NPR News: 12-27-2024 12AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 27, 2024

Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates across various sectors, including international incidents, U.S. political developments, severe weather alerts, legislative actions on climate change, market movements, healthcare updates, notable obituaries, and tragic events in the sporting world. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed.

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Azerbaijani Jetliner Crash in Kazakhstan

Timestamp: [00:12] – [00:57]

Host: Dale Willman

A tragic aviation incident occurred on Christmas Day when an Azerbaijani jetliner crashed in Kazakhstan. The flight was en route to Grozny, Russia, but was diverted before the crash. Captain Dale Willman reported that 38 individuals lost their lives, while 29 passengers survived the ordeal.

Russell Lewis, an NPR correspondent, provided insights into the possible causes behind the crash. Experts are now investigating whether Russian air defense fire contributed to the tragedy. Lewis explained, “[00:29] We know this part of Russia has been subject to drone attacks fired by Ukraine's military.” He further detailed Russia's use of anti-aircraft artillery and GPS jammers aimed at neutralizing these threats, suggesting that such defensive measures might have played a role in the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities scrutinizing these defense actions to determine their impact on the crash.

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U.S. Congress Pay Raise Misconception

Timestamp: [00:57] – [01:23]

Host: Dale Willman & Reporter:** Barbara Sprunt

As Congress adjourned for the holidays, there was a brief period where Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning. Simultaneously, news emerged about a potential pay raise for U.S. Congress members—a topic that quickly became a point of contention.

Barbara Sprunt clarified the situation, noting the spread of misinformation. Elon Musk, an advisor to then-President-elect Donald Trump, falsely claimed that Congress members were seeking a "40% pay bump." In reality, the proposed bill aimed to implement a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment, equating to approximately $6,600 annually for each member. Currently, Congressional salaries stand at $174,000, unchanged since 2009.

Sprunt highlighted the longstanding debate surrounding this issue: “[01:08] ...lawmakers have long blocked a statute that would give them a yearly cost of living pay increase over concerns of political blowback.” Critics argue that stagnant salaries hinder individuals from diverse economic backgrounds from running for office, thereby perpetuating a lack of representation among the wealthy.

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Severe Weather Alerts in the Southern United States

Timestamp: [01:53] – [04:02]

Host: Dale Willman & Reporter:** Barbara Sprunt

The southeastern United States is bracing for severe weather as thunderstorms sweep across the region, impacting states like Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Dale Willman reported significant disruptions, including the cancellation of over 100 flights at major airports in Dallas and Houston. Earlier, the National Weather Service had issued a tornado watch for southeastern Texas, a forecast that intensified as storms advanced westward.

Barbara Sprunt emphasized the dangers posed by the impending weather, stating, “[02:11] Bringing the risk of high winds along with potential tornadoes and hail.” The severe conditions have led to the activation of emergency protocols and widespread alerts to ensure public safety amidst the tumultuous weather patterns.

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New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act

Timestamp: [02:16] – [03:06]

Host: Dale Willman & Reporter:** Barbara Sprunt & Harrison Malkin

In a significant legislative move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Climate Change Superfund Act, holding oil and gas companies accountable for their contributions to climate change. Barbara Sprunt reported that under this law, New York stands to collect up to $75 billion from these corporations over the next quarter-century.

Harrison Malkin elaborated on the utilization of these funds: “[02:35] The money will be used to fund projects in New York like protecting coastal wetlands, improving flood mitigation systems, investing in bridges and roads, and more to deal with extreme heat and flooding that's more likely to occur because of climate change.” The measure draws inspiration from the 1980 Superfund law, which mandates companies to finance the cleanup of environmental hazards such as oil and chemical spills. Despite expectations of legal challenges, Governor Hochul affirmed the bill’s intent: “[02:25] The bill will hold polluters responsible for the damage done to our environment.”

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Stock Market Overview

Timestamp: [03:06] – [03:08]

Host: Dale Willman

The stock market experienced mixed results, closing variedly across different sectors on Wall Street. While some indices saw gains, others faced downturns, reflecting the volatile economic climate influenced by both domestic and international factors.

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FDA Resolves Drug Shortage for Zepbound and Manjaro

Timestamp: [03:12] – [04:09]

Host: Dale Willman & Reporter:** Sydney Lupkin**

Addressing healthcare concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the resolution of the shortage for two critical drugs, Zepbound and Manjaro, which are pivotal in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dale Willman highlighted that this decision came after a lawsuit prompted the FDA to reassess the shortage status.

Sydney Lupkin provided a detailed account of the FDA’s evaluation process: “[03:29] ...the FDA has heard that some patients have had a hard time filling prescriptions recently, but it doesn't think that means the shortage is ongoing.” The agency considered various factors, including manufacturer inventory data, projected demand, and feedback from patients, healthcare providers, and compounding pharmacies. While some pharmacies were temporarily producing these drugs to mitigate the shortage, they will soon cease production as the situation stabilizes.

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Passing of Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Timestamp: [04:09] – [04:27]

Host: Dale Willman & Reporter:** Barbara Sprunt**

A solemn announcement was made regarding the passing of Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, who died at the age of 92. Barbara Sprunt noted that Singh is revered as the architect of India’s economic reform program, which significantly transformed the nation's economy.

Singh was also instrumental in negotiating a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, marking a pivotal moment in international relations. At the time of his death, a hospital statement confirmed that he was being treated for age-related medical conditions. His leadership and contributions have left an indelible mark on both India and the global stage.

