NPR News Now: January 17, 2025, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Source: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

CNN Found Guilty of Defamation

In a significant legal victory for a security consultant, a Florida jury has found CNN guilty of defamation. The court sided with the consultant, who contended that CNN published a story implying he was charging "exorbitant prices" to evacuate individuals amid the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Lakshmi Singh [00:13]: "Jurors sided with a security consultant who argued that the news network presented a story that suggested he was charging, quote, exorbitant price to evacuate people desperate to get out of Afghanistan."

This verdict raises important questions about media responsibility and the boundaries of reporting on sensitive subjects.

Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban; White House Awaits Next Steps

The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok unless its ownership changes, citing national security concerns associated with the Chinese-owned app. The White House has indicated that the enforcement of this law will fall to the incoming Trump administration.

Deepa Shivaram [00:53]: "The Biden administration says they believe TikTok should remain available to Americans, but exist under American ownership or different ownership because of national security concerns over the Chinese owned app."

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre emphasized the timing, pointing out that with President Trump set to take office on Monday, the administration will determine the next steps. The law, originally passed by Congress in April, mandates the ban to begin on January 19th unless TikTok alters its ownership structure. As of now, it remains unclear whether TikTok will comply by shutting down or await further instructions.

Deepa Shivaram [00:53]: "The law the Supreme Court is upholding was passed by Congress in April and mandates that TikTok will be banned in the US starting on January 19th unless it changes ownership."

Israel's Security Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hamas

In a pivotal move towards ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel's security cabinet has given preliminary approval to a proposed ceasefire with Hamas. The full Israeli cabinet is expected to ratify the deal shortly, despite reservations from some hardline members.

Greg Myre [01:37]: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet gave its blessing to the ceasefire deal."

The agreement, potentially effective as early as Sunday, outlines the cessation of hostilities, the release of 33 hostages by Hamas, and the liberation of approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees by Israel. However, the situation remains volatile, with over 100 Palestinians having been killed since the ceasefire was announced on Wednesday.

Greg Myre [01:52]: "Hamas would release 33 hostages and Israel would free around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees."

Biden Administration Announces Next 15 Drugs for Medicare Price Negotiation

President Biden's administration has unveiled a list of 15 new medications slated for Medicare price negotiations, aiming to reduce costs for beneficiaries. Notably, this list includes diabetes medication Ozempic and its counterpart Wegovy, which are increasingly utilized for weight management.

Sidney Lepkin [02:33]: "The type 2 diabetes blockbuster [Ozempic] is joined by its obesity drug cousin, Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient."

The selection also encompasses treatments for various cancers, asthma, psoriasis, and bipolar disorder. These additions are part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which outlines criteria for eligible drugs, ensuring that only specific medications are targeted for price negotiations.

Sidney Lepkin [02:43]: "To be clear, the government can't pick just any drugs in Medicare. This all comes from Biden's Inflation Reduction act that gives rules for which drugs are eligible."

Remembering Joan Plowright, Celebrated British Actress

The entertainment world mourns the loss of British actress Joan Plowright, who passed away Thursday at the age of 95. With a career spanning over six decades, Plowright was renowned for her vibrant portrayals on both stage and screen, including performances in "A Taste of Honey," "An Enchanted April," and her Oscar-nominated role in "Enchanted April."

Bob Mondello [03:08]: "She was squeaky when she first made an impression on movie audiences as Laurence Olivier's adoring granddaughter in 'The Entertainer.'"

Plowright's partnership with Laurence Olivier was both personal and professional, deeply influencing her early career. Post-Olivier's passing, she continued to distinguish herself with roles that showcased her versatility and depth, particularly in literary adaptations.

Bob Mondello [03:30]: "Declining eyesight forced Plowright to retire from acting in 2014, but she was amusing as herself in the 2018 documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside fellow acting legends Maggie Smith and Judi Dench."

Her legacy remains a testament to her dedication and talent in the performing arts.

Archaeological Discovery: 2,000-Year-Old Thermal Spas in Pompeii

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have uncovered exceptionally well-preserved thermal spas in Pompeii, the ancient Roman city tragically buried by volcanic ash and lava in 79 AD. This discovery sheds light on the sophisticated infrastructure and daily life of Pompeii's inhabitants.

Lakshmi Singh [04:17]: "Researchers say the baths were adorned with mosaics and equipped with a series of hot, warm and cold spa-like rooms."

These thermal baths, previously unexplored, reveal intricate mosaics and a series of temperature-controlled rooms, indicating a high level of engineering and aesthetic design. Such findings provide invaluable insights into Roman recreational practices and architectural prowess.

Financial Markets Update

The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a significant uptick today, increasing by 455 points, reflecting positive investor sentiment amidst ongoing global developments.

Lakshmi Singh [04:17]: "The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 455 points."

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