NPR News Now: December 17, 2024, 9 AM EST
In today’s episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman delivers a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events, spanning legal battles, political maneuvers, legislative deadlines, tragic incidents, groundbreaking medical advancements, natural disasters, and significant geopolitical developments. Below is a detailed summary of the key stories discussed.
1. Trump’s Felony Convictions Upheld in Hush Money Trial
At the outset, Korva Coleman reports on a significant legal setback for President Elect Donald Trump. In a decision underscored by NPR reporter Ryan Lucas, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Mershon has denied Trump's attempt to overturn his 34-count felony convictions related to falsifying business records in his hush money payments case.
Justice Mershon dismissed Trump's argument that the evidence presented by prosecutors should be excluded based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. "The evidence in question relates to Trump's unofficial conduct and thus is not covered by the Supreme Court's presidential immunity decision," Mershon stated in his comprehensive 41-page ruling (00:29). This verdict marks a pivotal moment in Trump’s legal battles, reinforcing the judiciary's stance against allegations of misconduct during his presidency.
2. Trump’s Nominees Seek Senate Confirmation Amid Controversy
Moving to the political arena, President Elect Trump's nominees are actively engaging with senators to secure their confirmations. A focal point of this effort is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been a controversial figure, known for disseminating falsehoods and conspiracy theories regarding vaccines.
During a meeting with Oklahoma Republican Senator Mark Wayne Mullen, Kennedy assured that he would not attempt to eliminate the use of the polio vaccine. However, Senator Mullen expressed skepticism, noting, "I think he's going to question science and I'm glad he's going to question it" (01:37). This statement highlights the concerns among some GOP senators about Kennedy’s stance on various health issues, signaling potential challenges in his confirmation process.
3. Congressional Deadline Looms for Federal Spending Bill
Coleman also addresses the pressing legislative deadline facing Congress, with a looming Saturday night cutoff to pass a federal spending bill. Failure to agree would result in a partial government shutdown. A critical point of contention in these negotiations is the appropriations for the farm bill, a comprehensive measure that is passed only once every five years. The farm bill's future remains uncertain as lawmakers grapple with budgetary divisions, underscoring the fragility of the current fiscal negotiations.
4. Tragic School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin
Tragedy struck in Madison, Wisconsin, where authorities are investigating a harrowing school shooting incident. According to Coleman, a 15-year-old girl fired a handgun at her Christian school, resulting in the deaths of a fellow student and a teacher, and injuring six others. The teenager subsequently took her own life. Madison police are actively seeking to determine how the young girl obtained the firearm, as communication disruptions hinder the full scope of the injury toll (01:40). This incident adds to the ongoing national discourse on gun control and school safety measures.
5. Medical Breakthrough: Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Transplant in New York City
In a groundbreaking advancement, NPR reporter Rob Stein shares exclusive insights into a pioneering medical procedure performed at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, Tawana Looney, after she faced a three-week wait for a human kidney donor (02:34). This experimental procedure aims to address the severe shortage of human organs available for transplant. While previous attempts with modified pig organs resulted in the patients not surviving beyond three months, Looney's current health status raises optimism for longer-term success and potentially transformative implications for transplant medicine.
6. Devastating Earthquake in Vanuatu and Assassination of Russian Lieutenant General
The episode also covers a powerful earthquake that struck the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. The US Embassy in Vanuatu sustained significant damage, though fortunately, all personnel were evacuated safely. The full extent of casualties remains unclear due to limited communication across the island following the disaster (03:11).
In a separate international development, Russian Lieutenant General Igor Klov was killed in Moscow, marking the highest-profile assassination of a Russian military official away from the Ukrainian front lines since the invasion began. According to reporter Joanna Kakissis, an explosive device planted in a scooter near Klov’s residence resulted in his death and that of an aide (03:52). Ukraine has not officially commented on the killing, though Ukrainian prosecutors had previously charged Klov with the use of banned chemical weapons on the front lines. This event signifies heightened tensions and the volatile nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
7. TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court Amid Federal Ban Efforts
Lastly, the episode discusses the ongoing legal battle involving TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance. Facing a federal ban set to take effect next month, TikTok has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to block the legislation. Lower courts have so far declined to intervene, leaving TikTok's appeal as potentially the final legal endeavor to maintain its operations in the United States. The outcome remains uncertain, particularly with the emergence of President Elect Trump, whose administration may influence the final decision (04:32).
This summary provides an overview of the key topics covered in the December 17, 2024, episode of NPR News Now. For a more detailed account, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full broadcast.