NPR News Now: July 30, 2025, 5AM EDT
Host: Dave Mattingly
Source: NPR
Release Date: July 30, 2025
1. Massive Earthquake Strikes Russia's Far East Coast
Timestamp: 00:15
Live from Washington, Dave Mattingly reports that one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded has hit off Russia's Far East coast. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake reached a magnitude of 8.8, triggering widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region.
Key Details:
- Affected Areas: Japan (including Hokkaido), Hawaii, British Columbia, Alaska, Washington state, Oregon, and California.
- Tsunami Impact: Anthony Kuhn explains that waves approximately 10 feet high were observed on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, while Japan's northernmost Hokkaido island saw waves around 2 feet.
- Transportation Disruptions: Trains, flights, and ferries in coastal regions have been suspended. Authorities in Japan have ordered evacuations along many parts of the Pacific coast.
- Current Status: No significant damage or casualties have been reported yet. The earthquake is believed to be the largest since the 2011 magnitude 9 quake and tsunami in Japan, which resulted in around 20,000 deaths.
- Ongoing Alerts: Tsunami warnings remain active as strong waves may continue to impact the region.
Quote:
"Waves about 10ft high were recorded on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula," Anthony Kuhn reported at [00:47].
2. Tragic Gunman Attack in New York City
Timestamp: 01:22
In a sobering update from New York, Dave Mattingly outlines the community's response to a recent gunman attack that resulted in multiple casualties.
Key Details:
- Incident: A gunman, later identified as Shane Tamura, targeted a high-rise office building in Manhattan.
- Casualties: Four individuals were killed, with a fifth person critically injured.
- Memorial Service: Mourners, including lawmakers and religious leaders, gathered at New York's Bryant Park. The service featured prayers from various faiths and languages.
- Gun Control Advocacy: Elected officials used the occasion to call for enhanced gun control measures.
Notable Quote:
"If this nation misses yet another moment to do what is right that they've neglected to do for decades, then shame on them," stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul at [02:00].
Further Developments:
- Shooter's Background: The NYPD revealed that Tamura assembled his rifle independently, purchasing several parts from a man currently under investigation. Police are also searching his Las Vegas residence.
- Attack Details: According to New York Mayor Eric Adams, the gunman intended to target NFL headquarters but mistakenly took the wrong elevator to a higher floor.
3. United Airlines Flight Attendants Reject Contract Offer
Timestamp: 02:34
In aviation news, heavy developments are unfolding within United Airlines as their flight attendants have rejected the latest contract proposal from the company.
Key Points:
- Contract Details: The tentative agreement included immediate raises of at least 26%.
- Rejection Statistics: Approximately 71% of the union's 28,000 cabin crew members voted against the contract.
- Background: United's cabin crew have not received a pay raise in the past five years. The no vote comes just two months after the union and the airline reached a tentative agreement on similar terms.
Impact:
This rejection signifies potential prolonged negotiations and highlights the crew's demand for better compensation and working conditions.
4. Hearings Begin on Deadly January Aviation Collision
Timestamp: 04:02
Dave Mattingly brings attention to the commencement of three days of hearings in Washington, D.C., aimed at uncovering the causes behind the tragic mid-air collision that occurred in January.
Incident Overview:
- Date & Location: January, near Reagan National Airport.
- Collision Details: An American Airlines regional jet (Flight 5342) and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided during the jet's landing attempt.
- Casualties: All 67 individuals aboard both aircraft lost their lives, making it the deadliest aviation accident in the United States in over two decades.
- Aftermath: Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River following the collision.
Hearing Objectives:
- To examine safety protocols.
- Investigate potential communication failures.
- Assess the coordination between civilian and military aviation operations.
5. Research Challenges Claims of Non-Citizen Voting in U.S. Elections
Timestamp: 04:02
Addressing claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding non-citizens influencing elections, Myles Parks presents new research demonstrating minimal involvement of non-citizens in U.S. voting processes.
Research Findings:
- Authority: David Becker from the Center for Election Innovation and Research.
- Statistics:
- Texas: Investigated 33 cases of potential non-citizen voting out of 11.3 million ballots cast in 2024.
- Michigan: Found 16 non-citizen voters out of 5.7 million votes.
- Conclusion: Even in conservative states actively searching for non-citizen votes, the numbers remain exceedingly low, debunking assertions of widespread voter fraud.
Quote:
"States are devoting more resources than ever to root out non citizen voters," explained Myles Parks at [04:02].
Closing Remarks
Dave Mattingly wraps up the episode, highlighting the significant events shaping the news landscape, from natural disasters and tragic incidents to pivotal developments in aviation and electoral integrity.
For comprehensive updates and detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune in to NPR News Now or visit NPR's website.
