NPR News Now: December 27, 2024, 9 PM EST Summary
Hosted by Jeanine Herbst
Azerbaijani Passenger Plane Crash Under Investigation
Washington D.C. – A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday when an Azerbaijani passenger plane crashed in Kazakhstan. The White House is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the jet went down due to "physical and technical external interference."
Windsor Johnston, NPR: The passenger jet was en route from the Azerbaijani capital to Chechnya, Russia, before it was unexpectedly diverted. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby indicated the possibility of Russian involvement, stating, "We have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense system" (00:51).
The investigation revealed damage to the plane's tail consistent with explosive impact. In response, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended all flights to Russian airports. Moscow, however, has categorically denied any involvement or wrongdoing in the incident.
Closure of Gaza's Last Functioning Hospital Sparks Controversy
North Gaza – In a move that has sparked international concern, the Israeli military has shut down the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza, Kemal Adwan Hospital. The Israeli authorities claimed the facility was being used as an operational base for Hamas fighters, a charge vehemently denied by the hospital staff.
Emily Feng, NPR: Despite persistent orders from the Israeli army, the hospital's staff, led by its director, refused to evacuate, fearing that relocation would result in patient fatalities. However, escalating shelling and lethal strikes in the vicinity forced the Israeli military to take control on Friday. The Gaza health authorities reported that parts of the hospital were subsequently burned down. Noor Omukayed, a nurse at the hospital's ICU, shared a harrowing account: "The Israeli military first set fire to buildings surrounding the hospital before shelling sections of the hospital itself" (01:37).
The shutdown has left Gaza's population with severely limited access to medical care amidst ongoing conflicts.
FDA Approves Obesity Drug for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Health News – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval to Eli Lilly's Zepbound as the first and only drug treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity. This marks a significant expansion beyond its initial approval as an obesity drug in November 2023.
Sydney Lupkin, NPR: "Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which someone temporarily pauses breathing in their sleep because their upper airway collapses," Lupkin explained. The approval of Zepbound opens the door for broader insurance coverage, especially for individuals on Medicare and Medicaid, as these programs are mandated to cover treatments for sleep apnea but not necessarily for weight loss (02:32).
This development not only offers a new treatment avenue for sleep apnea sufferers but also potentially alleviates financial barriers to accessing the medication.
Passing of Greg Gumbel, Renowned Sports Broadcaster
Entertainment News – Greg Gumbel, the esteemed sports announcer and host known for his work with CBS and NBC, has passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer. His family released a statement confirming that he died peacefully.
David Burson, CBS Sports President: "Greg was a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller who will be dearly missed," Burson remarked, highlighting Greg's significant contributions to sports journalism. Greg was also the brother of Brian Gumbel, former host of NBC's "Today" show.
Gumbel's legacy in sports broadcasting is celebrated by colleagues and fans alike, marking the end of a notable career.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Survives Record Solar Flyby
Space Exploration – NASA's Parker Solar Probe achieved a historic milestone by surviving its closest-ever approach to the Sun. On December 24, the probe ventured approximately 3.8 million miles from the Sun's surface, surpassing all previous human-made objects in proximity to a star.
Jonathan Lambert, NPR: "The Parker solar probe barreled towards the sun on Dec. 24, getting closer than any human made object has ever gotten to a star," Lambert reported. Although communication was lost during the flyby, the probe sent a final message before midnight Eastern Standard Time on December 26, confirming its survival. The mission team anticipates receiving detailed data by January 1, which is expected to provide valuable insights into solar heating and the formation of solar wind (03:54).
This successful flyby will enhance our understanding of the Sun's complex mechanisms and influence future space exploration missions.
Mega Millions Announces a $1.2 Billion Jackpot
Lottery News – The Mega Millions lottery is set to draw tonight with an estimated jackpot of $1.2 billion, marking another record-breaking prize. No grand prize winner has emerged in the last 30 drawings, keeping hopes high among participants.
Jeanine Herbst noted, "Mega Millions says the odds of winning are high, 1 in 302,575,350," emphasizing both the excitement and the slim chances of securing the jackpot (04:31). The substantial prize continues to attract a surge of ticket sales nationwide as players dream of life-changing winnings.
Note: This summary excludes sponsor messages, introductory remarks, and concluding segments to focus solely on the core news content presented in the episode.