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.
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