NPR News Now: December 18, 2024

Host: Shea Stevens
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Luigi Mangione Charged with Terrorism-Related Murder

Timestamp: [00:17]

Shea Stevens opens the episode with a significant update from Manhattan. 26-year-old Luigi Mangione has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism. This charge is in addition to existing murder charges related to the December 4th shooting that resulted in the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.

Manhattan District Attorney Alan Bragg provided details on the severity of the charges:

"The maximum penalty possible for murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree as an act of terrorism is life without parole. The maximum penalty for murder in the second degree is 25 years to life. There are additional counts as well." (00:39)

Mangione is currently awaiting extradition from Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was arrested shortly after the attack.

2. Tragic School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin

Timestamp: [00:53]

The episode reports on a heartbreaking incident in Madison, Wisconsin. 15-year-old Natalie Ruppnell carried out a shooting at a Christian school on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others before taking her own life.

Madison Police Chief Sean Barnes discussed potential factors leading to the tragedy:

"Several factors may have led a teenager to kill two people and injure six others at a Christian school." (00:53)

Chief Barnes emphasized the complexity of motivations behind such incidents, highlighting the need for comprehensive understanding and preventive measures.

3. Bipartisan Stopgap Spending Bill Introduced in Congress

Timestamp: [01:31]

Congressional leaders have unveiled a bipartisan stopgap spending bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown before Christmas. Claudia Grisales reports that the legislation is designed to extend government funding until mid-March 2025.

Key components of the bill include:

• $100 billion in federal aid for natural disaster recovery, addressing damages from the Maui fires and Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
• A one-year extension of the farm bill, which outlines agriculture and food policies.
• Funding allocated to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Claudia Grisales notes:

"It includes about $100 billion in federal aid for natural disaster recovery and more funds to rebuild from the Maui fires and damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton." (01:31)

The bill is now set for votes in both chambers by the end of the week.

4. Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register Over Polling Discrepancies

Timestamp: [02:17]

Former President Donald Trump has initiated a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register following a poll that showed him trailing in Iowa just days before the November election—a race he ultimately won by double digits. David Folkenflick provides insights into this legal maneuver.

The lawsuit leverages consumer protection laws in Iowa, challenging Ann Selzer, the Iowa pollster who conceded the poll's inaccuracies:

"His lawyers are now arguing in court that she sought to harm his chances." (02:33)

Folkenflick explains that Trump’s legal actions extend beyond this case, mentioning lawsuits against major media outlets like CBS, The New York Times, and even journalist Bob Woodward. Notably, ABC News settled a defamation suit with Trump, agreeing to pay him $15 million plus $1 million in legal costs.

David Folkenflick observes:

"Trump has taken to the courts and promises to use government agencies, too." (02:33)

This strategy marks a departure from the traditional approach of presidents publicly challenging the press, signaling a more aggressive stance against media scrutiny.

5. NASA Delays Astronauts' Return from the International Space Station

Timestamp: [03:14]

NASA has announced a delay in the return of the two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS)—Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Their mission, executed via a Boeing Starliner capsule, was intended to be a week-long stay.

Shea Stevens reports:

"The space agency says a fresh crew must be launched before the pair can return to Earth and that the next mission has been moved from February to late March." (03:14)

This delay underscores the complexities of space missions and the necessity of ensuring adequate support and crew availability for safe returns.

6. Starbucks Workers’ Union Votes to Authorize Strike

Timestamp: [03:51]

The union representing Starbucks workers has voted overwhelmingly to authorize a potential strike as contract negotiations near their final stages. Alina Selyuk details the developments.

Key points include:

• The union, Starbucks Workers United, now represents baristas at over 500 locations, a significant increase from its inception three years ago.
• Negotiations have progressed, with both sides agreeing on numerous topics. However, the union seeks a comprehensive economic package and resolutions to numerous allegations of unfair labor practices.
• The union announced that 98% of its members voted in favor of authorizing a strike if necessary.

Alina Selyuk highlights the tension:

"The union says 98% of its members voted in favor of authorizing a strike, if necessary." (03:51)

In response, Starbucks characterized the vote as disappointing, emphasizing what it describes as "extremely productive negotiations."

7. National Film Registry Adds Iconic Films

Timestamp: [04:31]

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens shares exciting news from the National Film Registry. Several classic films are set to be added this year, honoring their cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

New additions include:

• "No Country for Old Men"
• "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"
• "Beverly Hills Cop"
• "Angels with Dirty Faces"

Shea Stevens notes:

"Each year since 1988, the Librarian for Congress chooses 25 films to add to the registry, which now includes some 900 works." (04:31)

These selections ensure the preservation and recognition of influential films for future generations.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and concluding statements to focus solely on the core news content presented in the episode.