NPR News Now: December 11, 2024, 7 PM EST
Host: Jack Speer
Release Date: December 12, 2024
1. Breakthrough in the Killing of United Healthcare CEO
Timestamp: [00:18]
NPR's Maria Aspin reports significant progress in the investigation of the murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. Authorities have gathered substantial evidence linking Luigi Mangione to the crime. Police have confirmed that the firearm found in Mangione's possession matches the shell casings recovered from the Midtown scene in Manhattan.
Quote:
“To match that gun to the three shell casings that we found in Midtown at the scene of the homicide.”
— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner [00:59]
Mangione, a 26-year-old, was apprehended after a five-day manhunt and is currently held in Pennsylvania on weapons and forgery charges. He is contesting extradition to New York, where he faces second-degree murder charges.
2. Decline in Fatal Street Drug Overdoses
Timestamp: [01:15]
Brian Mann discusses encouraging federal data indicating a sharp decline in fatal street drug overdoses across the United States. The Biden administration attributes this decrease to enhanced cooperation with China to disrupt fentanyl production and improved public health measures.
Quote:
“At the peak of the fentanyl epidemic, more than 113,000 people in the were dying from street drugs every year. New data...show roughly 94,000 deaths...the biggest drop in drug deaths ever recorded.”
— Brian Mann, NPR News [01:28]
The administration credits the reduction to cutting off the supply of industrial chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and the increased availability of medications that reverse opioid overdoses. This progress is occurring as the administration prepares to transition the fight against street fentanyl to the incoming Trump administration.
3. Inflation Trends and Consumer Price Index Rise
Timestamp: [02:12]
Scott Horsley provides an analysis of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, revealing a 2.7% increase over the past year—the largest rise since April. Grocery prices, particularly eggs, have significantly contributed to this inflation.
Quote:
“Egg prices jumped more than 8% in November. They're up more than 37% over the last 12 months.”
— Scott Horsley, NPR News [02:30]
While turkey prices experienced a slight increase, they remain lower than the previous year. Additionally, prices for used cars and hotels saw upward trends. Despite these increases, the Federal Reserve is likely to proceed with interest rate cuts in their final meeting of the year.
4. European Union Imposes New Sanctions on Russia
Timestamp: [02:53]
The European Union has introduced new sanctions targeting Russia's efforts to circumvent oil and fuel transport restrictions. The measures focus on a shadow fleet of approximately 50 ships believed to be facilitating the movement of sanctioned goods.
Quote:
“Sanctions targeting around 50 ships...aim to disrupt Russia’s ability to evade export restrictions.”
— EU Official [Timestamp not provided]
Additionally, the EU is sanctioning more Russian officials and entities suspected of aiding Russia in enhancing its military technology despite existing export limitations.
5. Macy’s Lowers Financial Forecast Amid Accounting Investigation
Timestamp: [03:59]
Alina Salyuk reports that Macy's has revised its financial outlook for the year after investigating an accounting employee responsible for significant expense irregularities.
Quote:
“Macy's has completed its review of the now ex employee who hid $151 million in delivery expenses.”
— Alina Salyuk, NPR News [03:59]
The investigation revealed that the employee's bookkeeping errors spanned nearly three years, totaling $151 million in undisclosed delivery expenses. Although the company insists this was not theft and did not impact overall financial reports, Macy's sales have declined by 2.4% in the latest quarter. The retailer is also facing pressure from activists to enhance its stock performance by liquidating real estate assets, which are believed to hold greater value than the company's current market position.
6. Kroger and Albertsons Terminate $24.6 Billion Merger
Timestamp: [04:36]
In a significant development in the grocery sector, Kroger and Albertsons have called off their planned $24.6 billion merger. The companies cited inadequate cooperation from each other to facilitate the deal.
Quote:
“Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee as well as billions in legal fees.”
— Jack Speer, NPR News [04:36]
Following the termination, Albertsons is pursuing legal action against Kroger, demanding compensation for the failed merger attempt. This move marks the end of negotiations after two prior attempts by grocery store chains to consolidate were unsuccessful.
Note: This summary excludes sponsored segments and focuses solely on the news content presented in the episode.