NPR News Now: December 17, 2024, 4PM EST
Hosted by Lakshmi Singh
1. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Alleged Killer Charged in New York
Lakshmi Singh reports a major development in the case of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has charged Luigi Mangione with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, including an act of terrorism related to the killing.
Bragg detailed the timeline, stating, “Luigi Mangione arrived in New York City a few days before Thanksgiving, checked into a hostel with a fake ID, then days later traveled to a Midtown Manhattan hotel and waited outside for his target, Brian Thompson to arrive” (00:20). Mangione allegedly used a 9mm 3D-printed ghost gun with a suppressor to execute the murder, firing once in the back and once in the leg.
DA Bragg emphasized the growing concern over ghost guns, noting, “The NYPD is encountering more and more ghost guns that [...] are unserialized and printed out and are just as deadly as traditional guns” (00:45). Mangione is currently in Pennsylvania, awaiting extradition to New York.
2. Tragic School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin
In a heartbreaking incident at Abundant Life Christian School, a 15-year-old student carried out a shooting, resulting in the deaths of a fellow student and a teacher, while several others were injured. Chief Sean Barnes of the Madison Police Department clarified a reporting error: “The first 911 call after yesterday morning's shootings came from a second-grade teacher, not a second-grade student as police initially reported” (01:10). This confusion stemmed from a misinterpreted call log.
Chief Barnes appealed to the public for assistance in understanding the motives behind the shooter’s actions. Investigations are underway to determine if bullying or disciplinary issues contributed to the tragedy. Natalie Rupp highlighted, “Some of you have reached out about the shooter’s social media activity prior to yesterday's shooting” (01:50), indicating ongoing inquiries into the student's background and possible warning signs.
3. Ukraine Claims Responsibility for Killing of Russian Lieutenant General
In international news, Ukraine’s security service announced the elimination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov in Moscow, marking the highest-profile assassination of a Russian military official away from the front lines since the invasion began. NPR’s Johanna Kakisis reports from Kyiv:
“Russian law enforcement stated that Igor Kirilov and one of his aides were killed after an explosive device planted in a scooter was detonated near his residence in southeastern Moscow” (02:23). Ukrainian prosecutors had previously indicted Kirilov for the use of banned chemical weapons on the front lines. The security service revealed that Russia has reportedly employed chemical weapons nearly 5,000 times during the conflict, underscoring the severity of ongoing hostilities.
4. U.S. Markets Decline and Drone Activity Around Wright Patterson Air Force Base
Lakshmi Singh updates on the U.S. financial and security landscapes. U.S. stock markets closed lower on the day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 267 points (−0.6%) to 43,449, the NASDAQ fell 64 points, and the S&P 500 decreased by 23 points (02:58).
In security news, unusual drone sightings have been reported around Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, following its temporary closure due to unexplained aerial activity. Similar incidents occurred the previous weekend, prompting the House Intelligence Committee to receive a closed-door briefing on drone threats. These ongoing drone activities have raised concerns about potential security breaches and the need for heightened vigilance.
5. New Guidelines on Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements
Health experts have issued a new draft recommendation stating that vitamin D and calcium supplements do not effectively reduce the risk of fractures from falls in older adults. Dr. Gotham Rao, a family medicine doctor at Case Western Reserve University, explained:
“Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, promoting strong bones and muscles. It also supports a healthy immune system. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, so reduced exposure during winter months can increase the risk of a deficiency” (04:08). However, Dr. Rao emphasized that supplements alone are insufficient for preventing bone fractures or falls as individuals age.
A Carvana representative added, “That doesn't mean that vitamin D and calcium are not useful overall for bone health” (04:31). Dr. Rao continued, “Doctors recommend vitamin D supplements to patients who have insufficient amounts, and more than one in three older adults take them. When it comes to preventing fractures, experts say physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises, can be very effective” (04:38).
NPR’s Alison Aubrey concludes the segment by highlighting these findings, encouraging a holistic approach to bone health that goes beyond supplementation.
This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights from the December 17, 2024, episode of NPR News Now. For the full details, listeners are encouraged to tune into the podcast.