NPR News Now: January 30, 2025, 2PM EST

Hosted by NPR, providing the latest news updates every five minutes.

1. President Trump Addresses Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C.

Timestamp: [00:13]

NPR’s Lakshmi Singh opens the episode with breaking news of a tragic commercial plane crash near Washington, D.C., resulting in the loss of 67 lives—64 on an American Airlines passenger jet and three aboard a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Amid ongoing recovery operations in the icy waters of the Potomac River, President Donald Trump took a moment to honor the victims.

President Trump's Remarks:

[00:57] "You had a confluence of, of bad decisions that were made and you have people that lost their lives, violently lost their lives."

[01:09] Trump further speculated on the causes of the mid-air collision, stating, "the helicopter shouldn't have been at the elevation where it was," and criticized both the pilots and air traffic control for inadequate warning. He attributed some responsibility to the Biden administration and the Federal Aviation Administration’s diversity programs, asserting, "because I have common sense. Okay?"

2. Reopening of Reagan National Airport Amid Passenger Concerns

Timestamp: [01:31]

Reagan National Airport has reopened following the devastating crash. NPR’s Frank Langford reports from the airport, highlighting the unease among passengers returning to travel. Belinda Priest, a passenger heading to Dallas for work, shares her apprehensions:

Belinda Priest:

[01:41] "Returning around mid morning."

Unnamed Passenger:

[01:46] "I was a little bit afraid to show up today, if I'm being honest. I considered canceling, but it's pretty important that I get to Dallas. It's for work."

Frank Langford details the circumstances of the shutdown, noting the collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet, which led to both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River.

3. Senate Confirmation Hearings: Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel

Timestamp: [02:05]

In Washington, Reagan National security takes center stage as Senate confirmation hearings continue. Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faces intense scrutiny before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Testimony:

[02:18] "For too long, faulty, inadequate or weaponized intelligence have led to costly fiscal failures and the undermining of our national security and God-given freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. The most obvious example of one of these failures is our invasion of Iraq based upon a total fabrication or complete failure of intelligence."

Democratic Senator Mark Warner Raises Concerns:

[02:39] "You have repeatedly excused our adversaries' worst actions and instead often blame them on the United States and those very allies. For example, you blame NATO for Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. You rejected the conclusion that Assad used chemical weapons in Syria."

Additionally, hearings are underway for Kash Patel, the nominee for FBI Director, although details of his testimony are not covered in this episode.

4. President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Initiative

Timestamp: [03:06]

President Trump has introduced the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to reduce federal spending through streamlined operations. NPR’s Stephen Fowler provides an in-depth look at this initiative:

Stephen Fowler:

[03:25] "An executive order from President Trump places DOGE within a little-known office that used to be called the United States Digital Service. Historically, the USDS has been an elite digital strike team that partners with federal agencies to improve the usability of tech and websites. The DOGE initiative was initially pitched as an outside review of federal spending, workforce and IT infrastructure, but its new mandate is more efficient, directing the new USDS to do a software modernization initiative and create DOGE teams in each federal agency."

The program seeks to enhance government operations through technology modernization and the establishment of specialized DOGE teams across federal agencies.

5. France Launches Special Mailboxes for Child Protection

Timestamp: [04:02]

In international news, France is expanding its network of special mailboxes designed for children to safely report sexual violence and other forms of abuse. NPR’s Lakshmi Singh reports on this significant initiative:

The first of these mailboxes has been installed at a primary school in Paris, with over 300 additional mailboxes already deployed nationwide. Supported by the child protection association Butterfly, the program aims to encourage minors to speak out about various abuses.

Associated Press Reporting:

Last year alone, more than 30,000 children utilized these mailboxes to report issues ranging from sexual violence to school bullying, highlighting the program's crucial role in safeguarding children’s well-being.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now covers a range of critical topics, from the immediate aftermath of a tragic plane crash and the ensuing political discourse, to significant governmental initiatives and international efforts to protect children. Notable quotes from key figures like President Trump and Tulsi Gabbard provide insight into the ongoing national conversations shaping current events.

For more detailed updates, visit NPR News Now.