NPR News Now: Episode Summary – December 27, 2024

Released: December 27, 2024

Hosted by Windsor Johnston, this episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive snapshot of the most pressing news stories from around the globe. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

1. North Korean Troop Losses in Russia's War Against Ukraine

Timestamp: [00:17]

NPR’s Michelle Kellerman reports significant developments regarding North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to the Biden administration and the National Security Council, North Korean forces are incurring substantial losses.

• John Kirby, Spokesman for the National Security Council, stated:

  "1,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in the past week alone. Russia treats them as expendable."
  [00:37]

Kellerman emphasizes skepticism towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements about initiating peace talks with Ukraine. She argues that Putin’s actions contradict his claims of seeking a negotiated settlement.

• Michelle Kellerman remarked:

  "This is not a man who anyone should take seriously when it comes to saying he's ready for a negotiated settlement. He has proven quite the contrary in almost every single possible way."
  [00:53]

John Kirby added that the Biden administration is actively working to bolster Ukraine’s position in preparation for any potential peace negotiations.

• John Kirby concluded:

  "Kirby says the Biden administration is trying to put Ukraine in a stronger position ahead of any potential peace talks."
  [01:09]

2. NATO Enhances Presence in the Baltic Sea Amid Sabotage Incidents

Timestamp: [01:19]

NATO is escalating its presence in the Baltic Sea following incidents of sabotage involving power cables between Finland and Estonia. Authorities in Finland are investigating these disruptions as deliberate acts.

• Alexander Stubb, Finnish President, stated:

  "NATO has already responded to my call for backup in the Baltic Sea."
  [01:34]

The Finnish and Estonian governments requested NATO reinforcements after four power cables were destroyed or damaged. Additionally, a vessel departing from a Russian port was seized upon crossing the affected area.

• Terry Schultz reported:

  "It's too soon to draw conclusions yet why this happened. We know who did it."
  [01:55]

Further investigation revealed that the seized ship, although flying under a Cook Islands flag, is suspected of transporting oil in violation of international sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine.

• Alexander Stubb added:

  "Although sailing under a flag from the Cook Islands, the ship is believed to be among those used by Russia to transport oil in contravention of international sanctions imposed for its war on Ukraine."
  [02:01]

3. Sudanese Hospital Shutdown Amid Paramilitary Attacks

Timestamp: [02:14]

A critical hospital in Al Fashir City, Sudan, serving over a million residents, has been forced to shut down due to relentless attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with Sudan’s army since last year.

• Emmanuel Akinwatha reports:

  "The Saudi hospital was the only hospital functioning in Al Fasha City, but doctors there say it's been forced to close after being hit with constant artillery shells and drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces."
  [02:34]

These attacks are part of a broader siege on El Fashir, the last major city in Darfur’s western region not yet captured by the RSF since the war began. Recent drone strikes resulted in nine fatalities and twenty injuries, driving thousands to seek refuge in nearby camps, which have also come under shelling.

4. New Climate Legislation and Medical Advances in New York

Timestamp: [03:13]

a. Climate Legislation:

New York State has enacted a groundbreaking law aimed at combating climate change by fining major greenhouse gas emitters. The funds generated will be allocated to address climate-related impacts. This legislation emerges in the wake of numerous costly weather disasters that have struck the state this year.

b. FDA Approval of Zepbound for Sleep Apnea:

The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s Zepbound as the first and only medication to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity.

• Cindy Lupkin explains:

  "The Food and Drug Administration has approved Eli Lilly Zepbound as a treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients who have obesity."
  [03:54]

Originally approved for obesity treatment in November 2023, this second approval extends Zepbound’s potential insurance coverage under Medicare and Medicaid, as these programs are mandated to cover drugs for approved medical conditions like sleep apnea, unlike those solely approved for weight loss.

5. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Status Update

Timestamp: [04:35]

NASA provides an update on the Parker Solar Probe, which recently made an unprecedented close approach to the sun, the closest of any human-made object.

• Windsor Johnston reports:

  "The agency had feared it may have been damaged when it passed the sun this week, closer than any object made by humans. But scientists say they received a signal late last night and it's operating normally."
  [04:35]

This successful maneuver allows the probe to collect invaluable data on solar activity, contributing to our understanding of the sun’s behavior and its effects on space weather.

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with incisive coverage of international conflicts, climate initiatives, advancements in medical treatments, and significant achievements in space exploration. By highlighting key quotes and attributions, the summary ensures that even those who did not tune in can stay informed on these critical issues.