NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of December 27, 2024, 8PM EST Episode
In the December 27, 2024, episode of NPR News Now, host Jeanine Herbst delivers a comprehensive update on critical global and national events. The episode covers a range of topics, including North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, a disturbing incident in a New York state prison, legal battles surrounding TikTok, and notable obituaries and airline security issues. Below is a detailed summary of each segment, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
North Korean Casualties in the Russia-Ukraine War
The episode opens with alarming news about North Korean troops' significant losses in Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Jeanine Herbst reports that the Biden administration has been closely monitoring North Korea's involvement in the conflict.
Key Points:
- Casualties: National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reveals that approximately 1,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in the past week alone. [00:34]
- Russian Utilization: Kirby emphasizes that Russia is treating North Korean soldiers as expendable assets, highlighting the grim nature of their deployment.
- Skepticism on Peace Talks: Kirby expresses doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements regarding potential peace negotiations with Ukraine. Michelle Kellerman adds, “I mean, just over Christmas Day, he's launching waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian infrastructure. This is not a man who anyone should take seriously when it comes to saying he's ready for a negotiated settlement. He has proven quite the contrary in almost every single possible way.” [00:51]
- U.S. Strategy: The Biden administration aims to strengthen Ukraine's position in anticipation of any future peace discussions.
Notable Quote:
John Kirby: "Russia treats them as expendable." [00:34]
Evacuation of Gaza Hospital Amid Airstrikes
Jeanine Herbst shifts focus to the Middle East, reporting on the Israeli military's controversial decision to evacuate one of Gaza's last functioning hospitals, labeling it a Hamas terror center. The move has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with significant casualties reported from targeted airstrikes.
Key Points:
- Hospital Evacuation: The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation, accusing the hospital of being a Hamas stronghold. [01:17]
- Casualties: Airstrikes targeting the area resulted in the death of at least 50 people overnight.
- Healthcare Crisis: Dr. Mimi Sayed, an American emergency physician in Gaza, discusses the overwhelming influx of patients and the hospital's dire lack of resources. [01:30]
- She states, “We do expect a large influx of patients coming into central Gaza. Where I am here, this hospital is nowhere near equipped to take care of that number of patients or acuity. We are heavily burdened. There are no resources here at the hospital for the patients that are already coming here. I can't imagine what's going to be happening in the next few days.” [01:34]
Notable Quote:
Dr. Mimi Sayed: "There are no resources here at the hospital for the patients that are already coming here." [01:34]
New York State Prison Incident: Body Camera Footage Reveals Abuse
The episode highlights a disturbing incident within the New York state prison system. Letitia James, the New York State Attorney General, has released body camera footage depicting the brutal beating of Robert Brooks, a handcuffed inmate who later died.
Key Points:
- Incident Details: The body camera videos show Brooks being assaulted by multiple correctional employees, who punch and kick him while he appears delirious. [01:53]
- Body Camera Failures: Out of 14 employees present, only four had functioning body cameras, which were not activated and recorded only in standby mode without audio. [02:11]
- Consequences: Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the termination of all 14 employees involved or responsible for failing to intervene. Potential criminal charges are under consideration pending the investigation. [02:11]
- Impact: This revelation underscores ongoing concerns about accountability and abuse within the correctional system.
Notable Quote:
Charles Lane: "The videos capture the moment Robert Brooks was carried to a medical exam room... multiple corrections employees can be seen punching and kicking Brooks..." [02:11]
Legal Battle Over TikTok Ban and Notable News
The latter part of the episode covers a mix of legal, entertainment, and aviation news, providing listeners with a broad spectrum of current events.
Trump Requests Supreme Court Intervention on TikTok Ban
Key Points:
- Legal Action: President-elect Donald Trump is seeking a Supreme Court pause on the enforcement of a nationwide TikTok ban set to take effect on January 19, the day before Inauguration Day. [02:51]
- Court Hearing: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the constitutionality of the ban on January 10th.
- Trump’s Argument: Trump's filing asserts that he has the "consummate deal making expertise to negotiate a way to save TikTok while dealing with national security concerns." [02:51]
Notable Quote:
Trump’s filing claims he possesses, "the consummate deal making expertise to negotiate a way to save TikTok while dealing with national security concerns." [02:51]
Obituary: Singer Sugar Pie DeSanto Passes Away
Key Points:
- Legacy: Sugar Pie DeSanto, a renowned singer who collaborated with Etta James and toured with James Brown, has died at the age of 89. [02:51]
- Tribute: Elizabeth Blair of NPR pays tribute to DeSanto, highlighting her dynamic stage presence and musical contributions. [03:33]
- Achievements: DeSanto received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2008. [04:04]
Notable Quote:
Elizabeth Blair: "Sugar Pie de Santo was a 4 foot 11 dynamic... Doing back flips on stage was one of her trademarks." [03:33]
Delta Air Lines Stowaway Incidents
Key Points:
- Recent Incidents: Delta Air Lines has faced its second stowaway incident in less than a month. [04:13]
- Details: On Christmas Eve, an unticketed passenger boarded a flight from Seattle to Honolulu. The individual was discovered while the flight was taxiing, removed, fled, and was later arrested after being found hiding in the restroom. [04:13]
- Similar Case: This mirrors a recent event where a Russian national boarded a Delta flight from New York to Paris without a boarding pass during the Thanksgiving travel rush. [04:13]
- Security Implications: These incidents raise concerns about airport security protocols and enforcement.
Notable Quote:
Jeanine Herbst: "The individual had passed a TSA security checkpoint and the boarding gate ticket check." [04:13]
Conclusion
The December 27, 2024, episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a succinct yet comprehensive overview of pressing international and domestic issues. From the severe implications of North Korean involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the troubling abuses within New York's prison system, the episode underscores the multifaceted challenges facing the world today. Additionally, legal battles surrounding technology companies, notable cultural losses, and aviation security concerns round out the episode's diverse coverage. Each segment is thoughtfully presented with authoritative voices and poignant observations, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments.