NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-23-2024 4PM EST

Episode Date: December 23, 2024

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Hi, I'm Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR, where we're guided by a bold mission, to create a more informed public. Join us today by giving at donate.npr.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The House Ethics Committee has released its report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz. The panel had launched an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use by the Florida Republican. NPR's Barbara Sprunt has the details of the panel's findings.

The committee found evidence that Gaetz violated House rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and obstruction of Congress. The panel did not find that Gates violated the federal sex trafficking statute. Gates resigned his seat before the panel voted on the report and denies the allegations against him.

He sued the ethics panel in an attempt to block the report's release, arguing the committee no longer has jurisdiction over him as a private citizen. Barbara Sprint and Pure News, The Capital. The man accused in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has pleaded not guilty to state murder charges. Samantha Maxx from Member Station WNYC reports that includes first degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. Samantha Maxx from Member Station WNYC reports that includes first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. Prosecutors say Luigi Mangione targeted the health insurance executive while he was in New York City for an investor

conference. They say he waited for about an hour outside Thompson's hotel and then shot him from behind with an untraceable ghost gun. Mangione has become an antihero for people who are frustrated with the health insurance industry. But police, prosecutors, and the New York City mayor have criticized Mangione. Mangione's defense attorney said in court that he's innocent until proven guilty. She also said official statements about the case could hurt his chance of getting a fair trial. For NPR News, I'm Samantha Maxx in New York.

President Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 people on federal death row. The prisoners will now serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. Three federal death row inmates still face execution for terrorism and hate-motivated mass murders. Wednesday marks one month since the ceasefire took effect in Lebanon. The nation's health ministry says more than 4,000 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes. NPR's Lauren Fair reports the attacks also damaged a number of cultural heritage sites. I saw Byzantine fortifications of a walled old city destroyed by an Israeli airstrike,

churches and mosques that had been hit. These are some of the iconic sites you see on postcards of Lebanon. But Israel accuses Hezbollah of hiding weapons and fighters in some of them. In mid-November, the United Nations added 34 sites in Lebanon to its list of protected cultural properties, hoping to prevent damage. That's NPR's Lauren Frere reporting. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. France is observing a national day of mourning to honor the people who died after a powerful

cyclone hit the French territory of Mayotte this month. President Emmanuel Macron led today's tribute by holding a moment of silence. At least 35 people were killed when the storm hit the island. More than 60 people have died from stampedes in Nigeria at three separate charity events over the past week. Organizers promised to distribute free food at each of the events, leading to a violent rush of people. NPR's Emmanuel Akinmatu reports the fatal incidents have come amid a major economic crisis in the country. At least 22 people died on Saturday at a charity event organized in

the southeastern state of Anambra where free food items were to be distributed. A stampede began before the event even started according to local police and most of the victims were women and children. The incident is the third to have occurred within a week in Nigeria. The most fatal was a stampede at a children's event in the southwest city of Ibadan where at least 35 children were killed. Organizers promised to give cash handouts and food. Nigeria is facing one of the worst economic crises in decades. Controversial government reforms have led to soaring fuel costs and high inflation. Emanuel Akiwatu, NPR News, Lagos.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda are announcing plans to consider a merger. The deal will create the world's third largest automaker by vehicle sales. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News in Washington.