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Tragedy in the Hobart Yacht Race, Australia

Timestamp: [04:27] – [04:42]

Host: Dale Willman & Reporter:** Barbara Sprunt**

The inaugural night of the Hobart Yacht Race in Australia was marred by tragedy as severe storms wreaked havoc on the event. Dale Willman reported that two sailors lost their lives—one each from the Flying Fish Arctos and the Bowline—after being struck by their boats' booms. Additionally, another sailor was washed overboard from a different vessel but was fortunately rescued.

Despite the losses, the race officials have decided to continue the event, demonstrating resilience in the face of natural adversity. Barbara Sprunt provided updates on the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and continuation of the race amid challenging weather conditions.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a wide array of pressing issues, from international aviation incidents and political misinformation to severe weather challenges and significant legislative actions against climate change. Additionally, it covers critical updates in healthcare, honors the legacy of a prominent global leader, and reports on tragic events in the sporting arena. Through comprehensive reporting and insightful analysis, NPR continues to inform its audience on matters that shape our world.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. Some aviation experts are now saying air defense fire from Russia may have brought down the Azerbaijani jetliner that crashed on Christmas Day in Kazakhstan. The flight was heading to the Russian city of Grozny when it was diverted. NPR's Russell Lewis has more.

[Russell Lewis]

We know this part of Russia has been subject to drone attacks fired by Ukraine's military. And we also know that Russia has been using anti aircraft artillery and using GPS jammers to try to shoot down these drones before they get to their targets again. It's too soon to pinpoint what happened and why, but surely these are the kinds of things that investigators will be parsing over in the days and weeks ahead.

[Dale Willman]

38 people died in the crash, while 29 others were injured but survived.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Azerbaijan today observed a day of mourning for for a brief moment before Congress.

[Dale Willman]

Left Washington for the holidays, it appeared that members were about to get their first pay raise in 15 years.

[Barbara Sprunt]

But as NPR's Barbara Sprunt reports, that didn't happen.

[Elon Musk]

Misinformation quickly spread about the funding bill, with Elon Musk, an advisor to President elect Donald Trump, claiming members of Congress were trying to give themselves a 40% pay bump. The bill would have actually made it possible for members to get a cost of living adjustment of 3.8%, a roughly $6,600 increase. Congressional pay for RAN can file members is $174,000. It hasn't been adjusted since 2009. Lawmakers have long blocked a statute that would give them a yearly cost of living pay increase over concerns of political blowback. But critics argue stagnant pay makes it harder to run for Congress unless you're already wealthy. Barbara Sprunt, NPR News, the Capitol.

[Dale Willman]

Severe thunderstorms are rolling across the nation's south tonight. More than 100 flights were canceled at airports in Dallas and Houston. Earlier today, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for some of southeastern Texas as the storm moved through. It's now in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Bringing the risk of high winds along with potential tornadoes and hail.

[Dale Willman]

In New York today, Governor Kathy Hochul.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Signed the Climate Change Superfund Act.

[Dale Willman]

The law will hold gas and oil companies responsible for their effect on climate change.

[Barbara Sprunt]

As Harrison Malkin reports, under the law, the state could collect $75 billion from companies over the next 25 years.

[Harrison Malkin]

The money will be used to fund projects in New York like protecting coastal wetlands, improving flood mitigation systems, investing in bridges and roads, and more to deal with extreme heat and flooding that's more likely to occur because of climate change. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the bill will hold polluters responsible for the damage done to our environment. The measure was modeled on the 1980 Superfund law that requires companies to pay to clean up oil and chemical spills. Legal challenges in response to the law are expected to come. For NPR News, I'm Harrison Malkin in New York.

[Dale Willman]

Stocks closed mixed on Wall street today.

[Barbara Sprunt]

This is NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

The shortage of a popular obesity and type 2 diabetes drug is over. That's the Food and Drug Administration's decision after a lawsuit prompted it to re.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Evaluate whether it was right to remove.

[Dale Willman]

Zepbound and Manjaro from its official shortage list in October. NPR's Sydney Lupkin reports.

[Sydney Lupkin]

Almost exactly two years after the shortage of Eli Lilly's Zeppbound and Manjaro began, the FDA has declared the shortage to be resolved. The FDA has heard that some patients have had a hard time filling prescriptions recently, but it doesn't think that means the shortage is ongoing. The agency says it took many factors into account, including the drug manufacturer's inventory data and projected demand. It says it also spoke to patients, health care providers and compounding pharmacies, which had been temporarily allowed to make essentially copies of these drugs during the shortage. Compounding pharmacies will need to stop making copies in the coming months. Sidney Lupkin, NPR News.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has died.

[Dale Willman]

He was 92 years old. Singh is widely regarded as the architect.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Of the country's economic reform program. He was also responsible for a landmark nuclear deal signed with the U.S. a statement from the hospital said Singh was.

[Dale Willman]

Being treated for age related medical conditions.

[Barbara Sprunt]

At the time of his death.

[Dale Willman]

Two sailors have been killed on the.

[Barbara Sprunt]

First night of the storm ravaged Sydney, the Hobart yacht race in Australia.

[Dale Willman]

Race officials say one sailor each from both the flying fish Arctos and the.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Bowline were killed after being struck by the ship's boom.

[Dale Willman]

One other sailor was washed overboard on.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Another boat, but he was rescued. That race is continuing. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

[GiveWell]

This message comes from GiveWell. GiveWell provides rigorous, transparent research about the best giving opportunities so that donors can make informed decisions about high impact giving. To learn more, go to givewell.org and pick podcast and enter NPR at checkout.