NPR News Now: December 22, 2024, 1AM EST
Host: Dale Willman
Government and Politics
Congress Prevents Shutdown but Leaves Debt Ceiling Unresolved
In a critical move to avert a government shutdown, Congress passed a short-term spending measure overnight. However, the legislation did not address the pressing issue of the debt ceiling, a key concern for President-elect Donald Trump. This decision shifts the responsibility to the Republican-controlled Congress next year, leaving the resolution of the debt ceiling uncertain.
A Political Analyst elaborated on the situation:
"A month from now, Trump and his party will control both the presidency and both houses of Congress. So they'll have to deal with this. They will have a very narrow margin in the House. And Speaker Johnson, assuming he holds onto his job until this time, will once again have to make a deal that will appeal to either some Democrats or to virtually his entire conference. And that includes conservative Republicans who are often reluctant to vote for any spending bill." [00:37]
This intricate balance of power highlights the challenges that the incoming administration and congressional leaders will face in addressing the nation’s fiscal policies.
Tragedy in Wisconsin
Remembering Ruby Vergara, Victim of Madison School Shooting
The community of Madison, Wisconsin, mourned the loss of 14-year-old Ruby Vergara, a victim of the recent school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. The funeral, held on Saturday, was a heartfelt celebration of Ruby’s life, emphasizing her creativity, kindness, and love for music and animals.
Ruby’s uncle, Andy Ramis, encouraged mourners to honor her memory:
"If something is funny that's said about a memory of Ruby, laugh. And if you need to clap in confirmation, clap. If this is truly a celebration of life, then let's do it." [01:22]
Abby Stam, whose daughter was Ruby’s best friend since preschool, shared:
"I thought they'd grow up and do something amazing with all their creative ideas together." [01:46]
The tight-knit religious community is relying on faith to navigate their grief, reflecting the profound impact Ruby had on those around her.
Education and Student Loans
Department of Education Reopens Old Repayment Plans Amid Legal Challenges
The Department of Education has reopened two legacy student loan repayment plans as the administration's latest initiative, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, faces judicial challenges. The SAVE plan, introduced by the Biden administration, offers the lowest payments and the fastest path to loan forgiveness but has been halted in court battles initiated by Republican state attorneys general. They argue that the White House lacks the authority to implement a plan with potential costs running into hundreds of billions of dollars.
Cory Turner from NPR explained:
"That new plan, called the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, or SAVE, was created by the Biden administration but has been paused by the courts. Republican state attorneys general have argued in court that the White House does not have the authority to create a plan as expensive as SAVE, which could cost hundreds of billions of dollars. While the courts debate, some 8 million borrowers enrolled in SAVE remain in limbo, not having to make payments. But for borrowers looking to change plans, the Education Department just reopened two older options that it had phased out." [02:07]
This move provides temporary relief for borrowers but leaves the broader issue of student loan reform unresolved as legal and political battles continue.
International Events
Rocket Attack in Tel Aviv and Escalating Tensions Between Israel and Yemen
Israel’s military reported that a rocket fired from Yemen struck an area of Tel Aviv on Saturday, injuring at least 16 people. This attack is part of a series of hostilities wherein the Houthi rebels in Yemen have been targeting Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The recent escalation follows Israel’s own military strikes on two Yemeni cities just two days prior, indicating a deepening conflict between the nations.
Australia Faces Major Brush Fire Evacuations
In Australia’s Victoria State, an out-of-control brush fire nearing the Grampians National Park west of Melbourne has necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of local residents. The blaze, ignited by lightning earlier in the week, has drawn substantial firefighting efforts as authorities work to contain the rapidly spreading fire. Dale Willman reported:
"Order for hundreds of local residents." [03:22]
The situation remains critical as firefighters strive to manage the extensive damage caused by the natural ignition source.
Health and Medical News
FDA Approves First Medication to Treat Sleep Apnea in Obese Individuals
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new weight loss drug, Zepbound, for the treatment of sleep apnea in individuals with obesity. This marks the first FDA-approved medication specifically targeting sleep apnea, a condition where the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing.
Juliana Kim, NPR’s health correspondent, detailed the approval:
"Sleep apnea insomnia occurs when a person's upper airway becomes blocked. It can affect anyone, but it tends to be more common among people who are obese. That's where the weight loss drug Zepbound comes in. The Food and Drug Administration referred to two studies involving adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. After about a year, participants on Zepbound reported significantly fewer sleep apnea symptoms compared to those on a placebo. That was true for both participants who use the CPAP machine and those who don't. The FDA approval highlights the growing potential of weight loss drugs. Last year, another brand was approved by the FDA to prevent heart problems in patients who are overweight." [03:34]
This approval underscores the expanding role of pharmacological interventions in managing conditions related to obesity.
Sports
College Football Playoffs: Texas and Ohio State Secure Victories
In the latest updates from the College Football Playoffs, Texas triumphed over Clemson with a score of 38-24, largely thanks to Jaden Blues who scored two touchdowns [04:30]. Meanwhile, Ohio State delivered a commanding performance against SMU, winning 42-17. The Buckeyes established a strong lead early in the game, maintaining their dominance throughout.
Additionally, Penn State showcased a robust defense, defeating SMU and State with a score of 38-10. A highlight of their victory included returning two interceptions for touchdowns, demonstrating their defensive prowess and contributing significantly to their win [04:36].
Dale Willman concluded the sports segment:
"The Buckeyes jumped out to a 21 to nothing lead early and never looked back. And Penn State dominated SMU and State." [04:47]
These victories position Texas, Ohio State, and Penn State as strong contenders moving forward in the playoffs.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant political developments, heartbreaking local tragedies, critical education policy shifts, escalating international conflicts, groundbreaking health advancements, and exciting sports achievements. With detailed reporting and poignant quotes, the episode offers listeners a multifaceted understanding of current events shaping the world today.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded to focus on the core news coverage.