NPR News Now – December 25, 2024, 5 PM EST

1. Protests Erupt in Syria Over Burning of Alawite Shrine

Reported by Dia Hadid [00:17]

Protests have broken out in regions of Syria predominantly inhabited by the Alawite minority following the dissemination of a disturbing video online. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the video depicted gunmen torching a shrine sacred to the Alawite community and murdering five workers, who were subsequently found with mutilated bodies [00:33].

These protests present a significant security challenge for Syria's new governing authorities, who assumed power after rebel forces overran Damascus in early December. The rebels are led by a Muslim group known as HTS, raising fears among minority groups about potential persecution. The Alawites, in particular, feel threatened due to their historical association with Bashar al-Assad's regime, as Assad himself is an Alawite.

Syria's new information minister attributed the unrest to "hidden hands that sought to divide Syrians," highlighting concerns over internal divisions [00:56]. The situation remains tense as the government strives to maintain stability amidst escalating sectarian tensions. (Dia Hadid, [00:33])

2. North Carolina Invests in Mental Health Recovery Post-Hurricane Helene

Reported by Katia Riddle [01:25]

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck North Carolina over two months ago, the state is allocating millions of dollars toward mental health recovery initiatives. Katia Riddle reports that children are among the most affected, with thousands of students requiring assistance to process their traumatic experiences to prevent the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [01:35].

Pakovia Levitt, a representative from North Carolina schools, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this effort, stating, "I would love for there to be a nice blueprint and be able to really pull out the pieces that you need, but it's very hard to find" [01:55]. Efforts are being made to model recovery strategies from coastal regions of North Carolina, which have a longer history of hurricane preparedness [02:04]. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the resilience and mental health support systems across the state. (Katia Riddle, [01:55])

3. State Election Officials Unaware of Federal Special Election Laws

Reported by Hansi Lo Wang [02:16]

A congressional watchdog has uncovered that a significant number of state election officials are unaware of a crucial federal law regarding the management of extraordinary vacancies in Congress. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that over half of the 33 state election officials surveyed were not familiar with the 2005 law, which mandates that states hold special elections within 49 days for more than 100 vacant House seats following the Speaker's confirmation [02:30].

This law was originally enacted in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, aiming to ensure continuity in legislative representation. However, two decades later, increased threats to Congress members and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the states' readiness to execute this law effectively. Challenges highlighted by the GAO include the swift selection of candidates and the preparation of ballots within the stipulated timeframe [02:30].

Hansi Lo Wang noted that while the Constitution allows states to decide if governors can appoint temporary replacements, the lack of awareness poses potential hurdles in maintaining congressional functionality during mass vacancies. (Hansi Lo Wang, [02:30])

4. Archaeological Findings Illuminate Ancient Human-Dog Bond

Reported by Emily Kwong [03:12]

Exploring the deep-rooted relationship between humans and canids, Emily Kwong reports on new archaeological evidence that sheds light on the domestication of dogs and wolves. The findings suggest that canids were likely domesticated in Eurasia, with evidence indicating that humans crossing the Bering Strait thousands of years ago brought these animals with them [03:32].

A pivotal discovery involves a 12,000-year-old leg bone unearthed in Fairbanks, Alaska, which contained fossilized salmon protein [03:56]. Dia Hadid interjects, "Salmons are not naturally available in big quantities in a place like Fairbanks," highlighting the anomaly [03:56].

Lead author Francois Lannoy from the University of Arizona posits that the presence of salmon in the wolf's bone strongly suggests that the animal was fed salmon by human companions, rather than sourcing it naturally [04:00]. This finding supports theories of early mutualistic relationships between humans and canines, indicating a symbiotic bond that likely contributed to the survival and success of both species. (Emily Kwong, [03:56])

5. King Charles Delivers Christmas Message Amid Global Crises and Personal Battles

Reported by Dia Hadid [04:15]

In his annual Christmas message, Britain's King Charles extended wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season while acknowledging the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions [04:15]. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards doctors and nurses, both for their contributions worldwide and personally, as he and his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, underwent treatment for cancer [04:34].

Breaking from tradition, King Charles delivered his speech from the Middlesex Hospital in London rather than from one of his castles. He stated, "I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement" [04:36]. This personal and humble setting underscored the monarch's resilience and connection to those facing similar challenges, bridging royal duties with genuine personal experience. (Dia Hadid, [04:36])

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