ABC News - ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Dec. 24, 2024
The broadcast begins with a severe winter storm affecting the I-95 corridor, causing dangerous driving conditions and travel disruptions, including a brief grounding of American Airlines flights due to a computer glitch. In the West, massive waves and severe weather are causing chaos, with warnings issued to stay out of the water. A deadly boat explosion in Florida is under investigation, with one person killed and several injured. President-elect Donald Trump criticizes President Biden's decision to commute the sentences of nearly all federal death row inmates, sparking controversy among victims' families. A Hollywood scandal unfolds as Justin Baldoni faces allegations of sexual harassment and a lawsuit from his former publicist. An ABC News investigation reveals the environmental threat posed by millions of abandoned oil and gas wells across the U.S., which are leaking dangerous chemicals and posing risks to communities. The broadcast also covers the Mega Millions jackpot reaching $1 billion, Christmas celebrations worldwide, and a mission to the sun by NASA.
Key Points:
- Severe winter weather is causing travel disruptions and dangerous conditions along the I-95 corridor and in the West, with warnings to avoid certain areas.
- A deadly boat explosion in Florida is under investigation, highlighting safety concerns in marinas.
- Trump criticizes Biden's commutation of death row sentences, sparking debate over the use of the death penalty.
- An investigation into abandoned oil wells reveals significant environmental and health risks, with millions of wells leaking dangerous chemicals.
- The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $1 billion, offering a rare chance for a Christmas miracle for one lucky winner.
Details:
1. 🌨️ Winter Storm Chaos and Travel Disruptions
- A holiday winter blast brings the coldest air of the season to parts of the country, affecting travel and daily life.
- New York City anticipates its first white Christmas in 15 years, indicating significant snowfall.
- Ice and snow blanket the I-95 corridor from the nation's capital to Maine, creating dangerous and deadly driving conditions.
- An inch of snow falls in Central Park, highlighting the storm's reach into urban areas.
- In the West, a powerful storm system produces heavy rain, gusty winds, and waves up to 35 feet, impacting marine activities.
- Air travel is severely disrupted with last-minute travelers packing airports following a full American Airlines ground stop.
2. 🚗 Dangerous Weather and Travel Warnings
2.1. Impact on Travel
2.2. Weather Warnings in the West
2.3. Specific Incidents and Responses
2.4. Potential White Christmas
2.5. Weather Forecast and Future Warnings
3. 🚤 Tragic Boat Explosion in Florida
- One person was killed and several others were seriously injured in a boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- The explosion occurred while the boat was docked at a marina, and the fire spread to another vessel.
- The incident resulted in one fatality, a 41-year-old man from Quebec, Canada, and five injuries, three of which were traumatic.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, with plans to examine the remains of the boat once it is lifted from the water.
4. ⚖️ Trump Criticizes Biden's Death Row Commutations
- Donald Trump criticized President Biden for commuting the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates.
- Trump announced plans to direct the Justice Department to pursue the death penalty if he takes office.
- President Biden paused all federal executions upon taking office, aligning with his belief that the death penalty should be reserved for hate-motivated mass murder and terrorism.
- Currently, only three men remain on federal death row, including the Boston Marathon bomber and mass shooters from the Tree of Life Synagogue and Mother Emanuel AME Church.
- Trump has expressed intentions to reinstate and expand the death penalty to include drug dealers and human traffickers.
5. 🎬 Hollywood Scandal: Allegations and Lawsuits
- Justin Baldoni is embroiled in a legal battle with his former publicist, Stephanie Jones, who is suing him for defamation and breach of contract. This lawsuit arises amidst serious allegations of sexual harassment made by his co-star Blake Lively.
- Blake Lively has filed an extensive 80-page complaint accusing Baldoni of inappropriate behavior, including showing her nude videos, discussing sexual conquests, and making derogatory comments about her body and weight.
