NPR News Now: January 2, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: January 2, 2025

Tragic Truck Attack in New Orleans

At the outset of today's broadcast, Korva Coleman reports on the devastating attack in New Orleans where Shamsuit Dean Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 35 more. Jabbar, who was ultimately shot and killed by police, had a background that included over a decade of service in the U.S. military.

Lauren McGaughey from the Texas Newsroom provides further insight into Jabbar's history. "State records show Jabbar dabbled in real estate, starting a couple of businesses in Texas" (00:47). A deleted YouTube video revealed Jabbar's extremist views, where he stated, "take everything seriously, dotting I's and crossing t's to make sure that things go off without a hitch" (00:47). After his military service, Jabbar earned a degree in computer information systems from Georgia State University and worked at Deloitte. President Joe Biden commented, "Jabbar posted videos to social media in the hours before the attack, expressing a desire to kill on behalf of ISIS" (01:24).

FBI Investigates Explosive Devices in New Orleans and Las Vegas

The FBI has uncovered additional weapons and what appear to be explosive devices in Jabbar's truck in Austin, Texas, and in other locations across New Orleans. These devices have been rendered safe, and authorities are meticulously searching the Superdome, where the Sugar Bowl was scheduled to occur but has been postponed until the afternoon (01:24).

In a related incident, a Cybertruck exploded in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of the driver. The vehicle contained gasoline canisters and mortar-style fireworks. Jeremy Schwartz, the FBI agent in charge, stated, "Our number one goal is to ensure that we have the proper identification of the subject involved in this incident. Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this was an act of terrorism or not. 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" (02:05). Currently, there is no identified link between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack.

President Elect Trump's Homelessness Policy Overhaul

In Washington, President Elect Donald Trump has announced plans to revamp the United States' approach to managing homelessness, emphasizing the banning of homeless encampments. Jennifer Ludden from NPR reports that Trump believes these bans will "help push people into treatment for drug addiction or mental problems" (02:42). This stance contrasts with existing federal efforts, which prioritize housing first before addressing underlying issues. Devin Kurtz of the conservative Cicero Institute criticizes this approach, stating, "It's housing, housing, housing, housing, housing. They don't want anything else. We just find that to be sort of foolish given the scale of unsheltered homelessness right now" (03:02). Advocates argue that the housing-first model has been effective, and coercing treatment has proven ineffective (03:11).

Mass Shooting in Queens, New York

New York City police are investigating a mass shooting that occurred last night outside a nightclub in Queens. Korva Coleman reports that 10 individuals, aged between 16 and 20, were injured when several men opened fire before fleeing the scene. Authorities have confirmed that the incident is not related to terrorism.

Historic Resignation of Dr. Rachel Levine

In a landmark moment, Dr. Rachel Levine, the first transgender U.S. official confirmed by the Senate and serving as Assistant Secretary for Health, announced her resignation effective On Inauguration Day. During an interview with Selena Simmons Duffin, Dr. Levine expressed pride in her office's accomplishments, including advancements in nutrition, climate change initiatives, and combating the HIV epidemic. She addressed the misuse of her image by the Trump campaign's anti-trans advertisements, stating, "It was very challenging, you know, but I'm a resilient person and I'm fine" (04:16). Dr. Levine also reflected on her personal journey: "For anyone, having a secret is not a healthy thing to do. And so transitioning and coming out and, you know, being my true authentic self has been liberating to me" (04:24). She concluded, "serving for nearly four years as a top health official in the Biden administration has been, quote, truly an honor" (04:34).

Severe Winter Storms Hit the Great Lakes and Beyond

The National Weather Service has issued warnings about significant snowfall expected in the Great Lakes region over the next few days. Parts of northern New York State could receive over two feet of snow. Additionally, winter storm watches and warnings are in effect from Washington state to Montana, with central Iowa also experiencing heavy snowfall this morning. Korva Coleman emphasizes the breadth of the storm system: "A winter storm is also pummeling central Iowa this morning" (04:44).

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