FIRST OFF . . .

Award-winning journalist Noah Adams--the former host of National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” who left the network last year to start a new variety radio program--will return as host of NPR’s afternoon daily newscast this February. “I’ve missed journalism and especially the relationship that (“All Things Considered”) has with its listeners,” said Adams, who previously hosted the program for 10 years. “This is my radio home and I’m happy they’ve welcomed me back.” Adams, along with current host Robert Siegel, NPR weekend anchor Lynn Neary and two others still to be determined, will rotate the weekday host duties so that each will have time to produce the kind of long, in-depth pieces that NPR is noted for. Meanwhile, Adams’ former Minnesota Public Radio’s “Good Evening” will launch its second season on Jan. 14. This program, first aired in the fall of 1987 as a successor to Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion,” will carry on with a series of guest hosts and storytellers. The program will be heard locally Saturdays at 6 p.m. on KUSC-FM (91.5).