NPR News Now – December 4, 2024, 10AM EST

Hosted by NPR, delivering the latest news in five minutes.

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Banning Transgender Health Care for Minors

Korva Coleman opens the episode by informing listeners that the U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliberate on whether states can prohibit transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming health care.

Nina Totenberg delves deeper into the matter at [00:32], explaining that three Tennessee families are challenging state legislation that bans puberty blockers, hormones, and other treatments for transgender youth. The families argue that these laws constitute unconstitutional sex discrimination since the prohibited medications are legally administered to treat other conditions in minors, such as chronic illnesses like endometriosis and atypical onset of puberty.

Notable Quote:

"The trans kids and their parents contend that the law unconstitutionally discriminates based on sex because the banned medications are perfectly legal when used to treat other conditions in minors."
— Nina Totenberg ([00:32])

French Government Faces Historic No-Confidence Vote

Korva Coleman transitions to international news, reporting that the French government is on the brink of a no-confidence vote initiated by populist parties from both the far left and far right.

Eleanor Beardsley provides comprehensive coverage at [01:21], highlighting that such a vote is unprecedented in the modern French Republic, with the last occurrence dating back to 1962 under President Charles de Gaulle amid the Algerian War for independence. Currently, the French parliament is fragmented into three antagonistic blocs — far right, far left, and center — none holding a majority. President Emmanuel Macron cannot call for new elections until the following fall, compelling him to seek a new prime minister capable of managing the nation's spiraling deficit and legislative impasses. Macron remains optimistic, stating his trust in parliamentarians' desire for stability.

Notable Quote:

"I have faith parliamentarians will not vote down the government today in the interest of stability for France."
— Emmanuel Macron ([01:21])

General Motors' China Investments and Stock Market Movements

Opening stock market news at [02:05], Korva Coleman reports that the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by approximately 230 points in early trading amidst significant developments involving General Motors (GM).

Scott Horsley elaborates at [02:19] that GM is initiating a write-down of over $2.5 billion in its Chinese joint ventures, citing underperformance. Additionally, the company will record a $2.7 billion restructuring charge, which is expected to reduce its fourth-quarter income. Concurrently, South Korea's stock market experienced a near 1.5% decline overnight following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, though financial regulators intervened to stabilize the market. In contrast, a business software company saw its stock and sales soar after surpassing sales expectations and presenting an optimistic outlook for its new artificial intelligence offerings.

Notable Quote:

"GM says its joint ventures in China are not living up to expectations."
— Scott Horsley ([02:19])

Tragedy at UnitedHealthcare, South Korean Protests, and Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial

At [03:00], Korva Coleman delivers somber news that the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in New York City. Authorities suspect the attack may have been targeted, as Thompson was scheduled to speak at a company investor conference that morning. The police continue their search for the assailant.

The episode also covers significant political unrest in South Korea, where Korva Coleman reports ongoing protests demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol. These demonstrations follow Yoon's reversal of his martial law proclamation, leading the South Korean parliament to unanimously vote against him and pursue impeachment.

Hadil Al Shalchi provides an in-depth report on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legal troubles at [03:50]. Netanyahu has been ordered to testify in his corruption trial, which commenced in 2020. Initially postponed due to security concerns and the war in Gaza, his testimony is now scheduled for December 10 in an underground chamber of the Tel Aviv District Court. The charges against him include fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, involving alleged exchanges of favors with wealthy partners and bribing media moguls for favorable coverage. Netanyahu denies all charges, maintaining his innocence despite over 40 witnesses, including some of his close confidants, having testified thus far.

Notable Quote:

"Netanyahu's charges of fraud and breach of trust involve trading favors with wealthy partners and bribing media moguls for positive media coverage."
— Hadil Al Shalchi ([03:50])

California Recalls Raw Milk Products Over Bird Flu Concerns

Korva Coleman wraps up the episode with public health news, announcing that California officials are recalling raw milk products from Raw Farm LLC following the detection of a possible bird flu virus in retail items. Consumers are urged to avoid consuming raw milk or cream, with assurances that pasteurized milk remains safe. The affected farm has been quarantined, and fortunately, no human cases of bird flu have been identified to date.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the NPR News Now episode released on December 4, 2024. Whether you're catching up on major judicial, political, economic, and health-related events or seeking detailed analyses, this overview provides a clear and engaging snapshot of the day's top stories.