NPR News: 12-18-2024 9AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 18, 2024, 9AM EST

Live from Washington, NPR’s Korva Coleman delivers the latest five minutes of news, covering crucial developments in Congress, President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominations, international diplomacy, domestic incidents, health recommendations, and notable passings.

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1. Congressional Leaders Push for Stopgap Spending Bill

Korva Coleman reported that congressional leaders have unveiled a stopgap spending bill valued at approximately $100 billion. This measure is crucial for preventing a partial federal government shutdown expected late Friday night. The bill specifically allocates funds for disaster recovery efforts.

"Congress needs to pass one fast or the federal government will partially shut down late Friday night."
[00:16] – Korva Coleman

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2. President-Elect Trump’s Cabinet Nominees Face Resistance

Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence

Claudia Grisales provided an update on Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence. A former House Democrat who switched to the Republican party earlier this year, Gabbard is encountering significant opposition.

"Gabbard, however, told NPR she remains optimistic as she meets with senators, taking the opportunity to engage with each of them personally and hear what's on their minds and share what President Trump's vision is and how we look forward to working together."
[01:02] – Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard has faced criticism for her past associations, including her perceived acceptance of authoritarian leaders like Syria’s former president. Her nomination places her among Trump’s more controversial picks, alongside Pete Hagseth for Defense Secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary.

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Other Controversial Nominees

Among Trump’s nominees, Herschel Walker has been selected as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas. Despite his fame as a former football star, Walker’s previous unsuccessful Senate run in Georgia two years ago adds to the scrutiny.

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3. Momentum in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

There are emerging signs of progress in ceasefire negotiations for Gaza. The proposed agreement includes a temporary halt to hostilities, the release of some hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and the freedom of certain Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Adviser, expressed cautious optimism:

"This is close, and with enough pushing from the outside mediators and the commitment of Israel and Hamas, we can get it done."
[01:59]

However, some Israeli leaders oppose partial deals that do not fully free all hostages, citing concerns that such agreements may leave significant parts of Hamas operational.

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4. Diplomatic Moves in Syria Amidst Rebuilding Efforts

Hadil Al Shalchi reported on the reopening of several countries’ embassies in Damascus following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. France remains cautious, maintaining the closure of its embassy but symbolically flying the French flag to show support for Syria’s transition.

"France stands alongside Syrians in this period of transition."
[02:37] – French Foreign Ministry

Both Turkish and Qatari embassies have resumed operations, despite Turkey’s historical support for the rebel groups that contributed to Assad’s ousting. The new interim government in Syria faces scrutiny, particularly regarding links to Al Qaeda.

Ahmed al Shara, the leader of the revolt and a designated terrorist by the United States, has urged the international community to assist Syria in its rebuilding efforts despite ongoing challenges.

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5. Tragic Shooting at a Religious School in Madison, Wisconsin

A somber candlelight vigil was held in Madison following a tragic shooting at a local religious school, resulting in three fatalities, including the shooter—a teenage girl who later committed suicide.

Korva Coleman noted discrepancies in initial reports from Madison police. Initially, authorities stated that a second-grade student had made the emergency call, but it was later clarified that it was a second-grade teacher who alerted law enforcement.

The shooting left three people dead, including the shooter, a teenage girl who killed herself.
[03:14] – Korva Coleman

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6. Health Advisory: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements

A panel of experts has released draft recommendations concerning the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements. The consensus indicates that these supplements do not significantly reduce the risk of fractures or falls in older adults.

Dr. Gautham Rao, a task force member and family medicine doctor, emphasized the role of vitamin D in calcium absorption and immunity but highlighted that supplements alone are insufficient for preventing bone injuries.

"Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, so reduced exposure during winter months can increase the risk of a deficiency. Supplements may help, but they're not enough to prevent bone breaks or falls as we age."
[03:55] – Dr. Gautham Rao

Dr. Rao further recommended physical activities, such as weight-bearing exercises, as more effective measures for fracture prevention.

