Summary of NPR News Now - December 29, 2024, 8AM EST

1. Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea

In one of South Korea's most devastating aviation disasters, a passenger plane operated by budget carrier Jeju Air crashed while attempting to land at Muon Airport in southwest Cholla Province, approximately 179 miles southwest of Seoul. The tragic event resulted in the loss of 100 lives, with only two survivors rescued from the wreckage.

NPR's Anthony Kuhn reported on the incident:
“[00:40] A flight belonging to budget carrier Jeju Air was returning from Bangkok, Thailand. It landed at Muon Airport... the plane's landing gear malfunctioned. It veered off the runway, crashed into a fence and caught fire.”

Emergency responders quickly acted to extinguish the flames and evacuate passengers. Authorities are currently investigating the precise causes of both the crash and the ensuing fire.

2. Azerbaijan-Russia Tensions Over Plane Crash

Amidst the aviation tragedy, heightened tensions have emerged between Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijan's president has alleged that the crashed passenger plane was damaged by fire originating from Russian ground forces. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an apology to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev but refrained from accepting responsibility.

President Aliyev claimed:
“[01:07] Russia did not shoot down the plane intentionally, but I accuse Russia of trying to hush it up.”

The Kremlin has stated that Russian air defense systems were actively deflecting a Ukrainian drone strike over southern Russia at the time the plane was hit. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, adding strain to already delicate diplomatic relations.

3. Rising Cold-Related Deaths in the United States

A concerning study highlighted by NPR's Martha Beebinger reveals that deaths linked to deep cold in the United States have nearly doubled from 2017 to 2022, despite a general increase in annual temperatures. Published in the journal JAMA, the study underscores the paradoxical effects of global warming, which is contributing to more frequent and severe bouts of both extreme heat and cold.

Study co-author Michael Liu explained:
“[01:49] The findings may be counterintuitive, but researchers say the US is seeing periods of extreme heat and cold as the atmosphere warms. There's been a lot of focus on health risks linked to heat, but cold is dangerous as well, and I think that's.”

Martha Beebinger added:
“[02:06] Especially important as we move into the winter season. And many, if not most of these deaths are entirely preventable as well.”

Factors contributing to the rise in cold-related fatalities include an aging population less able to withstand extreme temperatures and an increase in the number of Americans without stable housing.

4. Political Unrest in Georgia Amid New Presidency

In Georgia, newly inaugurated President Mikhail Kavalashvili faces significant opposition and widespread protests in the capital, Tbilisi. The BBC's Rehan Dimitri reports that hundreds have taken to the streets, accusing the Georgian Dream government of election fraud following contentious elections earlier in the month.

Rehan Dimitri noted:
“[02:38] Georgia's pro-Western part of the society... they are saying that the elections were stolen and they have been demanding since the end of October for Georgian Dream government to agree to hold new elections.”

The protests have intensified following a declaration by the country's prime minister, who announced a four-year postponement of Georgia's European Union integration process, further fueling public dissent and calls for electoral transparency.

5. Croatia's Presidential Election Heats Up

Croatia is gearing up for its presidential elections, with incumbent President Zorin Milanovic leading the race against seven challengers. Terry Schultz reports that while Milanovic holds a comfortable lead in the polls, he is unlikely to secure over 50% of the vote, necessitating a runoff in January.

Terry Schultz highlighted:
“[03:15] Croatian President Zorin Milanovic faces seven opponents in his battle for re-election. Polls put him comfortably ahead, but unlikely to gain 50% of the vote, requiring a second round in January.”

Milanovic, often compared to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his combative style and skepticism towards international organizations, has positioned immigration as Croatia's foremost challenge despite the country's membership in the European Union and NATO. His main rival, Dragan Primoret, accuses him of being pro-Russian and argues that Croatia should align more closely with Western allies. Milanovic's stance has also led him to block Croatia's participation in the EU mission to train Ukrainian soldiers, a move that has sparked debate within the electorate.

6. Tennessee Introduces Law Enhancing Parental Control Over Children's Online Activities

In Tennessee, a new law titled the Protecting Children from Social Media Act is set to take effect in the coming year, granting parents greater authority over their children's online interactions. The legislation mandates that social media platforms must obtain parental permission or verify the age of users under 18 before allowing account creation.

Brian Trojam, a Tennessee resident supporting the initiative, shared his views:
“[04:29] With the social pressures, peer pressure and with all the discussions today around mental health, that's definitely a big issue. A lot of peer pressure comes from social media. So that's one of the things that we want to make sure that we are very aware of.”

The law aims to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on youth mental health by empowering parents to oversee and regulate their children's digital presence more effectively, addressing growing concerns about online peer pressure and mental well-being.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key news segments from the December 29, 2024, episode of NPR News Now, providing an informative and engaging overview for those who haven't tuned in.