NPR News Now: December 10, 2024
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter Highlights: Daniel Estrin, Jacqueline Diaz, Brian Mann, Kirk Ziegler
1. Benjamin Netanyahu's Corruption Trial Begins
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Time: [00:00] – [01:05]
In a historic first, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is testifying as a defendant in his own corruption trial. Held in a fortified underground courtroom, Netanyahu has faced numerous attempts to delay his court appearance, citing the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Daniel Estrin reports:
“He did try to delay this day in court for several months. He and his lawyers argued because of the wars and the conflicts Israel is facing on multiple fronts, it should be delayed a couple months. In fact, he was unsuccessful.” [00:36]
Despite the attempts to postpone, Netanyahu is now scheduled to testify three days a week for six hours each day, with the trial expected to extend over several weeks. The Prime Minister aims to leverage the trial to bolster his image as Israel’s staunch leader amid war, highlighting his tenure as the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history.
“He will be using this trial as part of this public battle to shape his image as a warrior for Israel in the middle of the war.” [00:36]
2. Hope Renewed for Missing American Journalist in Syria
Reporter: Jacqueline Diaz
Time: [01:05] – [02:03]
American freelance journalist and former Marine Corps officer Austan Tice has been missing in Syria for over twelve years. With the ouster of President Bashar Al Assad’s regime, there is renewed optimism regarding Tice’s fate.
Jacqueline Diaz explains:
“Austin Tice was last seen in Syria in August 2012... it should be delayed a couple months. In fact, he was unsuccessful.” [01:23]
Tice disappeared while reporting on the Syrian civil war and is believed to have been detained by the Syrian government. The recent political changes in Syria have prompted the Biden administration and Tice’s family to express hope that the new leadership will facilitate his return.
“Tice's parents said in a statement they remain hopeful their son will return home.” [01:23]
3. United Healthcare CEO Murdered; Suspect Charged
Location: New York City and Central Pennsylvania
Reporter: Brian Mann
Time: [02:03] – [03:02]
Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare. Thompson was fatally shot last week in New York City, shaking the nation’s business community.
Brian Mann provides details:
“NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney says the big break in this case came when investigators found a surveillance camera that caught a phone photo of the alleged gunman's face.” [02:15]
Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in central Pennsylvania after the public assisted in identifying him from the surveillance footage. Authorities discovered that Mangione was carrying a handwritten document, which may shed light on his motives.
“Mangione was allegedly carrying a gun, a silencer and other evidence police say linked him to Thompson's shooting.” [02:53]
Speculation suggests Mangione may harbor significant animosity towards corporate America, though investigations continue to uncover the underlying reasons for the attack.
4. President Biden Establishes New National Monument Honoring Native American History
Reporter: Kirk Ziegler
Time: [03:02] – [04:14]
President Joe Biden has designated the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School as a national monument, recognizing the painful history of forced assimilation of Native American children through boarding schools.
Kirk Ziegler reports:
“The new Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument will be a 24 acre campus in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, site of the first off-reservation boarding school for American Indian children that was set up in 1879.” [03:30]
This monument acknowledges over a century of coercive education practices that affected around 7,800 Native children from more than 140 tribes. The designation follows Biden’s formal apology for these injustices and aims to educate the public about this critical chapter in American history.
“It's an important piece of our history that every single American should know about. It's a painful part of our history.” [03:54]
The initiative was significantly supported by advocates like Holland, who led a nationwide Road to Healing tour featuring survivors of the boarding schools, sharing their experiences to foster understanding and reconciliation.
5. Franklin Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Malibu
Location: Malibu, California
Time: [04:14]
A rapidly spreading wildfire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, has prompted extensive evacuations in Malibu. The Franklin wildfire, which ignited the previous night, has already burned over 1,600 acres. The Los Angeles Fire Department is actively combating the blaze, with the cause currently under investigation.
Jeanine Herbst details the situation:
“Firefighters are battling the Franklin wildfire in Malibu, which is spreading fast, leading to evacuations.” [04:14]
Students at Pepperdine University have been instructed to shelter in place as conditions remain volatile. Authorities continue to monitor the fire’s progression, working to contain it and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
Market Update
U.S. futures are trading in mixed territory this morning:
- Dow Futures: Down a fraction
- Nasdaq Futures: Up 0.1%
Stay informed with the latest updates from NPR News. For more detailed coverage, visit NPR News Now.
This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on December 10, 2024.