"When it comes to preventing fractures, experts say physical activity, including weight bearing exercises, can be very effective."
[04:24] – Dr. Gautham Rao

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7. Remembering Former Congressman Jim Leach

Korva Coleman announced the passing of former Iowa Republican Congressman Jim Leach at the age of 82. His family attributed his death to a heart attack and stroke. Leach was recognized for his moderate political positions and his service in Congress.

"Leach was known for his moderate stances."
[04:40] – Korva Coleman

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the December 18, 2024, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with essential updates on political developments, international relations, public health, and significant events.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

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[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. Congressional leaders have released information about a stopgap spending bill. Congress needs to pass one fast or the federal government will partially shut down late Friday night. The measure is worth about $100 billion. It sets aside money for disaster recovery. On Capitol Hill, senators are meeting with more of President elect Trump's cabinet nominees this week. NPR's Claudia Grisales has more on his choice for national intelligence director.

[Claudia Grisales]

Tulsi Gabbard, a former House Democrat who became a Republican this year, faces stiff opposition to her joining the Trump administration as director of national intelligence. Gabbard, however, told NPR she remains optimistic as she meet with senators, taking the.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Opportunity to be able to engage with.

[Korva Coleman]

Each of them personally and hear what's.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

On their minds and share what President Trump's vision is and how we look.

[Korva Coleman]

Forward to working together.

[Claudia Grisales]

Gabbard has drawn criticism for her apparent acceptance of brutal dictators, including Syria's ousted leader. She's among Trump's more controversial nominees, who include Pete Hagseth for defense secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As health and Human services secretary. Claudia Grisales, NPR News, the Capitol.

[Korva Coleman]

President elect Trump has also tapped former football star player Herschel Walker to be the next U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. senate in Georgia two years ago. There are reports of momentum in ceasefire talks for Gaza. It is said to include a pause in fighting and a release of some hostages held in Gaza and a release of some Palestinian detainees held by Israel. White House national security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

[NPR Sponsor]

This is close, and with enough pushing from the outside mediators and the commitment of Israel and Hamas, we can get it done.

[Korva Coleman]

He spoke to msnbc, but there are some objections from some Israeli leaders. They say a partial deal that does not free all the hostages won't work and may leave too much of Hamas intact. Some countries are reopening their embassies in the Syrian capital, Damascus, after rebels toppled the Assad regime. But questions remain regarding the leadership of Syria's new interim government. NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi reports. It's been linked to Al Qaeda.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Even though the French Embassy is still closed in Damascus. The French flag is now up there as a symbolic gesture, according to the French Foreign Ministry. France, quote, stands alongside Syrians in this period of transition. Both the Turkish and Qatari embassies are resuming operations in Syria. Turkey funded some of the rebel groups which made up the forces which toppled former President Bashar al Assad. The leader of the revolt, Ahmed al Shara, formerly known by his nom de ger, Abu Mohammed al Jalani, is a designated terrorist by the United States. He has called on the international community to come to Syria's aid as they rebuild. Hadil al Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus.

[Korva Coleman]

It's npr. Mourners held a candlelight vigil in Madison, Wisconsin, last night for the victims of this week's shooting at a religious school. Madison police are clarifying information they released earlier about the shooting. They now say a second grade teacher alerted authorities to the shooting. They had earlier said a second grade student had phoned them. The shooting left three people dead, including the shooter, a teenage girl who killed herself. A group of experts has released a draft recommendation about vitamin D and calcium supplements. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports. The experts find that these do not reduce the risk of fractures or falls.

[Dr. Gautham Rao]

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. Supplements may help, but they're not enough to prevent bone breaks or falls as we age. Here's task Force member Dr. Gautham Rao, a family medicine doctor at Case Western Reserve University.

[NPR Sponsor]

That doesn't mean that vitamin D and calcium are not useful overall for bone health for other functions within the body.

[Dr. Gautham Rao]

Many 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. Alison Aubrey, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

Former Iowa Republican Congressman Jim Leach died Dec. 11 at the age of 82. His family says he had a heart attack and stroke. Leach was known for his moderate stances. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News, in Washington. This message comes from NPR sponsor Mint Mobile. From the gas pump to the grocery store, inflation is everywhere. So Mint Mobile is offering premium wireless starting at just $15 a month. To get your new phone plan for just $15, go to mintmobile.com switch.