NPR News Now: December 22, 2024, 10AM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest developments from around the globe in concise, five-minute segments. On December 22, 2024, the episode covered a range of significant events, including military incidents, tragic attacks, political appointments, natural disasters, and notable passings. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

Friendly Fire Incident Over the Red Sea

Host: Giles Snyder
Reporter: Amy Held
Timestamp: [00:15]

Two U.S. Navy pilots were forced to eject from their FA18 fighter jet after a mistaken attack by the missile cruiser USS Gettysburg over the Red Sea. The incident, classified as friendly fire by U.S. Central Command, resulted in one pilot sustaining minor injuries.

Amy Held reported:

“The USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired on and hit an FA18, forcing two U.S. navy pilots to eject safely.” [00:31]

This incident occurs amidst over a year of heightened U.S. military operations in the region, targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been disrupting international shipping in the Red Sea. Recently, CENTCOM reported additional actions, including the downing of Houthi-operated drones and guided missiles, as well as strikes on a missile storage facility in Yemen.

Violent Attacks in Germany and Gaza

Host: Giles Snyder
Reporter: Amir Nader (BBC)
Timestamp: [01:11]

A tragic event unfolded in Magdeburg, Germany, where a man drove his vehicle into a crowded outdoor Christmas market, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuring approximately 200 others. The suspect has been detained in pre-trial custody, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm.

Additionally, authorities in Gaza reported over 20 fatalities, including several children, due to Israeli military strikes. Targets included a school sheltering displaced families and a hospital in northern Gaza. Amir Nader detailed the dire conditions:

“The medical staff at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north of Gaza ... have been told to evacuate by the Israeli military, but they can't do so because it would put over 80, 90 patients, their lives at risk and also the lives of their staff.” [01:49]

These attacks exacerbate the already volatile situation in the region, highlighting the humanitarian crises faced by civilians caught in the conflict.

Donald Trump's Appointment of Mark Burnett as Special Envoy to the UK

Host: Giles Snyder
Reporter: Chloe Veltman
Timestamp: [02:24]

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed television producer and Emmy Award-winning Mark Burnett as his special envoy to the United Kingdom. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Burnett's diplomatic skills and international recognition:

“Mark Burnett would bring a unique diplomatic acumen and international recognition to his role as special envoy to the UK.” [02:24]

Mark Burnett is renowned for creating popular reality TV shows such as Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Apprentice, the latter of which played a significant role in elevating Trump's national profile. During the 2016 presidential campaign, comedian Jimmy Kimmel humorously referenced Burnett's influence:

“If Donald Trump gets elected and he builds that wall, the first person we're throwing over it is Mark Burnett.” [03:00]

Burnett was seen laughing in the audience in the referenced YouTube clip, showcasing a light-hearted moment amid political developments.

Tragic Stampedes and Climate Challenges for Christmas Tree Growers

Host: Giles Snyder
Reporters: Lauren Patterson (Northwest Public Broadcasting) & Gary Chastagner (Washington State University)
Timestamp: [03:12]

Stampedes in Nigeria and Congo: A horrifying wave of stampedes at Christmas charity events resulted in the deaths of 32 people in Nigeria and an additional 10 in Congo. In Anambra State, a food distribution event organized by a philanthropist led to 22 deaths, while a similar church-organized event in Abu Capital resulted in 10 fatalities. Furthermore, an overloaded ferry capsized, killing 38 and leaving over 100 missing.

Climate Impact on Christmas Tree Farming: Lauren Patterson reported on the challenges faced by Christmas tree growers in the Pacific Northwest due to rising temperatures and drought conditions:

“Tree farms in the Northwest are experiencing problems with the hot temperatures and drought conditions out west as the climate changes.” [03:58] – Gary Chastagner

Research by Gary Chastagner at Washington State University focuses on cultivating Eurasian conifers at various sites in Washington, Oregon, and California. These species, including Nordman, Turkish, and Trojan firs, show resilience under drought conditions and possess potential tolerance to tree diseases and pest infestations.

“Some of the Eurasian species... have the ability to perform fairly well under these droughty conditions.” [04:18]

This research is pivotal in ensuring the sustainability of Christmas tree farming amidst shifting climate patterns.

Passing of Rickey Henderson, Baseball Legend

Host: Giles Snyder
Timestamp: [04:40]

The baseball community mourns the loss of Rickey Henderson at age 65. Henderson, renowned as the stolen base king, broke Lou Brock’s record in 1991 and retired with over 1,400 career steals. His legacy as one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in Major League Baseball history leaves a lasting impact on the sport.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and comprehensive updates on critical events shaping our world.