NPR News Now: December 30, 2024

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

Timestamp: [00:19]

Korva Coleman opens the episode with the somber news of former President Jimmy Carter's death. Carter passed away after nearly two years under hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia.

• President Joe Biden reflected on Carter's legacy, stating, "It is a testament to Carter's decency and decades of work after leaving office that millions of people all over the world feel like they lost a friend, too, even if they've never met him." [00:45]

• Jimmy Carter was remembered by Biden as someone with "compassion and moral clarity", highlighting Carter's global humanitarian efforts: "And his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe." [01:00]

Biden shared his condolences following conversations with the Carter family, noting that funeral arrangements are in progress. This marks the end of an era for a leader who significantly impacted both national and international communities.

2. Deadly South Korean Passenger Jet Crash

Timestamp: [01:18]

A tragic aviation incident occurred at Muon Airport, South Korea, where a passenger jet crash-landed, resulting in 179 fatalities with only two survivors. The accident, the deadliest in South Korean history, happened when the aircraft's landing gear failed to deploy, causing it to skid off the tarmac, crash into a concrete fence, and explode.

NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports that South Korean investigators are also pursuing legal action against the country's impeached President Yoon Sung Yol. Yoon faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power due to his controversial declaration of martial law. This development marks the first instance of a sitting South Korean president being sought for arrest.

• Acting President Choi Sang Mok, who succeeded Yoon, was present at the airport, offering support to the families affected by the disaster: "We're here to comfort those who have lost loved ones in this tragic event." [01:52]

This incident has compounded the political turmoil in South Korea, with calls for accountability at the highest levels of government.

3. Rising Homelessness in the United States

Timestamp: [02:32]

The U.S. government's annual homelessness count reveals an alarming 18% increase from the previous year. The surge is attributed primarily to the shortage of affordable housing, exacerbated by soaring rent and mortgage costs. This housing crisis has led to a stagnant real estate market, where homeowners are hesitant to sell, and potential buyers are priced out.

NPR's Laurel Walmsley explains, "We're on track for 2024 to have the fewest existing home sales since 1995. That's almost 30 years ago when the country's population was more than 20% smaller than it is now." [03:00]

The lack of affordable housing options not only affects those without homes but also traps existing homeowners in unaffordable situations, preventing them from moving or selling their properties.

4. Severe Storms Devastate the Southern United States

Timestamp: [03:13]

Across the Southern U.S., deadly storms have led to multiple fatalities and widespread damage over the weekend. States from North Carolina to Texas experienced numerous tornadoes, flash flooding, and significant power outages. Thousands of residents were left without electricity for extended periods, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.

5. Political Turmoil in Georgia Amid Election Controversies

Timestamp: [03:18]

In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, political unrest continues as a new president, a former professional soccer player, takes office. However, the outgoing president, Salome Zurabishvili, refuses to relinquish power, alleging fraud in the recent elections orchestrated by the ruling Georgian Dream Party.

NPR's Terry Schultz reports that European Union (EU) leaders are urging Georgian authorities to conduct new elections due to widespread allegations of voting irregularities. Massive protests have erupted, with thousands rallying against the perceived corruption and the ruling party's actions, which have stalled Georgia's EU membership aspirations.

• Salome Zurabishvili declared, "I refuse to concede to Mikhail Kavila, insisting the October parliamentary elections and his election as president this month were invalidated by fraud perpetrated by the ruling Georgian Dream Party." [03:54]

Despite the pressure from both domestic protesters and EU officials, the Georgian Dream Party remains firm in its stance, continuing to block the country's EU membership bid and maintaining control over the political landscape.

6. Health Update on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Timestamp: [04:39]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently hospitalized following a successful surgery to remove his prostate. Medical professionals confirm that there is no immediate threat of cancer.

Netanyahu's office has provided updates indicating that he is conscious and recuperating in a bomb-proof underground facility, ensuring his safety and continued leadership amidst ongoing regional tensions.

• Korva Coleman reports, "Doctors for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say he's recovering in the hospital after successful surgery to remove his prostate. They say there's no fear of cancer." [04:39]

The Prime Minister's condition is stable, and his recovery is expected to proceed without complications, allowing him to return to his duties soon.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, intros, and outros, focusing solely on delivering the core news content for December 30, 2024.