NPR News Now: December 26, 2024, 9 PM EST Summary

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Source: NPR News

World Health Organization Leader Caught in Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen

NPR News begins with a critical international incident involving the World Health Organization (WHO). Jeanine Herbst reports that Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the WHO, was present in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, during a devastating attack by Israeli airstrikes.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the harrowing experience:

“I was just about to board a plane in the Yemeni city of Sana'a when the airport came under bombardment” (00:32).

The strikes resulted in significant damage to the airport's infrastructure, including the air traffic control tower, the departure lounge, and the runway. Tragically, one crew member was injured, and two individuals lost their lives. Dr. Tedros was in Yemen with the dual purpose of negotiating the release of detained UN staff and assessing the broader humanitarian situation amidst ongoing conflicts.

Israel's actions are part of a broader strategy to target Houthi leaders and infrastructure in response to the group's continued missile attacks since the escalation of the Gaza war last year. The situation underscores the volatile security landscape in Yemen and its impact on international humanitarian efforts.

President Biden Vetoes Federal Judgeships Expansion Bill

In domestic news, Jeanine Herbst covers President Joe Biden's recent decision to veto a significant bill aimed at addressing the judicial backlog in the United States. Asma Khalid provides an in-depth analysis of this political move.

The bill in question proposed the creation of 66 new federal judgeships over the next three presidential terms. Despite strong bipartisan support, particularly in the Senate during the summer, the initiative faced delays in the House of Representatives until the election of Donald Trump in November.

President Biden justified his veto by highlighting procedural concerns:

“The House's actions were hurried, and the bill fails to resolve questions about how the new judgeships are allocated” (01:31).

Senator Todd Young, the Republican lead author from Indiana, criticized the veto as a manifestation of “partisan politics at its worst” (01:31). This legislative standoff reflects deeper divisions within Congress and raises questions about the future of judicial appointments and efforts to alleviate the backlog in federal courts.

Health Officials Warn Against Raw Pet Food Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

Shifting to public health, Jeanine Herbst reports on alarming developments regarding bird flu's impact on pets. Health authorities have issued warnings against feeding raw pet food, following the detection of the virus in a specific brand. Reports of cats falling ill and dying have heightened concerns.

Michael Bailey, a veterinarian and incoming president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, emphasized the risks:

“There have been some reports of cats particularly acquiring bird flu predominantly from raw food sources” (02:42).

Bird flu, historically prevalent in wild birds and various domestic poultry, has now been confirmed in dairy cattle in the United States since March. The virus poses a serious threat to animals consuming raw meat, especially those products made with turkey or other poultry, which can harbor the virus. One notable case involved Northwest Naturals, a pet food brand that issued a recall after a cat succumbed to bird flu. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with raw pet food consumption.

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Parsons, Renowned Business Troubleshooter, Passes Away

In a poignant segment, Jeanine Herbst announces the passing of Richard Parsons, a distinguished figure in the business world. At 76 years old, Parsons was celebrated for his exceptional ability to turn around struggling companies.

Rafael Nam details Parsons’ illustrious career:

“Known for his affable personality, Parsons is remembered as one of the business world's most prominent black leaders” (03:35).

Born in New York, Parsons began his career in law before moving to the Dime Savings Bank of New York in the late 1980s, where he first made his mark by steering the lender through a savings and loans crisis. His reputation as a troubleshooter was further solidified through his roles at Time Warner and Citigroup. Despite the controversial sale of Time Warner to AOL, often cited as one of the worst corporate deals, Parsons was credited with vital contributions that helped stabilize and save these institutions during turbulent times.

Additionally, his leadership extended to the sports industry, where he took on a turnaround role with the Los Angeles Clippers, enhancing his legacy as the ultimate troubleshooter in both corporate and sports management arenas.

Rising Mortgage Rates Continue Trend Amid Economic Uncertainty

The economic outlook remains tense as Jeanine Herbst reports on the latest trends in mortgage rates. Freddie Mac has indicated that the average 30-year mortgage rate has risen to 6.8%, marking the highest level since mid-July. This increase follows a consecutive week of rises, reflecting broader economic pressures.

Economists predict that mortgage rates are likely to stay above 6% for the forthcoming year, impacting both new homebuyers and those looking to refinance existing mortgages. Additionally, the 15-year mortgage note has also seen an uptick, now averaging 6%.

This rise in mortgage rates comes at a time when US futures contracts are trading lower, signaling potential challenges for the housing market and broader economic stability. The sustained increase in borrowing costs may slow down the real estate market and affect consumer spending, contributing to ongoing economic uncertainty.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode on December 26, 2024, providing listeners with a detailed overview of significant global and domestic issues covered during the broadcast.