NPR News: 12-17-2024 1AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 17, 2024, 1 AM EST – Detailed Summary

Hosted by Shea Stevens of NPR, this episode of "NPR News Now" provides a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news. The following sections encapsulate the key stories, enriched with notable quotes and insights from various contributors.

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Tragic School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin

Host Introduction:
Shea Stevens opens the episode with breaking news about a tragic incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Details of the Incident:
At [00:20], Stevens reports that police have identified Natalie Rupnau, a 15-year-old student, as the shooter responsible for fatally wounding two individuals and injuring six others during a late morning study hall session.

Police Statement:
Madison Police Chief Sean Barnes provides further insight at [00:38], stating, "I don't know why the 15-year-old opened fire inside a late morning study hall... or how Rupnau obtained a handgun." Barnes also mentions that Rupnau’s parents are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation during this profoundly difficult time.

Heroic Actions:
At [01:09], Barnes credits a second grader for making the crucial first 911 call, which was instrumental in the swift police response. Rupnau was later found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and tragically died en route to a hospital.

Community Impact:
The incident has left a lasting scar on the Madison community. Barnes remarks, "This has been a rough day for our city. This has been a sad day. This is going to be a day that will be etched in the collective minds and memories of all those from Madison."

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Political Developments: Trump and Biden Statements

Donald Trump’s Position on Eric Adams and Public Health:
At [01:27], Stevens reports that President-elect Donald Trump announced his willingness to consider pardoning Eric Adams, the New York City mayor, should Adams face indictment and conviction for any illegal activities. Additionally, Trump dismissed concerns regarding the discontinuation of the polio vaccine, emphasizing its continued availability in the United States.

President Biden’s Hanukkah Message:
During the White House’s final Hanukkah celebration, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden conveyed their steadfast support to the community. At [02:05], Chief Sean Barnes quotes Biden: "I know this year's Hanukkah falls on the hearts that are still very heavy. It's the second Hanukkah since the horrors of October 7th. Over a thousand slaughtered, hundreds taken hostage."

Biden’s Call for Optimism:
At [02:18], Stevens highlights Biden’s urging to the public to "shine the light of optimism and to keep the faith," reflecting on the ongoing trauma from the October 2023 attack on Israel and his commitment to securing the release of hostages in Gaza.

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European Union Engages with Syria’s New Leadership

EU’s Diplomatic Efforts:
Stevens transitions to international affairs, reporting that the European Union (EU) has initiated dialogues with Syria's emerging leadership to discuss the potential lifting of sanctions. At [02:31], Gaia Kalis, EU Foreign Policy Chief, elaborates: "I sent a top diplomat to meet with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the Islamist groups now in power in Damascus... it's too early to say whether sanctions can be lifted based on the behavior of HTS."

Conditions for Sanctions Relief:
Kalis outlines the prerequisites for considering the removal of sanctions, emphasizing "respect for minority and women's rights" and the prevention of civil conflict among ethnic and religious groups. She also notes internal EU pressures, stating that "some ministers are demanding Syria remove all Russian influence in the country."

EU’s Strategic Approach:
At [03:00], Kalis adds, "We need to have the plan ready when we see the steps, then we also are ready to act positively in this regard," indicating the EU’s preparedness to respond favorably should Syria meet the outlined conditions.

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Ex-FBI Informant’s Guilty Plea in Biden-Related Bribery Scheme

Case Overview:
At [03:16], Stevens reports that Alexander Smirnoff, a former FBI informant, has pleaded guilty to fabricating a bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. Smirnoff admitted to falsely claiming that a Ukrainian energy company had paid millions to the Bidens during the 2015 campaign.

Implications of the Fabrication:
These allegations spurred multiple investigations, which were subsequently closed in August 2020. Smirnoff, aged 44, is slated for sentencing in January [03:16].

Quote from Smirnoff:
While not directly quoted in this segment, the gravity of Smirnoff’s admission underscores the manipulation of narratives that can influence political landscapes.

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Marvel’s "Kraven the Hunter" Sets Record Low Box Office Opening

Box Office Performance:
Stevens also covers entertainment news, noting that the new Marvel film, "Kraven the Hunter," has set an undesirable record with an opening weekend gross of just $11 million. NPR’s Bob Mondello provides an in-depth analysis at [03:55].

Analysis by Mondello:
Mondello humorously references the film’s critical reception:

• Craven’s Dad: "So it turns out Craven's dad was right."
• Warby Parker Clip: "He is weak like his mother."

He explains, "Leave him. The character recovers, but his movie won't," highlighting that despite the character's resilience, the movie failed to capture audiences. The film, with a production budget exceeding $100 million, struggled due to delays caused by the pandemic and an unfavorable December release window. Contrastingly, films like "Wicked" and "Moana" more than doubled "Kraven the Hunter’s" earnings during the same period.

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Iconic Characters and Works Enter Public Domain

Public Domain Milestone:
At [04:31], Stevens informs listeners that as of January 1st, several iconic characters and literary works will enter the public domain in the United States. Notably, Popeye the Sailor and other creations from 1929 will become freely available for public use.

