NPR News Now: December 7, 2024, 12 PM EST

Nora Rahm brings you the latest updates from around the globe in this detailed summary of the December 7th episode of NPR News Now.

Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

[00:18] Host Nora Rahm reports from Washington as dozens of foreign dignitaries gather in Paris for the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, marking five years since the devastating fire.

[00:42] NPR's Eleanor Beardsley shares insights from the event, highlighting traditional ceremonies and the collective anticipation surrounding the cathedral's restoration.

[00:54] Olivier Latrie, one of Notre Dame's four official organists, describes the ceremonial practices:

"Hit the door of the cathedral three times like this, and then the doors will open and then it will enter the cathedral, and that will be an incredible moment."
– Olivier Latrie [00:54]

[01:07] Latrie expresses the emotional significance of his role in the reopening:

"It will be a very emotional moment."
– Olivier Latrie [01:07]

The reopening not only signifies the physical restoration of the iconic structure but also serves as a symbol of resilience and cultural renewal.

Tragic Killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

[01:18] The search intensifies for the assailant responsible for the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Health Group. The incident has led to a notable decline in UnitedHealth Group's shares, dropping over 5% the previous day.

[01:30] Maria Aspen reports on the repercussions of Thompson's assassination:

"Thompson was a longtime executive at UnitedHealth and ran its massive health insurance business until he was shot in New York City this week outside a hotel where his company was set to host an investor meeting."
– Maria Aspen [01:30]

[01:52] Dave Commandot, former security chief for Boeing, comments on the rarity and severity of such attacks:

"There are things that occur with corporate CEOs all the time, but they're geared more towards creating embarrassment for that individual. They get egged, they have paint thrown on."
– Dave Commandot [01:52]

[02:02] Aspen continues, shedding light on the broader impact:

"The alleged gunman's motives are not yet known, but Thompson's killing has unleashed a wave of public anger against his company and all US Healthcare, which is the most expensive in the developed world."
– Maria Aspen [02:02]

The incident has sparked ongoing debates about corporate security and the high costs associated with US healthcare.

Stock Markets Surge Post-Trump Election

[02:17] Optimism fuels the stock markets as all three major indexes reach new record highs amidst the aftermath of Donald Trump's election victory. NPR's Rafael Nam provides an in-depth analysis.

[02:31] Rafael Nam highlights investor sentiment:

"Rallies continue both in the stock markets and in the world of cryptocurrencies. All three major indexes are up significantly since Election Day, adding to growing optimism about the economy. And bitcoin set a record of its own this week, hitting $100,000 for the first time in its short history."
– Rafael Nam [02:31]

The surge is partly attributed to expectations of a pro-business Trump administration, further bolstered by the nomination of Paul Atkins as the next Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

President Trump Defends Defense Secretary Pick

[03:02] President Trump appeared on an excerpt from his upcoming interview on "Meet the Press," set to air the following day. In the snippet released by NPR, Trump vigorously defends his selection of former FOX News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense:

"Please. I can only answer one question at a time."
– President Trump [04:15]

This defense comes amid various political discussions surrounding his administration's appointments and policies.

South Korea's President Yoon Survives Impeachment Attempt

[03:02] In political developments from South Korea, President Yoon Sung Yeol successfully withstands an impeachment motion initiated by the opposition-led Parliament. The motion was prompted by his recent attempt to impose martial law, which sparked significant controversy.

Members of Yoon's own party boycotted the vote, leading to insufficient support for the impeachment to proceed. The opposition has announced plans to renew their efforts when Parliament reconvenes on Wednesday.

Rediscovered 1969 British Satirical Show Paves Way for Monty Python

[03:56] A long-lost satirical historical sketch show from 1969 titled The Complete and Utter History of Britain has been unearthed and is being showcased at a British film festival. NPR's Vicky Barker reports from London on its historical significance.

[04:09] In a notable scene, historical figure Oliver Cromwell appears on a modern political talk show:

"I mean, there's no proof, is there, that my government is unpopular in any way at all?"
– Michael Palin as Oliver Cromwell [04:09]

[04:13]

"Why don't you get knotted, Cromwell?"
– Vicky Barker [04:13]

[04:15]

"Please. I can only answer one question at a time."
– Michael Palin as Oliver Cromwell [04:15]

[04:24] John Cleese reminisces about the show's lukewarm reception and subsequent collaboration:

"And John Cleese rang me up and he said, I've just seen them. Your series complete our history of Britain. He said, you won't be doing any more of those, will you? So why don't we get together and do something else?"
– Vicky Barker [04:24]

This collaboration eventually led to the creation of the iconic Monty Python's Flying Circus, a cornerstone of British comedy.

Major League Soccer Championship Set in Los Angeles

[04:43] In sports news, the Major League Soccer Championship is slated to take place today in Los Angeles. The match will feature a face-off between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls, promising an exciting conclusion to the season.

NPR News Now continues to deliver concise and comprehensive news updates every five minutes to keep you informed.