NPR News Now: January 31, 2025, 10 AM EST Summary

Released January 31, 2025

1. Aviation Tragedy: American Airlines Jet and Army Helicopter Collision

Investigators Retrieve Black Boxes

In a tragic incident near Washington, D.C., a collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Federal investigators have successfully retrieved the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, essential tools often referred to as "black boxes" (though they are notably orange).

Frank Langfit Reports:

"The so-called black boxes... will allow investigators to hear the final conversations in the cockpit before the two aircraft collided over the Potomac River. They'll also provide crucial data, including the altitude of the plane leading up to and at the time of the collision." (00:33)

Initial findings suggest discrepancies in the altitude at which the Black Hawk helicopter was operating. Official reports indicate it was supposed to maintain a maximum altitude of 200 feet; however, sources reveal it was flying at least 100 feet higher at the time of the crash.

Crew Identification and Personal Impact

The American Airlines jet's crew has been identified, including First Officer Sam Lilly, a second-generation pilot who was engaged to be married. In a heartfelt expression of grief, Lilly's father, Tim, shared his sorrow on Facebook:

"It hurts so bad, I can't even cry myself to sleep." (00:33)

2. Controversial Confirmation Hearings: Tulsi Gabbard's Nomination

Narrowing Down a Cabinet Pick

In a contentious session on Capitol Hill, President Trump's nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence faced significant scrutiny. Senators primarily questioned Gabbard's previous statements criticizing U.S. involvement abroad, particularly in the Middle East, and her meetings with the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Senator Mark Kelly's Concerns:

"My big concerns with Colonel Gabbard is, you know, that she's contradicted our own intelligence community on Assad's use of chemical weapons against his own people. And then she also has this propensity to to use information as if it's true when it comes from dictators like Putin and Assad in Syria." (01:45)

Despite acknowledging Gabbard's patriotism and service, Senator Kelly expressed doubts about her suitability for the intelligence role:

"Gabbard is a patriot who served and cares about this country, but I don't feel she's up to this job." (02:09)

3. Economic Indicators: Personal Spending and Inflation Rise

December's Economic Snapshot

The Commerce Department reported a notable increase in personal spending for December, with a rise of 0.7%. Americans spent more on both goods and services, indicating robust consumer confidence. However, personal income did not keep pace, leading many to dip into savings or incur debt to support their expenditures. This trend contributed to a further decline in the personal savings rate, which fell to 3.8%.

Scott Horsley Explains:

"Personal spending jumped by seven tenths of a percent in December as Americans spent more on both goods and services. Personal income was also up during the month, but not as much. Many people dipped into savings or borrowed money to finance their additional spending." (02:26)

Inflation remains a key concern, with the December inflation rate climbing to 2.6% year-over-year, slightly higher than the previous month. This metric is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve for future monetary policy decisions.

Global Market Movements

Asian stock markets displayed mixed results overnight, with Tokyo’s markets experiencing gains while Seoul saw declines. Meanwhile, markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai remained closed for the Lunar New Year festivities.

Stock Market Update:

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up by 32 points at the time of this report. (03:07)

4. Historic Spacewalk: NASA’s Astronauts Achieve Milestone

Underground the International Space Station

NASA celebrated a significant milestone as astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on their first joint spacewalk outside the International Space Station. Originally scheduled for a week this summer, their mission extended to a ten-month stay following issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, including leaks and other malfunctions.

Amy Held Reports:

"They successfully removed a stubborn broken antenna, a task that Mission Control had narrated multiple failed attempts to achieve. Williams, who had already performed a spacewalk earlier in the month, completed her ninth spacewalk overall, breaking the record for the most time spent on a spacewalk by any female astronaut." (03:28)

The astronauts' spacewalk lasted five and a half hours and involved critical maintenance work. NASA plans to return them to Earth by late March at the earliest via a SpaceX capsule.

5. Wildlife Conservation: Massive Sea Turtle Rescue in Florida

Rescuing Endangered Turtles Amidst a Winter Storm

In a remarkable conservation effort, Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission successfully rescued approximately 1,000 endangered sea turtles. The rare winter storm caused water temperatures to plummet, paralyzing the turtles' flippers and preventing them from surfacing for air. Strong winds and currents eventually washed their bodies ashore, where rescuers intervened.

Jeanine Herbst Reports:

"Officials say it was among Florida's biggest cold water turtle rescues in the last 15 years." (04:16)

This significant rescue operation underscores the vulnerability of wildlife to extreme weather events and highlights the ongoing efforts to protect endangered species.

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