Additional Works:
The transition includes classic literature such as Ernest Hemingway’s "Farewell to Arms" and William Faulkner’s "The Sound and the Fury." Additionally, early films by Alfred Hitchcock and original Mickey Mouse works entered the public domain last year, expanding the cultural landscape accessible to creators and the public alike.

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Conclusion:
This episode of "NPR News Now" delivers a succinct yet thorough overview of significant events ranging from local tragedies and political maneuvers to international diplomacy, legal developments, entertainment industry updates, and cultural milestones. Through clear sections and attributed quotes, the summary provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the day's most pressing news.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Rosetta Stone, an expert in language learning for 30 years. Right now, NPR listeners can get Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership to 25 different languages for 50% off. Learn more at rosettastone.com NPR.

[Shea Stevens]

LIVE from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. Police in Madison, Wisconsin, have identified a 15 year old student they believe was the person who who fatally shot two people and injured six others at a Christian school there on Monday. Chuck Kuernbach of member station WUWM has more.

[Sean Barnes]

Madison Police Chief Sean Barnes has identified the shooter as Natalie Rupnau. Barnes says he doesn't know why the 15 year old opened fire inside a late morning study hall at Abundant Life Christian School or how Rupnau obtained a handgun. But Barnes says Rupnau's parents are cooperating with investigators at a very difficult time.

[NPR Sponsor]

This has been a rough day for our city. This has been a sad day. This is going to be a day that will be etched in the collective minds and memories of all those from Madison.

[Sean Barnes]

Barnes credits a second grader at the school for making the first 911 call that brought law enforcement to the building. Police say Rupnau was found with an apparently self inflicted gunshot wound after shooting the others and died on the way to a hospital. For NPR News, I'm Chuck Quantum.

[Shea Stevens]

President elect Donald Trump says he would consider pardoning Eric Adams if the embattled New York City mayor is indicted and convicted of illegal activity. Trump also dismissed any notion that the United States would no longer have the polio vaccine. He made those remarks to reporters gathered Monday at his Mar a Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. At their final Hanukkah celebration at the White House, President Biden and first lady Jill Biden expressed their unwavering support. Biden said the trauma of the October 2023 attack on Israel is still raw and that he remains committed to getting all of the hostages in Gaza home.

[Sean Barnes]

I know this year's Hanukkah falls on the hearts that are still very heavy. It's the second Hanukkah since the horrors of October 7th. Over a thousand slaughtered, hundreds taken hostage.

[Shea Stevens]

Biden told those gathered to shine the light of optimism and to keep the faith. The European Union says it's held talks with Syria's new leadership. As Terry Schultz reports, they discussed conditions for lifting sanctions.

[Gaia Kalis]

EU foreign policy chief Gaia Kalis says she sent a top diplomat to meet with Hayat Tahrir al Sham, or hts, the Islamist groups now in power in Damascus, to begin discussions with the 27 member bloc. Khalis says it's too early to say whether sanctions can be lifted based on the behavior of HTs, but she's working to get all member countries on the same page.

[NPR Sponsor]

We need to have the plan ready when we see the steps, then we also are ready to act positively in this regard.

[Gaia Kalis]

The steps she mentioned include respect for minority and women's rights and ensuring there's not a civil war between different ethnic and religious groups. Gaulis also said some ministers are demanding Syria remove all Russian influence in the country. For NPR News, I'm Terri Schultz in Brussels.

[Shea Stevens]

This is npr. Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnoff has pleaded guilty to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Biden and his son, Hunter. Smirnoff admits fabricating a story that a Ukrainian energy company paid the Bidens millions of dollars during the 2015 campaign. The allegation led to a series of investigations until the case was closed in August 2020. 44 year old Smirnoff is scheduled for sentencing in January. The new Marvel movie Kraven the Hunter set an undesirable record at the box office over the weekend. NPR's Bob Mondello has details.

[Bob Mondello]

So it turns out Craven's dad was right.

[Warby Parker]

He is weak like his mother.

[Bob Mondello]

Leave him. The character recovers, but his movie won't. With an opening of barely $11 million for the weekend, Craven the Hunter, which cost more than 100 million to make, now has the record for the lowest opening ever for a Marvel movie. The film had been sitting on the shelf through much of the pandemic and was probably not helped by the decision to open it in early December, traditionally a rough box office period. Not rough for Wicked or Moana, though, each of which more than doubled Craven's box office take for the weekend. Bob Mondello, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

US Copyrights on some iconic characters, including Popeye the Sailor and other works of art, will expire January 1st. That's when creations from 1929 will enter the public domain, allowing their unrestricted use by anyone. Ernest Hemingway's novel Farewell to Arms and William Faulkner's the Sound of Fury are also on the list. Early films from Alfred Hitchcock and those starring Mickey Mouse entered the public domain last year.

[Warby Parker]

This is hen this message comes from Warby Parker. What makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker? It's all the invisible extras without the extra cost, like free adjustments for life. Find your [e-mail] or visit one of their hundreds of stores around the country.