NPR News Now: December 16, 2024, 11 AM EST

Hosted by Korva Coleman

Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Syria

[00:17] Reporting from Washington, Korva Coleman highlights escalating tensions as the Israeli military continues its airstrikes on Syrian targets. Described by a British-based monitoring group as the "most violent in more than a decade," these operations mark a significant intensification of military actions in the region.

[00:34] NPR's Kerry Khan provides an in-depth look from Tel Aviv, detailing that the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports Israeli strikes have targeted over 450 locations since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The latest attacks focused on missile warehouses and other Syrian army installations. While the Israeli military has remained largely silent, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of these strikes, stating, “These strikes are vital to ensure weapons left from the Assad regime do not fall into the hands of extremists” ([00:34]).

Despite the ongoing conflict, Syrian rebel leaders express a desire to avoid direct confrontation with Israel and have lodged complaints with the United Nations regarding the incursions. Additionally, the Israeli government has approved a plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a territory it has controlled for decades, further complicating regional dynamics.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Faces Scrutiny Ahead of HHS Nomination

[01:21] Transitioning to U.S. politics, Korva Coleman reports that President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to appear before Capitol Hill this week. NPR's Luke Garrett explains that Kennedy is scheduled to meet with over 20 Republican senators as part of his confirmation process.

[01:47] Concerns persist regarding Kennedy's stance on vaccines and his overall suitability for the role. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voiced her reservations, stating, “Vaccines saved whole villages” ([02:00]), emphasizing her intent to discuss his vaccine-related views in depth.

During his 2024 presidential bid, RFK Jr. had propagated anti-vaccine sentiments and broader critiques of processed foods. Senator Murkowski highlighted issues like the rise in obesity, particularly among native populations, and expressed the need to understand Kennedy's proposals to address these public health challenges. “We have a troubling, troubling rise in obesity amongst our native people,” she remarked ([02:13]).

Investigations into Recent Drone Sightings Across States

[02:32] In national security news, Korva Coleman discusses reports of unexplained drone sightings in various states over the past weeks. Federal authorities are collaborating with state governments to investigate these incidents, though no immediate threats have been identified.

[02:50] Matthew Morello, Mayor of Washington Township, New Jersey, shared his concerns, stating, “But now we're in week four. We're still seeing drones. We continue to believe that there's no threat, but we just don't know what's going on” ([02:50]). Authorities in Massachusetts have arrested two individuals for operating drones too close to Boston's airport, highlighting the growing challenges of regulating drone activity.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Government Collapses

[03:01] Shifting to international politics, Korva Coleman reports that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a no-confidence vote in the Bundestag. This political setback occurred after Scholz dismissed his Finance Minister, a key member of his coalition government, resulting in his administration falling into the minority. Consequently, Scholz's government has collapsed, paving the way for national elections scheduled for February 2025.

Passing of Indian Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain

[03:48] NPR's Felix Contreras covers the somber news of Zakir Hussain's passing, a revered tabla virtuoso and a pillar of Indian music. Trained in India, Hussain moved to the United States and became a global ambassador for traditional and innovative music. Notably, he collaborated with diverse artists, including Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart and rock legend George Harrison. His formation of the Indian and jazz ensemble Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin in 1974 exemplified his commitment to blending genres. Hussain's legacy spans over five decades, earning him the status of a national treasure in India and acclaim worldwide for his contributions to music.

Rhode Island Faces Data Breach and Ransom Demands

[04:33] In cybersecurity news, Korva Coleman alerts listeners to a significant data breach in Rhode Island. Hackers have infiltrated the state's online portal used for critical services like Medicaid, food stamps, and long-term disability care. Governor [Name] announced that the perpetrators are demanding a ransom for the release of sensitive resident data. The breach poses severe risks to personal and financial information security for thousands of Rhode Islanders.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on December 16, 2024. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to access the full episode through NPR's platforms.