NPR News: 01-31-2025 6AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 31, 2025, 6 AM EST

On this episode of NPR News Now, listeners are brought up to speed with the latest developments shaping the national landscape. From tragic aviation accidents and political ramifications to significant corporate decisions and heartfelt community efforts, the episode covers a broad spectrum of pressing issues. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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1. Tragic Aviation Accident Near Washington, D.C.

Timestamp: [00:06 - 01:09]

The episode opens with breaking news about a devastating aviation accident involving an American Airlines regional passenger jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. The collision resulted in the loss of 67 lives, encompassing passengers and crew from both aircraft.

Investigation Efforts: NPR's Frank Langfit reports on the retrieval of the flight data recorders, which are crucial in determining the cause of the crash. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman provided insights during a news conference:

Todd Inman (00:43): "They're actually helicopter zones, if you will, or tracks, and this one was transiting, I believe, from track one to four. As part of their normal procedure."

Inman emphasized the importance of the recording devices in establishing the altitude at which the collision occurred, a critical factor for investigators.

Political Reactions: The tragedy quickly became a political flashpoint. Former President Trump attributed the crash to the current administration's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, despite a lack of evidence supporting this claim.

Jeanine Herbst (01:09): "Trump says without evidence the Biden administration's DEI policies could be to blame for the crash."

In contrast, Biden's former transportation secretary countered these allegations by accusing Trump of undermining aviation safety through the dismissal and suspension of key safety personnel.

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2. Community Grief and Unity in Wichita

Timestamp: [01:09 - 03:05]

The ramifications of the crash extended to Wichita, a city with a substantial aviation community. Celia Hack from KMUW reports on a poignant prayer service held in the city, highlighting the community's resilience in the face of tragedy.

Leadership Voices: Ryan Beatty, Republican Chair of the Sedgwick County Commission, addressed the mourners:

Ryan Beatty (01:40): "All eyes are on Wichita in many regards. When they see Wichita, what I hope they see is a community rising above those conversations."

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, a libertarian, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the city's unity beyond political divides:

Mayor Lily Wu (01:49): "I was proud that residents from a diversity of backgrounds, religions and races came together at the prayer service to mourn."

The service underscored Wichita's commitment to solidarity, transcending political tensions amid national debates spurred by the crash.

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3. Kash Patel's Senate Confirmation Hearing for FBI Director

Timestamp: [02:03 - 03:05]

Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, faced a contentious Senate confirmation hearing. NPR's Elena Moore provides an overview of Patel's defense and the scrutiny he faced from lawmakers.

Patel's Position: During the hearing, Patel asserted the importance of national security both internally and externally:

Kash Patel (02:18): "If confirmed as the next FBI director, I will remain focused on the FBI's core mission, that is to investigate fully wherever there is a constitutional factual basis to do so."

He criticized the FBI's current management, claiming it has been mismanaged and politicized against Trump.

Legislative Response: Republican members of the Judiciary Committee largely supported Patel's commitment to reforming the FBI. However, Senate Democrats expressed concerns about maintaining the agency's independence, pressing Patel to clarify his stance.

Patel also addressed past statements where he appeared sympathetic to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, defending himself by stating his remarks were misinterpreted.

Kash Patel (02:36): "Patel said his words were taken out of context."

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4. UPS Reduces Amazon Deliveries to Boost Profitability

Timestamp: [03:05 - 04:00]

In the corporate sector, UPS announced a significant strategic shift in its relationship with Amazon. Following the release of its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, the company revealed plans to cut package deliveries for Amazon by 50% in the second half of 2026.

Financial Insights: UPS reported revenue exceeding $25 billion for Q4 2024, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous year. CEO Carol details the rationale behind the decision:

Carol (03:52): "Amazon is our largest customer, but it's not our most profitable customer. Its margin is very dilutive to the U.S. domestic business."

This move is part of UPS's broader initiative to reduce costs, aiming to save the company approximately $1 billion.

Future Projections: Looking ahead, UPS anticipates sales of around $89 billion for 2025, indicating confidence in their strategic adjustments.

Todd Inman (04:00): "UPS expects sales of about $89 billion for 2025."

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5. Star-Studded Benefit Concert for California Wildfire Relief

Timestamp: [04:08 - 04:54]

Amidst the ongoing recovery efforts from severe wildfires in Los Angeles, California, a high-profile benefit concert was held to raise funds for those affected. The event featured an array of renowned artists, including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Personal Stories: Billy Crystal shared a poignant moment, recounting his personal loss during the fires:

Billy Crystal (specific timestamp not provided): "Wore the same shirt that he was in when he fled his home."

