NPR News Now: December 25, 2024, 12 PM EST – Detailed Summary

Nora Ramm hosts the latest edition of NPR News Now, delivering a comprehensive overview of significant global and national events. This summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.

1. Christians Celebrate First Christmas After Assad’s Fall

Nora Ramm introduces a poignant story from Damascus, Syria, focusing on the Christian community's experience during their first Christmas since the fall of the Assad regime.

• Dia Hadid reports that "the pews were barely half full in one of Syria's most important churches." ([00:35])

• The diminished attendance raises concerns about whether Christians are avoiding church out of fear or due to a long-term exodus caused by nearly fifteen years of war.

• The conflict ceased abruptly in December when Muslim rebels, led by the group HTS, overran Damascus. Ahmad Al Shararra, leader of HTS and Syria’s interim ruler, has assured that minorities, including Christians, "will be safe and protected."

• Despite official assurances, Christians remain apprehensive about potential targeting by extremists within the rebel factions.

2. Azerbaijani Airliner Crashes in Kazakhstan

Nora Ramm reports a tragic aviation incident involving an Azerbaijani airliner.

• The flight, carrying 67 passengers from Baku to Grozy, Kazakhstan, crashed, resulting in 32 survivors and over 30 fatalities. ([01:18])

• Russia’s aviation watchdog suggests a possible bird strike as the cause of the crash.

3. President Biden Commutes Death Penalty Sentences

The administration takes a significant step regarding federal prisoners on death row.

• President Biden has commuted the sentences of dozens of federal inmates, altering their status to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. ([01:18])

• Era, Executive Director of Death Penalty Action, emphasizes the impact on victims' families:

  "That's the problem with the death penalty and what it does to victim families. Where there's a death sentence in their case, it forces this ongoing revisit of that most painful moment in their lifetime and it forces them to live in that space." ([02:01])

• Era further comments on the broader implications:

  "He says there are still some people eligible for execution whose lives should be spared." ([02:16])

4. Low Uptake on Pardon for Gay Veterans

Nora Ramm explores the challenges faced by gay veterans seeking pardons for being discharged from the military.

• The Biden administration introduced a pardon in June for veterans expelled due to homosexuality, a consequence of policies repealed in 2011 that led to thousands of discharges without benefits or honors. ([02:16])

• Quill Lawrence reports:

  "Advocates say only a handful of veterans have accessed the pardon since it was issued in June because of daunting Pentagon red tape." ([02:35])

• The Pentagon has not disclosed the exact number of pardons granted. Conversely, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a more accessible process for veterans to claim healthcare and benefits earned during their service.

5. National Menorah Lighting Marks First Night of Hanukkah

Celebrations take place in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah.

• Jason DeRose details the event:

  "Prior to the Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse, there's a short concert featuring, among others, the musical group the Three Cantors and the Jewish pop rock group the 8th Day." ([03:27])

• A musical performance includes the song:

  "Blow smoke in the face of darkness. Set fires to burn up the night. Tell everyone, tell all your stories. Be a miracle of light." ([03:36])

• This marks the 46th annual National Menorah Lighting, privately sponsored by Chabad, featuring activities like dancing dreidels and essay contest readings titled "What Hanukkah Means to Me."

• For accessibility, the event is also live-streamed, ensuring broader participation. ([03:45])

6. Weather Forecast for Christmas Day

Nora Ramm provides an overview of the expected weather conditions across the United States.

• Contrary to the last white Christmas nearly fifteen years ago, the National Weather Service indicates limited regions will experience snowfall this year. ([04:06])

• Likely snow regions include:

  • New York
  • Northern New England
  • Areas around the Great Lakes
  • Northern California
  • Utah

• The majority of the country is anticipating milder than average temperatures.

7. Astronauts Celebrate Christmas on the International Space Station

An extraordinary Christmas celebration unfolds aboard the ISS with four NASA astronauts.

• The crew, including two who had not anticipated an extended stay, arrived in June aboard Boeing's Starliner for what was intended to be a short test flight.

• Technical issues have prolonged their mission, now slated to return in late March via a SpaceX flight. ([04:06])

• This unexpected extension highlights the challenges and unpredictabilities of space missions, as the astronauts make the most of their time in orbit during the holiday season.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and insightful coverage of global and national events, ensuring listeners remain informed and engaged.