NPR News Now: January 2, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

Host: Kristen Wright
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

1. New Year's Day Tragedy in New Orleans

The episode opens with a harrowing report on the devastating truck attack that occurred on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter during New Year's celebrations. Kristen Wright details the FBI's ongoing investigation into whether the perpetrator acted alone.

• Incident Overview:

  • Victims: At least 15 fatalities with dozens more injured, some critically.
  • Perpetrator: Shamsu Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Houston, Texas.
  • Aftermath: Jabbar was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police. Investigations revealed improvised explosive devices and an ISIS flag attached to the truck.

• Presidential Response:

  • Joe Biden's Statements:
    • At [01:03], President Biden expressed national grief:
      "The nation is grieving with the victims and families."
    • Highlighting the ISIS connection, Biden mentioned:
      "The attacker posted videos saying he was inspired by ISIS to kill just hours before the attack." [01:03]
    • Emphasizing federal support, he added at [01:15]:
      "I directed my team to make sure every resource is made available to federal, state, and local law enforcement to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and to make sure there's no remaining threat to the American people."

2. Cyber Attack Outside Trump Hotel, Las Vegas

Shortly after reporting on the New Orleans incident, NPR addresses a separate cyber attack involving a Tesla Cybertruck near the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

• Incident Details:

  • Fatality: The individual operating the Cybertruck died in the explosion.
  • Surveillance Footage: Joe Scheneman from Nevada Public Radio describes the dramatic explosion:
    "In the video, the truck is sitting there and police said it was only there for about 15 seconds. Then it completely erupts, flames shooting 20ft or more into the air." [01:53]
  • Explosives Found: Authorities discovered fireworks, mortar-like devices, and gas canisters in the truck.
  • Connection to New Orleans: The Cybertruck was rented from the same Colorado-based company as the one used in the Bourbon Street attack.

• Federal Investigation:

  • President Biden addressed potential links between the two incidents at [01:30], stating:
    "Officials are investigating whether there may be any connection but have found none yet."

3. Jeju Air Plane Crash in South Korea

Shifting focus internationally, the episode covers the tragic plane crash involving Jeju Air in South Korea.

• Crash Details:

  • Location: Muon International Airport.
  • Impact: The aircraft collided with a concrete barrier after overshooting the runway, resulting in the highest aviation casualty count on Korean soil.
  • Casualties: Identification of all 179 victims was completed, with at least two dozen remains returned to families. Only two flight attendants survived.

• Legal and Safety Actions:

  • Police Actions: Authorities raided Jeju Air's offices and the airport on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.
    Anthony Kuhn reports:
    "Police had a search warrant issued on charges of professional negligence resulting in death." [02:25]
  • Safety Measures: A nationwide inspection of aviation safety equipment near airport runways has been launched to prevent future tragedies.

4. College Football Amidst Tragedy

Despite the somber mood following the New Orleans attack, college football proceeded with its traditional January 1st games, albeit under the shadow of recent events.

• Key Games:

  • Rose Bowl – Ohio State vs. Oregon:
    • Outcome: Ohio State dominated, defeating the previously undefeated Oregon team 41-21.
      Steve Futterman notes:
      "Ohio State jumped out to a 34-0 lead in the second quarter. The game was never in doubt." [03:27]
  • Arizona State vs. Texas:
    • Outcome: Arizona State overcame a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime but ultimately lost to Texas in the second overtime.

• Sugar Bowl Postponement:

  • Impact of New Orleans Tragedy:
    • The Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed by one day due to the Bourbon Street attack.
      Steve Futterman adds:
      "The Sugar bowl is now set to be played at the Superdome in New Orleans this afternoon." [04:15]
  • Future Events: New Orleans is also slated to host the Super Bowl next month.

5. Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter

The episode also pays tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100.

• Funeral Arrangements:
  • Memorial Services:
    • A motorcade will transport Carter's body through his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
    • He will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta to honor his legacy.
  • Final Resting Place:
    • Carter's funeral is scheduled at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., one week from the report date.
      Kristen Wright states:
      "The 39th president will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential center in Atlanta for people to pay respects before he's brought to Washington to Lie in state at the U.S. Capitol." [04:15]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Biden on ISIS Inspiration:
  "The attacker posted videos saying he was inspired by ISIS to kill just hours before the attack." [01:03]

• Joe Biden on Federal Support:
  "I directed my team to make sure every resource is made available to federal, state, and local law enforcement to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and to make sure there's no remaining threat to the American people." [01:15]

• Joe Scheneman on Cybertruck Explosion:
  "In the video, the truck is sitting there and police said it was only there for about 15 seconds. Then it completely erupts, flames shooting 20ft or more into the air." [01:53]

• Steve Futterman on Ohio State vs. Oregon Game:
  "Ohio State jumped out to a 34-0 lead in the second quarter. The game was never in doubt." [03:27]

• Kristen Wright on Jimmy Carter's Funeral:
  "The 39th president will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential center in Atlanta for people to pay respects before he's brought to Washington to Lie in state at the U.S. Capitol." [04:15]

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant events, ranging from national tragedies and international disasters to major sports outcomes and the passing of a revered statesman. Through detailed reporting and direct quotes from key figures, listeners receive an in-depth understanding of the day's most pressing news stories.