NPR News Now: December 30, 2024 Episode Summary

Released: December 30, 2024

1. Former President Jimmy Carter Passes Away

Host: Dale Willman

The podcast begins with the somber news of the passing of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. Having spent the last two years in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, Carter is recognized as the longest-lived American president.

President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, stating, “[Entire] Carter family, on behalf of the world, the whole nation, we send our whole heartfelt sympathies and gratitude, our gratitude for sharing President Carter with us for so many years. You know, Jimmy Carter stands as a model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose, life of principle, faith and humility, his life dedicated to others” ([00:42]).

Analysis of Carter’s Presidency: NPR's Stephen Fowler delves into Carter’s tenure, highlighting the myriad challenges he faced:

• Economic Struggles: Carter's administration grappled with an energy crisis and soaring inflation, contributing to his unpopularity.

• International Crises: The Iran hostage situation was a pivotal event that overshadowed his presidency and played a significant role in his defeat by Ronald Reagan after just one term ([01:27]).

Post-Presidency Contributions: After leaving office, Carter earned acclaim as a humanitarian and democracy advocate. His volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and his receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize underscore his lasting impact beyond his presidential legacy.

2. Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Downing Airliner

Host: Dale Willman

A tragic aviation incident has emerged as Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev holds Russia accountable for the recent crash of an Azerbaijani airliner. The plane, en route from Baku to a Russian city, crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities and leaving 29 survivors.

President Ilham Aliyev’s Statement: In an interview broadcasted on Azerbaijan television, Aliyev asserted, “we can say with complete clarity the plane was shot down by Russia” ([02:32]). While he mentioned there is no evidence Russia intended to strike the passenger liner, he criticized Russian officials for their initial denials and the dissemination of misleading information. Aliyev called on Russia to prosecute those responsible and to provide compensation to the affected families.

Details of the Incident: The aircraft began exhibiting erratic flight patterns before ultimately crashing. Aliyev has engaged in at least two discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the incident, although specific details of their exchanges remain undisclosed ([02:32]).

3. Tragic Death of Sasquatch Hunters in Washington

Host: Dale Willman

In a heartbreaking story from Washington state, two men from Portland, Oregon, lost their lives while searching for the legendary creature known as Bigfoot.

Details of the Incident: Chandelyse Duster reports that a 37-year-old man and a 59-year-old man embarked on a three-day expedition in eastern Skamania County, within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, starting on Christmas Day. They were expected to return by Christmas Eve but were reported missing shortly thereafter.

Cause of Death: Authorities discovered the men deceased in a heavily wooded area, with initial reports indicating that their deaths were likely due to exposure, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and insufficient preparation ([03:30]).

Bigfoot Context: The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization notes over 700 sightings in Washington state alone. Legal repercussions exist in Skamania County for harming the mythical creature, which can result in jail time.

4. Box Office Highlights for the Weekend

Host: Dale Willman

Shifting to lighter news, the podcast covers the latest box office successes over the weekend:

• "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" emerged as the top-grossing family film, amassing $38 million from North American theaters ([04:19]).

• "Mufasa" closely followed with a $37.1 million take ([04:19]).

• In the horror genre, the R-rated "Nosferatu" had a robust opening weekend, earning $21.1 million ([04:19]).

• Thanksgiving release holdovers, "Wicked" and "Moana 2", continued to perform well, rounding out the weekend’s top five films ([04:19]).

These figures indicate a strong showing for both family-friendly and genre-specific films, highlighting diverse audience interests during the holiday season.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive roundup of significant events, from the passing of a revered statesman and international aviation tensions to a tragic local incident and notable entertainment industry updates. By presenting detailed reports and including poignant quotes from key figures, the summary offers listeners a thorough understanding of the day's major stories.