NPR News Now: December 17, 2024, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: December 17, 2024

1. Formalizing the 2024 Presidential Election and the Shadow of 2020

Korva Coleman opens the episode by addressing the culmination of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Across various state capitols, presidential electors are convening to cast their electoral votes, thereby formalizing President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

However, a significant development looms from the previous election cycle. NPR's Hansi Lo Wang reports on the contentious actions of "fake electors" from the 2020 presidential election who are attempting to cast legitimate votes for Trump this year. These electors, primarily Republicans, are embroiled in legal troubles due to their involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Hansi Lo Wang (00:50): "Eight of the Republican electors this year for President-elect Donald Trump have been indicted in Michigan and Nevada for four years ago... These documents became part of the failed attempt to overturn those election results that culminated in the January 6th insurrection."

In Michigan and Nevada, some of these electors face charges ranging from forgery to conspiracy, linked directly to their actions in the previous election cycle. Cases in Arizona and Georgia also persist, highlighting ongoing legal repercussions for those attempting to manipulate electoral outcomes.

2. Tragic School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin

Shifting focus to a local tragedy, Korva Coleman reports on a horrifying incident at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin. A 15-year-old girl allegedly shot and killed a fellow student and a teacher, injuring six others before taking her own life.

Madison Police Chief Sean Barnes emphasizes the ongoing investigation into the firearm used in the attack.

Sean Barnes (01:52): "To determine the origin of that weapon, who purchased it and how it got from a manufacturer all the way into the hands of a 15-year-old girl. These are questions that's going to take some time to answer and we fully intend, we're fully committed to getting the answer to that."

Authorities are diligently tracing the handgun's path from manufacturer to the perpetrator, seeking to understand how a minor obtained such a weapon.

3. Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza

In international news, NPR's Daniel Estrin provides an update on the delicate ceasefire negotiations between Israeli officials and Palestinian representatives in Qatar. These talks aim to halt ongoing hostilities in Gaza and could culminate before President Biden's term ends.

Daniel Estrin (02:09): "An official familiar with the Gaza ceasefire negotiations says mediators are the closest they've been to finalizing a deal in more than a year."

The proposed ceasefire includes several key components:

• Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
• Hamas would free Israeli hostages, specifically those who are women, men over 50, and individuals with medical conditions.
• A partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas of Gaza.
• An increase in humanitarian aid to the region.
• Continued negotiations to address the remaining hostages and the broader conflict.

This ceasefire is seen as a critical step towards de-escalating tensions and initiating a pathway to peace.

4. Global and Economic Updates

• Stock Market: Pre-market trading indicates a dip in stock futures, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of major economic indicators.

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Authorities in Russia have reported the assassination of a prominent Russian general and his aide in Moscow via a bomb concealed in a scooter. This general was implicated in overseeing chemical and biological warfare operations in Ukraine, with Ukrainian prosecutors previously charging him for deploying banned chemical weapons.

• Vanuatu Earthquake: A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, causing widespread destruction. Critical infrastructure, including the U.S. Embassy, sustained substantial damage, though all personnel were successfully evacuated.

5. Mental Health Services and Insurance Challenges

A recent survey highlighted by Pierre's Kadia Riddle reveals that approximately one-third of practicing psychologists do not accept health insurance. This reluctance stems from the administrative burdens and low reimbursement rates associated with insurance companies.

Marnie Schonbaugh, a psychologist with the American Psychological Association, elaborates on the issue:

Marnie Schonbaugh (04:01): "Many psychologists say they would like to take insurance, but the administrative hassles around it take too much time and the reimbursement rates are too low."

Katie Ariddle underscores the broader societal implications:

Katie Ariddle (04:13): "So you have to be able to have access to health insurance in the first place if you're going to address mental health and you're going to try to improve mental health in a country."

Schonbaugh further notes that excluding insurance limits psychologists' ability to serve diverse socioeconomic groups, which in turn hampers their capacity to provide comprehensive care.

Marnie Schonbaugh (04:21): "Psychologists want to treat a range of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, not just middle-class people who can pay out of pocket for the care. They say treating everyone makes them better therapists."

6. Weather Alert: Pacific Northwest Storm

Concluding the episode, Korva Coleman warns listeners about an impending winter storm set to impact the Pacific Northwest. Winter storm watches and advisories are in effect from Washington state extending to Wyoming, signaling significant snowfall and hazardous conditions.

Korva Coleman (04:38): "Weather forecasters say the Pacific Northwest will get another storm today. Winter storm watches and advisories are posted from Washington state to Wyoming."

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of critical national and international events, from electoral processes and legal battles to tragic local incidents and global geopolitical tensions. Additionally, it sheds light on ongoing challenges in mental health services and imminent weather threats, ensuring listeners are well-informed on a broad spectrum of issues.