NPR News Now: December 25, 2024, 5 AM EST
Host: Nora Ram
Release Date: December 25, 2024
1. Christmas Day Observances Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Bethlehem, West Bank:
Christmas Day unfolded quietly in Bethlehem, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a region revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus. The subdued atmosphere is attributed to the prolonged conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, now marking its second year.
Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral:
In Paris, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral celebrated Christmas Eve Mass, marking its return to religious ceremonies over five years after a devastating fire nearly destroyed the historic structure. The reopening signifies a beacon of resilience and renewal.
Notable Quote:
Allie Benard, American Tourist:
"They did such an amazing job. It looks beautiful. I saw it once before, many, many years ago. And so it's just really special to be back and just see all the hard work that's gone back into it. It was really nice, blew us away. It's a really special night. It was really a nice thing to be a part of."
[00:49]
2. Tragic Plane Crash in Kazakhstan
A devastating incident occurred today as an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane carrying 67 individuals crashed in Kazakhstan. Authorities have confirmed that 28 passengers survived the crash, but fears remain that the remaining 39 may have perished. The ill-fated flight was en route from Azerbaijan to Russia, raising urgent concerns about aviation safety in the region.
3. Protests in Panama Against President-Elect Donald Trump
Issue:
Protesters in Panama voiced strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threat to reclaim control of the country's interoceanic canal, a strategic waterway originally constructed by the United States and handed over to Panama in 1999.
BBC's Hugh Morgan Reports:
"Dozens of noisy demonstrators gathered outside the US Embassy in Panama City on Tuesday, chanting that President Trump should leave the canal alone. Some held banners describing him as a public enemy of Panama."
[01:43]
On Sunday, Trump criticized what he deemed as unfair fees imposed on US ships, Panama's primary canal customer. In response, Panama's President, Jose Raul Molino, firmly stated that Panama's control over the canal is non-negotiable.
4. NAACP Advocates for Expanded Clemency
Commendation for President Biden:
Civil rights organizations have lauded President Joe Biden for his decision to commute certain prison and death row sentences, recognizing it as a step towards addressing systemic injustices within the U.S. criminal justice system.
NAACP's Perspective:
Patrice Willoughby, NAACP:
"The policies of the war on drugs and the 1994 crime bill left a legacy of mass incarceration that disproportionately impacted black people. One example is longer, harsher sentences for the possession of crack cocaine than for powdered cocaine. The sentencing disparity was fixed, but it wasn't retroactive."
[02:23 – 02:47]
Call for Further Action:
Allie Benard:
"That population is still in prison. As a matter of justice, we're asking the president to give clemency to that population."
[02:47]
Willoughby emphasizes the necessity of addressing systemic racism, highlighting that black individuals constitute 14% of the U.S. population but represent 40% of the federal prison population. She advocates for the ongoing efforts to rectify these disparities.
5. Violence Erupts in Haiti Amidst Political Turmoil
In Haiti, chaos continues to escalate as armed men attacked the reopening of a hospital in Port-au-Prince yesterday. The Haitian Association of Journalists reported the tragic deaths of two reporters and a police officer, with several others wounded in the assault. The capital remains under the near-total control of armed gangs, further destabilizing the already fragile nation.
6. Netflix Secures NFL Christmas Day Broadcast Rights
Contract Details:
Netflix has entered into a three-year agreement to broadcast NFL Christmas Day games, marking a significant expansion of the streaming giant into live sports. The deal, valued at $150 million, encompasses games featuring the Steelers, Chiefs, Ravens, and Texans.
Performance Highlight:
Beyoncé is set to headline the halftime show during the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game. This performance will showcase songs from her latest album, "Cowboy Carter," and represents Beyoncé's first halftime performance in her hometown of Houston.
Technical Considerations:
Given previous technical issues during Netflix's live broadcast of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, the company has implemented adjustments to mitigate similar problems. The NFL games will also be available for replay for three hours post-live stream.
Notable Quote:
Eva Pukasz, NPR:
"Netflix is paying the NFL $150 million to air the Steelers, Chiefs, and Ravens Texans games. And Beyoncé's halftime show in her hometown of Houston will be the first time the singer has performed songs off her latest album, Cowboy Carter. The streaming giant says it's made adjustments to avoid technical problems during the broadcast. Many viewers reported long buffering times during Netflix's previous live broadcast of the Jake Paul Mike Tyson fight last month. Netflix says the NFL games will be available for replay for three hours after the live stream ends."
[03:11 – 03:53]
7. Caitlin Clark Honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year
The Associated Press has awarded Caitlin Clark the title of Female Athlete of the Year, recognizing her exceptional contributions to women's basketball. Clark has been instrumental in elevating the sport's profile both at the collegiate level and within the WNBA.
Achievements:
- Led the University of Iowa to the national championship game.
- Earned the Rookie of the Year title upon entering the professional league.
This accolade underscores Clark's impact and dedication, highlighting her as a role model and trailblazer in women's sports.
Conclusion:
Today's NPR News Now episode provided a comprehensive overview of significant global events, ranging from peaceful Christmas celebrations in conflict zones to tragic incidents and pivotal moments in sports and civil rights. Through engaging narratives and insightful reporting, listeners are kept informed about the multifaceted issues shaping our world.