NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-25-2024 4AM EST

Episode Date: December 25, 2024

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Support for this podcast and the following message come from Autograph Collection Hotels, with over 300 independent hotels around the world, each exactly like nothing else. Autograph Collection is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotel brands. Find the unforgettable at autographcollection.com. Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. With the war in Gaza in the backdrop, Midnight Mass was celebrated early on Christmas Day at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity. Presided over by Cardinal Pierre Bintista Pizzaballo, the leader of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, he delivered

a message for those in Gaza. They are not alone. You are not alone. You are truly a visible sign of hope in the midst of a disaster, of a total destruction that surrounds you. Everything is destroyed, but you are not broken. You are still united, steadfast in hope. Thank you, your brothers and sisters, for your wonderful testimony of strength and peace. Hezbollah spoke to hundreds in Major Square. Under normal circumstances, tens of thousands would

have gathered. A surge in violence in the West Bank has greatly stalled tourism. More than 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire and dozens of Israelis have been killed in militant attacks. Five men have been sentenced by a Dutch court for taking part in attacks on Jewish and Israeli soccer fans last month. Jerry Schulz reports the harshest punishment of up to six months in prison was lighter than prosecutors were seeking. Three of the men were convicted on Tuesday of acts of

violence during the November 7th riots in Amsterdam, where some Jewish and Israeli soccer fans were physically attacked. The other two suspects were found guilty of making statements on social media and sharing information that contributed to the violence. The man who was given the longest sentence, six months in prison, was seen in images shown to the court, kicking a person on the ground, chasing fans of the Maccabi-Televive team and punching people. Others received shorter jail terms and for a minor community service. More than 60 suspected perpetrators were arrested after the incidents,

and police are still trying to identify more. For NPR News, I'm Terri Schultz. A passenger plane has crashed near the Kazakhstan city of Aktau. Azerbaijan Airlines says the plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia attempted an emergency landing at the city's airport. Local media say more than 60 people and five crew members were on board. Armed men in Haiti opened fire at medical staff, police officers and journalists during a Christmas Eve media conference to announce a reopening of the country's biggest public hospital. At least three people were killed. The BBC's Leonardo Rocca has this report.

Journalists were waiting for the arrival of the Health Minister at the General Hospital in the capital, Port-au-Prince, when the shooting began. Pictures posted online appear to show several people injured or dead inside the building. The site had been recaptured by Haiti's government in July after being occupied and destroyed by violent gangs that control much of the city. The people of Haiti continue to suffer with unbearable levels of gang violence, despite the installation of a new transition government in April. The BBC's Leonardo Roco reporting, and you're listening to NPR News.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling a major Russian missile attack on the country's energy infrastructure inhumane, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately chose Christmas Day for the attack that included more than 70 missiles and more than 100 attack drones. Zelensky says there are blackouts in several regions of the country. Ukraine's biggest private energy company, says the barrage is the 13th major attack on Ukraine's energy sector this year. Officials in Hawaii are keeping eye on the Kilauea volcano this Christmas. Kilauea began erupting Monday, and after a pause, lava reemerged Tuesday morning. Scientists expect activity to fluctuate in the coming days. No homes are threatened. The eruption is occurring in an area that's been closed to the public since 2007. The holidays can lead to excitement or lots of stress. Stephanie Columbini with Member Station WUSF talked to a psychiatrist for some advice on how to cope. It can be a lot to

juggle shopping, traveling, or other holiday plans especially if you're also dealing with financial issues or pressure from family. Dr Ryan Wagner says it's important to focus on what you really want to accomplish or enjoy this season. You could spend your time trying to make everything perfect, but that's a recipe for disaster and there's absolutely no way that you're going to be able to do it. So recognizing that early and prioritizing things can really help during stressful times.

He says anxiety during the holidays is normal, but if symptoms start interfering with your daily life or relationships, then it's time to seek professional help. For NPR News, I'm Stephanie Kolombini in Tampa. This is NPR News.