NPR News Now: December 25, 2024, 11 AM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone
Produced by: NPR

Christmas Celebrations at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Timestamp: [00:20]

Tourists in Paris are flocking to Christmas Eve mass at the iconic Cathedral of Notre-Dame. This marks the first Christmas celebration since a devastating fire in 2019 that severely damaged the medieval landmark. The restoration efforts have impressed both worshipers and visitors alike.

"It was the first Christmas celebration there since a devastating fire tore through the medieval landmark in 2019. Worshipers and other visitors marveled at the cathedral restoration."
— Louise Schiavone [00:20]

American tourists, in particular, have tailored their trips to ensure participation in the Christmas Eve services, highlighting the cathedral's renewed splendor and significance.

U.S. Provides First Billion-Dollar Loan to Ukraine

Timestamp: [01:16]

Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, announced that Ukraine has received the first billion dollars in promised loans from the United States. This financial support is part of a larger $50 billion loan plan established by G7 leaders last summer, intended to stabilize Ukraine's economy amidst ongoing conflicts.

"We thank our American partners and the World Bank for this important step toward justice."
— Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's Prime Minister [01:16]

The funds are backed by proceeds from frozen Russian assets, with the understanding that repayments will come from these revenues. While Ukraine welcomes the support, Russian officials have criticized the arrangement, labeling the loans as fraudulent and suggesting they may prolong the war.

"Loans and other support for Ukraine will prolong the war,"
— Russian Officials [01:16]

NPR's Brian Mann provided additional insights from Kyiv, detailing the broader financial strategy and international cooperation involved in the support package.

Bald Eagle Officially Designated as U.S. National Bird

Timestamp: [02:02]

President Joe Biden has officially signed a bill recognizing the bald eagle as the United States' national bird, a status it has symbolized since appearing on the Great Seal in 1782. Despite its long-standing symbolic presence, the eagle had never been formally designated as the national bird until now.

"The regal bird of prey has been a national symbol since at least 1782."
— Unknown Speaker [02:14]

The bald eagle's populations were once threatened, significantly declining due to pesticide use like DDT. From a mere 400 nesting pairs in the mid-1960s, conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery, with over 70,000 pairs currently inhabiting the United States.

"In the mid-1900s, the birds were in danger of extinction... There are now more than 70,000 pairs."
— Jacob Fenston, NPR News [02:14]

Enthusiasts and conservationists have long advocated for official recognition, celebrating the eagle's resilience and symbolic importance to the nation.

Amazon Package Mishap in Lakeville, Massachusetts

Timestamp: [03:00]

In Lakeville, Massachusetts, a peculiar incident unfolded when a police officer discovered a pile of dozens of Amazon packages discarded in the woods during an early Sunday morning patrol. The following day, an Amazon driver arrived to apologize, attributing the mishap to being "too stressed out."

"The driver said they were just too stressed out."
— Unknown Speaker [03:00]

The scattered packages were subsequently redistributed, ensuring that recipients received their intended deliveries. This event highlights the pressures faced by delivery personnel and the potential for logistical challenges.

Dutch Court Sentences Men for Anti-Semitic Soccer Fan Attacks

Timestamp: [03:34]

A Dutch court has sentenced five men for their involvement in attacks against Jewish and Israeli soccer fans during riots on November 7th in Amsterdam. The sentences, while some are significant, were lighter than what prosecutors had initially sought.

"Three of the men were convicted on Tuesday of acts of violence during the November 7th riots in Amsterdam."
— Terry Schultz, NPR News [03:34]

The individuals convicted included three men responsible for physical assaults and two who contributed to the violence through social media statements and information sharing. The harshest sentence handed down was six months in prison, accompanied by shorter jail terms and minor community service for others.

"The man who was given the longest sentence, six months in prison, was seen in images shown to the court kicking a person on the ground, chasing fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv team and punching people."
— Terry Schultz, NPR News [03:34]

Authorities continue their efforts to identify and apprehend more suspects, having already arrested over 60 individuals related to the incidents.

King Charles's Christmas Address Honors Medical Workers

Timestamp: [04:14]

King Charles delivered his annual Christmas address, dedicating his words to the British medical workers who played pivotal roles during his cancer battle and in treating his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales. Notably, the address was made from the chapel of a former hospital in central London, now repurposed for community use, rather than a traditional royal palace.

"The king dedicated his Christmas address to the British medical workers who cared for him during his cancer battle and who treated his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales."
— Louise Schiavone [04:14]

King Charles, along with his wife Camilla and other close family members, attended Sunday services at their historic Scottish retreat in Sandringham, emphasizing a more personal and community-focused approach during the holiday season.

Caitlin Clark Named AP Female Athlete of the Year

Timestamp: [04:14]

Caitlin Clark has been honored as the AP Female Athlete of the Year. Clark's outstanding performance includes leading Iowa to the national championship game, being the top pick in the WNBA draft, and earning rookie of the year honors in the league.

"She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league."
— Louise Schiavone [04:14]

Clark's multifaceted achievements have solidified her status as a leading figure in women's athletics, inspiring countless young athletes across the nation.

Additional Highlights

• King Charles's Attendance: The king, his wife Camilla, and close family members attended services at Sandringham.
• Amazon Apology: Demonstrates Amazon's commitment to addressing delivery issues promptly.

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