NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of December 28, 2024 Episode
Release Date: December 28, 2024
Host: Dale Willman
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
1. Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Hospital
Timestamp: [00:19] – [00:44]
In a concerning escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the United Nations reported that the Israeli military launched an airstrike targeting the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza governorate overnight. UN spokeswoman Stephanie Tremblay stated:
“An airstrike near Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza governorate last night reportedly killed dozens of people, including health workers. Today, we are also told by our colleagues that staff, patients and their companions were forced out of the facility.”
[00:28]
Further details from the Gaza Health Ministry revealed that Israeli troops compelled patients and hospital staff to evacuate the premises and remove their clothing. In response, the Israeli military asserted that the hospital was being used as a base by Hamas fighters, a claim lacking concrete evidence. Hospital officials have vehemently denied these allegations and highlighted that the facility has been subjected to multiple attacks over the past three months without substantiating the military's claims.
2. U.S. Homelessness Reaches New High
Timestamp: [00:44] – [01:43]
The United States is grappling with a surge in homelessness, with the latest federal count revealing over 770,000 individuals experiencing homelessness—a record high reflecting an 18% increase from the previous year. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reported:
“The homelessness count is up a whopping 18% from last year.”
[01:24]
Jeff Olivet, who recently resigned as head of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, commented on the persistent struggles faced by families and individuals:
“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.”
[01:34]
Despite the grim numbers, Ludden noted that the January count might not fully capture recent improvements. Factors such as a reduction in migrant influx following President Biden's policy adjustments on asylum seekers and stabilization or decrease in rising rents in cities like Denver and Chicago may have contributed to a potential decline in homelessness since the count.
3. Stock Market Ends Week Slightly Up Despite Tech Slump
Timestamp: [02:07] – [02:19]
The stock market concluded a notably quiet week with modest gains, even after a slight downturn on Friday. NPR's Rafael Nam provided insights into the market dynamics:
“Many investors are off during the holidays, and those who remain are mainly paying attention to whether markets will experience the Santa Claus rally.”
[02:19]
While the period between Christmas and the New Year traditionally favors a Santa Claus rally—characterized by positive stock performance—this year's outlook remains uncertain. Although the markets initiated the week on a strong note, momentum waned towards the end, primarily due to a retreat in technology stocks. Nevertheless, major indices ended the week on an uptrend, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average breaking a three-week losing streak.
4. Fatal Traffic Collision in Mexico's Gulf Coast
Timestamp: [02:58] – [03:44]
A tragic accident occurred on Mexico's Gulf Coast when a bus collided with a truck near the state Capitol highway. The collision resulted in eight fatalities and left 27 individuals injured, who are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. Authorities are actively investigating the causes of this devastating incident.
5. Holiday Travel Disruptions in the UK Due to Fog
Timestamp: [02:58] – [03:44]
Holiday travelers navigating through the United Kingdom faced significant delays on Friday due to widespread fog conditions affecting three major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick in London, and Manchester Airport. Despite the challenging weather, a spokesperson from Manchester Airport assured passengers that most delays were brief and manageable, minimizing prolonged disruptions.
6. Olivia Hussey, Star of "Romeo and Juliet," Passes Away
Timestamp: [02:58] – [04:30]
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Olivia Hussey, the Argentinian-born actress renowned for her iconic role as Juliet in the 1968 Shakespearean classic "Romeo and Juliet." Steve Futterman reported:
“Hussey burst upon the big screen in 1968 as a fresh teenager. She was just 15 years old when she was cast to play Juliet in the Shakespeare classic oh Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo? It was a worldwide success.”
[03:44]
Hussey's performance earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Female Newcomer. Her illustrious career included roles in films like the cult classic "Black Christmas" and "Death on the Nile." In recent years, Hussey had stood by the integrity of her groundbreaking yet brief nude scene in "Romeo and Juliet." However, she was also involved in a significant legal battle last year, being part of a $500 million lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual harassment and abuse, which was ultimately dismissed.
7. College Sports Highlights: Vanderbilt, Navy, and More Triumph
Timestamp: [04:30] – [04:58]
In the realm of college sports, several teams secured notable victories:
- Vanderbilt celebrated its first winning season since 2013 with a 35-27 triumph over Georgia Tech, featuring Diego Pavia's impressive three touchdown passes.
- Navy's Blake Horvath set a school record with a 95-yard touchdown run, leading the midshipmen to a close 21-20 victory over Oklahoma.
- Syracuse dominated Washington State with a 52-35 win.
- Arkansas overcame Texas Tech decisively, ending the game 39-6.
- USC edged out Texas A&M in a high-scoring match, finishing at 35-31.
These victories mark significant achievements for the respective programs, highlighting outstanding individual performances and team resilience.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key news segments from NPR's December 28, 2024, episode, providing listeners with an informative overview of the day's major events and developments.