NPR News Now: December 27, 2024, 6 PM EST

Live from NPR News, this episode of "NPR News Now" covers a range of significant events happening around the world and within the United States. From international aviation incidents and political upheavals to rising homelessness and disruptions in the arts, here's a comprehensive summary of today's top stories.

International Affairs

Azerbaijani Passenger Plane Crash in Kazakhstan

Tragedy struck Wednesday when an Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed in Kazakhstan. The White House is actively monitoring the investigation into this incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the crash resulted from "physical and technical external interference" (00:17).

NPR's Windsor Johnston detailed that the jet was en route from Azerbaijan's capital to Chechnya, Russia, before being diverted. The National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, indicated the possibility of Russian involvement, stating at [00:52]:

"We have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense system."

However, Kirby also emphasized the U.S. readiness to assist in the investigation if needed. Images of the plane's tail revealed damage consistent with explosives, leading Azerbaijan Airlines to suspend flights to Russian airports. Moscow, meanwhile, has denied any involvement in the crash.

South Korean Political Crisis

Impeachment of Acting President Han Dak Soo

In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's parliament has impeached acting President Han Dak Soo, marking the first instance of impeaching an acting president in the nation's history (01:07). This development comes less than a month after the impeachment of President Yoon Sung Yeol, who was removed from office for imposing martial law.

Anthony Kuhn of NPR elaborated on the situation:

The opposition party, which controls the parliament, alleges that Han refused to appoint three justices to fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court—a body responsible for ruling on President Yoon's impeachment. Hahn contends that such appointments are the president's prerogative. However, the opposition points out that Han vetoed bills to appoint special counsels to investigate President Yoon and his wife and did not oppose the implementation of martial law. Essentially, they argue he was protecting Yoon.

With the impeachment of Han Dak Soo, Finance Minister Chae Sun Mok has assumed the role of acting president, highlighting the severity of the ongoing political crisis in South Korea, a key democracy in Asia.

U.S. Domestic Issues

Record High in Homelessness

The United States is grappling with a surge in homelessness, with numbers reaching over 770,000 individuals—a record high (02:12). This increase represents an 18% rise from the previous year, as reported by NPR's Jennifer Ludden. Contributing factors include soaring housing costs and a recent influx of migrants.

Jeff Olivet, the former head of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, commented before stepping down:

"A lot of families, a lot of households, a lot of individuals are still struggling. I think we're still in for deeply poor people. A real recovery from the pandemic."

Despite these alarming statistics, there is some positive news. The federal housing agency anticipates that the numbers may have decreased since the January count, citing drops in migrant populations in cities like Denver and Chicago following President Biden's restrictions on asylum seekers. Additionally, rising rents in certain areas have begun to stabilize or even decline.

Arts and Culture

Cancellation of Broadway's "Gypsy" Revival

The Broadway revival of the classic musical "Gypsy," featuring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, has canceled its performance scheduled for this evening (03:14). This marks the fifth cancellation during the lucrative holiday season. The producers attributed the cancellations to illness within the company.

Audra McDonald had previously posted on Instagram on December 22, 03:38, expressing concern:

"Everything's coming up roses."

Despite the optimistic sentiment and rave reviews since the show's opening on December 19, McDonald's subsequent health issues led to the decision to cancel performances. This setback comes at a critical time when the week between Christmas and New Year's typically generates the highest ticket sales for Broadway productions.

Transportation News

Delta Air Lines Stowaway Incident

Delta Air Lines issued another apology following an incident where an unticketed passenger boarded a flight from Seattle to Honolulu on Christmas Eve (04:25). This is the second such occurrence within a month. The stowaway was discovered while the flight was taxiing and was promptly removed. The individual evaded initial apprehension by hiding in the restroom but was later found and arrested for trespassing. Notably, the person had successfully passed through both TSA security checkpoints and the boarding gate without a valid ticket.

Jeanine Herbst reported on the unfolding situation, highlighting concerns over airport security measures and the ease with which the individual bypassed standard protocols.

Conclusion

Today's episode of "NPR News Now" delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing international incidents, significant political developments in South Korea, escalating homelessness in the United States, challenges in the Broadway scene, and security lapses in air travel. These stories underscore the multifaceted nature of current global and domestic issues, reflecting the complex landscape leaders and communities must navigate.

For more detailed coverage of these stories and other news updates, visit NPR's website or tune in to future episodes of "NPR News Now."