NPR News Now: December 26, 2024, 8 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman | Producer: NPR
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. Ukraine's Power Grid Under Attack

[00:17] Korva Coleman opens the episode with a report on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's power infrastructure.

• President Volodymyr Zelensky shared insights on the defensive efforts:
  “We were able to shoot down 50 of the 70 or so missiles launched Christmas morning by Russia. Ukraine also blocked most of those drones.” [00:33]

• Impact: Despite Ukraine's defenses, at least 20 missiles breached the system, resulting in explosions, fires, and the tragic loss of one utility worker and engineer.

Key Takeaway: The attack underscores the persistent threat to Ukraine's critical infrastructure amidst ongoing hostilities with Russia.

2. Rising Tensions and Protests in Syria

[00:54] Korva Coleman transitions to the Middle East, where tensions are escalating in Syria.

• Dia Hadid reports from Damascus on recent protests sparked by a disturbing video circulating online. The footage allegedly shows militants desecrating an Alawite shrine and committing atrocities against workers:
  “The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the video showed gunmen torching a shrine holy to Alawites and killing five workers and mutilating their bodies.” [01:11]

• Context: These events have ignited protests in Alawite-dominated regions, posing significant security challenges for Syria's new rulers who took power after rebels overtook Damascus in early December.

• Government Stance: Syria's new information minister attributed the unrest to “hidden hands that sought to divide Syrians,” highlighting fears among minorities, especially Alawites, of potential persecution under the new regime.

Key Takeaway: The violence against the Alawite community threatens the fragile stability of Syria's governance and exacerbates sectarian tensions.

3. Delayed Acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel

[02:02] Korva Coleman brings attention to economic developments involving Japan's Nippon Steel.

• Anthony Kuhn reports that Nippon Steel has postponed its acquisition deadline for a U.S. steel company from December to March, a deal valued at over $14 billion.

• Reason for Delay:
  “Nippon Steel said it's pushing back the deadline because President Joe Biden is still reviewing the deal as part of justice antitrust authorities.” [02:14]

• Political Implications: Both President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have expressed opposition, citing national security concerns over a foreign firm's control of a significant U.S. industry.

• Public Sentiment: The delay has stirred mixed feelings, with some Japanese nationals feeling insulted by U.S. officials who praise Japan as a key ally in certain contexts while simultaneously questioning it as a security risk.

Key Takeaway: The acquisition delay highlights the intricate balance between international business interests and national security considerations in U.S.-Japan relations.

4. U.S. Ambassador to Panama and the Panama Canal

[02:59] Korva Coleman updates on U.S. diplomatic appointments and geopolitical assertions.

• Appointment: President-elect Trump has nominated Kevin Marina Cabrera, a Florida County Commissioner, as the new U.S. Ambassador to Panama.

• Controversial Statement: Trump continues to advocate for the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal, a stance firmly rejected by Panama’s president.

Key Takeaway: This development underscores ongoing tensions over sovereignty and strategic control of key international waterways.

5. Mysterious Crash of Azerbaijani Passenger Plane

[03:31] Korva Coleman touches on a tragic aviation incident with unclear circumstances.

• Incident Details: A passenger plane from Azerbaijan crash-landed in Kazakhstan en route to Russia, resulting in over half of the passengers' deaths.

• Conflicting Explanations: Russian state TV attributes the crash to a bird strike, whereas some aviation experts speculate possible interference from Russian defense systems.

Key Takeaway: The ambiguity surrounding the plane crash raises concerns about aviation safety and potential geopolitical maneuvers.

6. Insights into Early Earth Biodiversity

[03:50] Jessica Young delves into a scientific study exploring the diversity of early life on Earth.

• Research Overview: Led by Xuhai Xiao of Virginia Tech, the study utilizes fossil data spanning back to the pre-Cambrian era to assess species diversity over geological time.

• Methodology:
  “Kind of like in an election, right? So the pollster would take a small sample of the voters and they get an idea, you know, what the voting result will look like.” [04:05]

• Findings:

  • Boring Billion Period (1.8 billion years ago): Biodiversity remained low and stable.
  • Post-Ice Ages: Two significant ice ages were followed by rapid increases in species diversity, leading Xiao to hypothesize that ice ages may have acted as evolutionary reset points.

Key Takeaway: This study enhances our understanding of life's resilience and adaptability in response to Earth's changing climates over billions of years.

7. Winter Storms and Power Outages in the Pacific Northwest

[04:33] Korva Coleman concludes with a domestic weather report affecting the Pacific Northwest.

• Weather Alert: Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect from Washington state to Utah due to a series of atmospheric river events.

• Impact: The tracking site Poweroutage US reports that nearly 70 million customers in Washington and Oregon are currently without power.

Key Takeaway: The severe weather conditions are causing widespread disruptions, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather patterns.

This summary provides an overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on December 26, 2024. For detailed information, listeners are encouraged to access the full episode through NPR's platforms.