Impact of the Wildfires: The wildfires have had devastating effects, destroying over 16,000 homes and businesses and resulting in at least 29 fatalities. The benefit concert aimed to support the displaced and rebuild the affected communities, highlighting the unity and resilience of both the local population and the entertainment community.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of critical events from national tragedies and political developments to significant business decisions and community solidarity efforts. By providing detailed accounts and incorporating direct quotes from key stakeholders, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current news landscape.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative elements of the podcast.

Transcript

[Jeanine Herbst]

This message comes from Pemco Mutual Insurance Company. Their mission is to help customers worry.

[Celia Hack]

Less and live more.

[Jeanine Herbst]

So they're sharing prevention tips that empower you to prevent some of life's pitfalls before they happen. Visit pemco.com prevention live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. Investigators have retrieved the flight data recorders from the American Airlines regional passenger jet that crashed with an army helicopter near Washington, D.C. wednesday, killing all on board both aircraft. NPR's Frank Langfit reports.

[Frank Langfit]

Military helicopters are a common sight in the skies around Washington. At a news conference, National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman explained how they navigate the crowded airspace here.

[Todd Inman]

They're actually helicopter zones, if you will, or tracks, and this one was transiting, I believe, from track one to four. As part of their normal procedure.

[Frank Langfit]

Inman said the aircraft's recording devices should provide their altitude when they collided, an important piece of data as investigators try to figure out what led to the crash that left 67 people dead. Frank Langford, NPR News, Reagan National President.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Trump says without evidence the Biden administration's DEI policies could be to blame for the crash. But Biden's former transportation secretary says Trump fired and suspended key safety personnel. Meanwhile, in Wichita, people are grieving. Celia Hack from member station KMUW has more.

[Celia Hack]

Wichita is home to a large aviation community. At a prayer service here, local elected officials and religious leaders spoke about rising above division and grief. Ryan Beatty, a Republican, is chair of the Sedgwick County Commission.

[Ryan Beatty]

All eyes are on Wichita in many regards. When they see Wichita, what I hope they see is they see a community rising above those conversations.

[Celia Hack]

Kicking out politics Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, a libertarian, said she was proud that residents from a diversity of backgrounds, religions and races came together at the prayer service to mourn. For NPR News, I'm Celia Hack in Wichita.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Kash Patel, President Trump's pick to run the FBI, made his case to lead the bureau at his contentious Senate confirmation hearing yesterday, trying to assure lawmakers he wouldn't pursue retribution of rivals. NPR's Elena Moore reports.

[Kash Patel]

Kash Patel told senators that national security is at risk both internally and externally.

[Frank Langfit]

If confirmed as the next FBI director, I I will remain focused on the FBI's core mission, that is to investigate fully wherever there is a constitutional factual basis to do so.

[Kash Patel]

Patel has argued the agency is mismanaged and has been politicized against Trump. Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have broadly backed Patel's pledge to make changes at the FBI, but Senate Democrats have urged him to clarify how he'll keep the agency independent. Some pressed him on past statements in which he appeared to sympathize with those previously incarcerated for rioting at the Capitol on January 6. Patel said his words were taken out of context. Elena Moore, NPR News.

[Jeanine Herbst]

U.S. futures contracts are trading higher at this hour. Dow futures up about 3/10 of a percent. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. UPS says it will deliver fewer packages from its largest customer, Amazon. Marlon Hyde from member station WABE reports. The company says it's about profitability as UPS released its 2024 Q4 earning earnings report.

[Todd Inman]

UPS reported revenue of more than $25 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024, a 1.5% increase from the previous year. The company says it plans to reduce volume with its largest customer, Amazon, by 50% in the second half of 2026. It's part of an initiative to cut costs and save UPS around $1 billion. Here's CEO Carol Amazon is our largest.

[Celia Hack]

Customer, but it's not our most profitable customer.

[Jeanine Herbst]

Its margin is very dilutive to the U.S. domestic business.

[Todd Inman]

UPS expects sales of about $89 billion for 2025. For NPR News, I'm Marlon Hyde in Atlanta.

[Jeanine Herbst]

In California, a star studded benefit took place last night, including Billie Eilish, to raise money for relief efforts for those affected by the devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles. Billy Crystal, who lost his home in Pacific's Palisades, wore the same shirt that he was in when he fled his home. Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder and Olivia Rodrigo were among the entertainers taking the stage. The fires have destroyed more than 16,000 homes and businesses and killed at least 29 people. US futures contracts are trading higher at this hour. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News, in Washington.

[Ryan Beatty]

This message is brought to you by NPR sponsor Shopify. It's 2025, a new year with new opportunities. The best time to start your new business is right now. Go to shopify.com NPR allovercase to sign up for a $1 per month trial period today.