NPR News Now: December 28, 2024 – Detailed Summary

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Release Date: December 28, 2024

1. Legal Battle Over TikTok Ban

President-Elect Donald Trump's Appeal to Supreme Court

President-elect Donald Trump is actively seeking a pause on the enforcement of a nationwide ban on TikTok, slated to take effect on January 19, just one day before Inauguration Day. This move comes amid ongoing legal challenges concerning the constitutionality of the proposed ban.

• Bobby Allen, NPR News, reports:
  "President elect Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to pause enforcement of a law that bans TikTok nationwide on January 19, the day before Inauguration Day." (00:38)

Trump emphasizes his negotiation skills, claiming he can address national security concerns while preserving TikTok's operations. However, he refrains from commenting on the legal specifics that the Supreme Court is set to deliberate on January 10.

• Bobby Allen adds:
  "Trump did not take a position on the legal questions facing TikTok, which the court will hear arguments over on January 10th." (00:38)

The Justice Department maintains that TikTok's Chinese ownership poses a national security threat, pushing for the ban to safeguard American data and privacy.

2. Conflict in Gaza: Hospital Destroyed

Israeli Operations Lead to Destruction of Gaza Hospital

Gaza's health ministry has reported a devastating incident where Israeli troops burned one of the last functioning hospitals in the northern part of the enclave. This occurred after the forcible removal of hospital staff and patients, marking the latest in a series of attacks over the past three months targeting healthcare facilities amidst Israeli operations against Hamas.

• Jeanine Herbst states:
  "Gaza's health ministry says Israeli troops burned one of the last functioning hospitals in the northern part of the enclave after forcibly removing staff and patients." (01:22)

Israel defends its actions, asserting that these operations are necessary to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and eliminate militants in the region.

3. Kazakhstan Passenger Jet Crash Investigation

Potential Russian Involvement in Tragic Plane Crash

A recent passenger jet crash in Kazakhstan, resulting in the loss of at least 38 lives, is under intense investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Russian air defense systems may have inadvertently targeted the civilian aircraft.

• John Kirby, U.S. National Security Communications Adviser, commented:
  "It's possible Russian weapons hit the civilian plane." (02:16)

Further details emerged as Azerbaijan Airlines officials indicated that external interference likely played a role in the crash, leading to the suspension of flights to Russian airports.

• Brian Mann, NPR News, reports:
  "The Azerbaijani jetliner crashed in Kazakhstan while en route to a city in Russia Wednesday with 67 passengers and crew on board. 29 people survived." (01:58)
  "Azerbaijan Airlines officials said in a statement it appears external interference impacted the plane." (02:29)

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek definitive answers.

4. Surge in Homelessness in the United States

Housing Crisis and Other Factors Fuel Homelessness Increase

The United States is witnessing a significant rise in homelessness, attributed primarily to the scarcity of affordable housing, severe natural disasters, and an influx of migrants in various regions. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported an 18.1% increase in homelessness, totaling over 700,000 individuals, many of whom are experiencing homelessness for the first time.

• Jeanine Herbst highlights:
  "The Department of Housing and Urban Development says homelessness rose 18.1%, with more than 700,000 people counted as unhoused, many facing homelessness for the first time." (02:45)
  "There was a 40% increase in the number of unhoused families." (02:45)

This surge builds on a previous 12% increase in 2023, signaling a worsening crisis that demands urgent policy intervention and support systems.

5. Chinese Espionage Linked to Telecoms Firms Hack

Expanding Cyber Espionage Campaign Targeting U.S. Telecoms

A top White House official revealed that a ninth U.S. telecommunications firm has been compromised as part of a broad Chinese espionage campaign. This breach has allegedly granted Beijing access to private American texts and phone conversations.

• Deputy National Security Adviser Ann Neuberger explained:
  "The ninth victim was identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits and in their networks." (02:45)

The administration's proactive measures, including releasing guidelines for companies to detect and mitigate Chinese interference, have been instrumental in uncovering these espionage activities.

6. Broadway's Gypsy Revival Canceled Amid Illness

Audra McDonald's Gypsy Faces Performance Halt Due to Health Issues

The Broadway revival of Gypsy, starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, has canceled its latest performance, marking the fifth cancellation during the peak holiday season. Producers attribute the cancellations to illnesses sweeping through the cast and crew.

• Jeff Ludden, NPR News in New York, reports:
  "Gypsy opened on December 19th." (04:03)
  "And everything was coming up roses. The reviews were raves. Audiences were flocking to see Gypsy on Broadway." (04:05)
  "Audra McDonald posted a picture of herself on Instagram breathing through a humidifier mask, asking audiences to be understanding as a bug was making its way through the cast and crew." (04:09)

The timing is particularly critical, as the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's is traditionally the most lucrative period for Broadway, with premium ticket sales driven by festive theatergoers.

7. Wall Street Closes Lower

Stock Markets Experience a Sharp Decline

Wall Street concluded the day with a notable downturn, closing sharply lower. Investors remain cautious amid ongoing global uncertainties and domestic challenges.

• Jeanine Herbst notes:
  "Wall street was sharply lower by the closing bell." (04:50)

The dip reflects broader economic concerns, including inflation rates, interest rate adjustments, and geopolitical tensions influencing market sentiments.

This summary encapsulates the key developments and discussions from NPR News Now's December 28, 2024, episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who were unable to listen.