NPR News Now: December 21, 2024 | 3PM EST
Hosted by Dwahlisa Kautau
Senate Passes Stopgap Funding Bill, Avoiding Government Shutdown
Timestamp: [00:18]
In a critical move to keep the government operational, the U.S. Senate approved the House-passed Stopgap funding bill, effectively avoiding a midnight shutdown and ensuring government functions continue until March 14. This decision came after a tumultuous week on Capitol Hill, marked by intense negotiations and political maneuvering.
Susan Davis reported on the intricacies of the bill:
"The slimmed-down agreement includes key provisions of the original bipartisan deal derailed by President Elect Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk. It allocates approximately $100 billion for natural disaster recovery efforts and provides a one-year extension of federal farm programs."
[00:37]
The passage of the bill highlights the ongoing struggle over the debt ceiling. While House Republicans resisted President Trump's push for an unconditional increase in the nation's borrowing limit, they succeeded in excluding the first pay raise for lawmakers in 16 years from the final agreement.
Ukraine Launches Drone Attacks Deep into Russia
Timestamp: [01:12]
In a significant escalation, Ukraine launched drone attacks targeting areas deep within Russia, specifically striking the city of Kazan, approximately 600 miles from the eastern front lines. Russian media reported damage to residential buildings, though fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Brian Mann provided detailed coverage from Kyiv:
"Ukraine's latest strike involved at least eight drones hitting Kazan, resulting in explosions that damaged both residential structures and an industrial facility. Meanwhile, Russia responded by sending over 100 drones into Ukrainian territory in the past 24 hours, all of which were either shot down or crashed due to electronic jamming."
[01:28]
The tension remains high as Russia continues its heavy missile strike on Kyiv, which last Friday resulted in the tragic death of a civilian. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the attack:
"This attack must not be perceived by the world as something routine."
[01:28]
Reports also indicated that the Kazan airport was briefly closed following the attacks but has since resumed operations, as confirmed by Reuters.
Missouri Judge's Complex Ruling on Abortion Laws
Timestamp: [02:13]
In Missouri, a recent judicial ruling has stirred significant debate around abortion rights. A state judge struck down several restrictive abortion laws while allowing others to remain in effect, despite recent voter support for abortion rights.
Noah Taborda from KCUR delved into the implications:
"Missouri's overall abortion ban, one of the strictest in the country, remains on the books even after voters passed an abortion rights amendment to the state constitution. The judge determined that the ban is not enforceable but upheld certain licensing requirements that Planned Parenthood argues still impede access to abortions."
[02:38]
Planned Parenthood has announced that abortions are currently on hold as they assess their legal options in response to the ruling.
FDA Bans Amanita Muscaria in Conventional Foods
Timestamp: [03:10]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric mushroom, no longer meets the safety standards for inclusion in conventional foods. This decision follows a comprehensive review of scientific evidence indicating that compounds within the mushroom may pose harmful effects, despite it not being classified as a controlled substance.
Amanita muscaria, recognizable by its dark red or orange cap adorned with white spots, has long been associated with Christmas folklore and winter rituals. Additionally, it is used in some psychoactive edibles, adding a layer of concern regarding its safety for public consumption.
Unfavorable Forecast for White Christmas Across Most of the U.S.
Timestamp: [04:11]
As the holiday season approaches, the likelihood of a white Christmas appears bleak for the majority of the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that only specific regions will experience snowfall sufficient to blanket the ground.
Shonda Lisa Duster reported on the weather outlook:
"Parts of Northern California and Utah are expected to see a blanket of snow on Christmas Day, along with areas around the Great Lakes, New York, and northern New England. In contrast, the rest of the country is anticipated to enjoy milder temperatures than average."
[04:11]
Climate experts caution that warming temperatures could result in fewer white Christmases in the future. Notably, this year has been recorded as the warmest globally, further influencing weather patterns and snowfall expectations.
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