical events from national tragedies to international conflicts and significant legislative changes. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed in the episode released on January 2, 2025.
Tragic Attack in New Orleans
The episode opened with breaking news about a devastating attack in New Orleans. Jeanine Herbst reported that President Joe Biden addressed the nation from Camp David, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
President Joe Biden (00:33): "Families of those who are killed, to all those who are injured, to all the people of New Orleans who are grieving today, I want you to know I grieve with you. Our nation grieves with you."
The attack, which occurred on Bourbon Street, resulted in at least 15 fatalities after a man drove a truck into a crowd during the early morning hours. The Sugar Bowl game was subsequently postponed until the following day as authorities responded to the incident.
Investigation into Potential Terrorism
NPR’s Martin Costi reported that the FBI is investigating the New Orleans attack as a possible act of terrorism. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan provided insights into the investigation.
Alethea Duncan (01:03): "He was driving a Ford pickup truck which appears to be rented. An ISIS flag was located on the trailer hitch of the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations."
Duncan further elaborated on the events leading to the attack, noting that the driver, identified as 42-year-old Texan and Army veteran Shamsuddin Jabbar, bypassed a parked squad car by driving on the sidewalk. The confrontation ended with Jabbar being killed in a firefight with police officers.
In an effort to understand the broader implications, President Biden mentioned the investigation into a separate incident in Las Vegas.
President Joe Biden (01:41): "Authorities are looking into whether there's any connection between the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas today that left one person dead, several others injured."
The Las Vegas incident remains under investigation to determine if it was an accident or intentional act.
FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Schwartz (02:05): "I know everybody's interested in that word and trying to see if we can say, hey, this is a terrorist attack. That is our goal and that's what we're trying to do."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also weighed in, stating on X, the social media platform he owns, that the vehicle involved was functioning properly.
Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
Turning to international news, NPR’s Brian Mann reported on the continued Russian drone attacks targeting Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. These attacks have become a harrowing part of daily life for Ukrainian civilians over the past three years.
Brian Mann (02:11): "Kyiv's anti-aircraft weapons began to fire just before dawn as the buzz of Russian drones could be heard overhead."
Amidst the turmoil, young Ukrainians like 24-year-old Yaroslav Meshkov are expressing bleak outlooks on the prospects for peace.
Yaroslav Meshkov (02:45): "I think I don't have a lot of hopes maybe that Ukraine will be existing next year and that will be great and that my friends will be alive."
President Biden also commented on the situation, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Ukraine's future.
President Joe Biden (02:45): "I think I don't have a lot of hopes maybe that Ukraine will be existing next year and that will be great and that my friends will be alive."
The recruitment of young soldiers continues as Ukraine faces severe manpower shortages, while Russian forces make incremental advances along the eastern front.
New York’s Progressive Workplace Legislation
In domestic policy news, significant advancements were made in New York State. Jeanine Herbst reported that New York employers are now mandated to offer pregnant workers an additional 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal medical appointments. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted this as a pioneering move aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Governor Kathy Hochul (03:10): "The new law makes New York the first state in the country to offer pregnant workers additional paid leave for medical appointments."
This legislation applies to all private sector employers within the state, marking a substantial step forward in supporting expectant mothers in the workforce.
California’s 136th Rose Parade Highlights
Shifting to lighter news, the 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, was a vibrant start to the new year. Yusra Farzan from La Ist described the event's colorful floats and enthusiastic crowds.
Yusra Farzan (03:58): "Hundreds of thousands of people cheered as floats carrying giant frolicking pandas, a dog the size of a giraffe, and a volcano spouting fire."
Despite the festive atmosphere, the parade experienced a brief interruption when protesters called for an arms embargo on Israel, leading to the detention of approximately 14 individuals.
FBI Official (04:22): "I just love watching the marching bands, but the Jackson State Marching Band is one of my favorite marching bands. They're very exciting. I love the drum majors, and so that's why I'm here."
Farzan concluded by noting the peaceful resolution of the protest, allowing the parade to resume its celebratory course.
Economic Update
Lastly, an economic note highlighted that Wall Street remained closed in observance of the New Year’s holiday, with U.S. futures trading showing a flat trend. This pause offers a momentary reprieve in the financial markets as the new year commences.
This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with vital updates across various spheres, from national security concerns and international conflicts to progressive legislative changes and cultural festivities, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the current state of affairs.