- Stephanie Jones alleges a covert operation to protect Baldoni by undermining Blake Lively's reputation, suggesting a deeper conspiracy within Hollywood's elite circles.
- The scandal has divided Hollywood, with notable figures like Jenny Slate and Brandon Sklenar publicly supporting Blake Lively, highlighting a significant rift within the industry.
- Baldoni's legal team contends that confidential information was misused against him, indicating potential legal consequences for those involved in the dissemination of such information.
6. 🛢️ Investigating the Threat of Zombie Wells
- Millions of abandoned gas and oil wells, known as 'zombie wells,' pose significant threats to communities across the U.S., with risks including groundwater contamination and air pollution from leaking chemicals.
- There are over 3.5 million abandoned wells in more than 25 states, affecting approximately 14 million Americans who live within a mile of these wells.
- ABC News tested over 70 abandoned wells across five states, finding that more than half were leaking oil or flammable gas, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
- Texas, with the highest number of abandoned wells, has areas like Trinity Bay near Houston with over 100 such wells, illustrating the scale of the issue.
- Lake Beamer is a notable case where a leak releases up to 600 gallons of toxic water per minute, harming wildlife and making the land infertile.
- Plugging these wells properly can cost millions, often exceeding the bonds posted by oil and gas companies, placing a financial burden on taxpayers.
- The American Petroleum Institute stresses the necessity of proper well sealing to ensure safety and environmental protection.
7. 💰 Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $1 Billion
- The Mega Millions jackpot has reached over $1 billion for only the seventh time in the game's history, highlighting its rarity and appeal.
- The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 300 million, emphasizing the challenge and allure of the game.
- A recent winner from New Jersey took home $537.5 million before taxes from a previous billion-dollar jackpot, illustrating the significant financial impact of winning.
- Drawings occur twice a week, and there hasn't been a winner since September, indicating a growing jackpot and increasing public interest.
8. 🎄 Global Christmas Celebrations Amid Challenges
8.1. Pope Francis Initiates Jubilee 2025
8.2. Impact of Gaza War on Bethlehem Celebrations
8.3. Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens for Worship
9. 🏥 Bill Clinton's Health Update: Home for the Holidays
- Former President Bill Clinton, aged 78, was discharged from a hospital in Washington after being treated for the flu.
- Clinton was admitted on Monday due to developing a fever.
- A spokesperson confirmed that Clinton is now home for the holidays.
10. 🚇 NYC Subway Attack: Suspect Held Without Bail
- Sebastian Zepeta, accused of setting a woman on fire inside a NYC subway train, is ordered to be held without bail.
- The victim was burned beyond recognition, highlighting the severity of the attack.
- Prosecutors describe the crime as depraved and beyond comprehension, emphasizing its horrific nature.
- Federal officials report that Zepeta entered the U.S. illegally from Guatemala, adding a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
11. ☀️ NASA's Historic Mission to the Sun
11.1. NASA's Mission to the Sun
11.2. FDA Alert on Costco Eggs
12. 🥚 Urgent Egg Recall Due to Salmonella Risk
- The Parker Solar Probe spacecraft is expected to pass within 4 million miles of the Sun's surface, traveling at over 430,000 miles per hour.
- This mission would mark the closest any spacecraft has ever come to the Sun.
- NASA hopes to receive communication from the Parker Solar Probe this week.
13. 🎅 Santa Tracking and Holiday Cheer for Troops
- NORAD has been tracking Santa for nearly 70 years, engaging 1,200 volunteers to answer over 130,000 calls on Christmas Eve, using satellites, airplanes, and radars.
- The Holiday Cards for Our Military Challenge sent out 365,000 cards this season, breaking their own record, with volunteers nationwide contributing to the effort.
- These cards reach U.S. troops, veterans, and service families in locations like Germany and South Korea, fostering community support.
- Volunteers range from 5 to 95 years old, showing widespread community involvement.
- Veterans, including those from Vietnam and World War II, deeply appreciate the cards, highlighting their emotional impact.