NPR News: 12-30-2024 11AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 30, 2024, 11AM EST

1. Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

NPR News Now opens with the heartfelt announcement that former President Jimmy Carter passed away yesterday after nearly two years under hospice care at his residence in Plains, Georgia [00:12]. President Joe Biden, who had a longstanding friendship with Carter, shared his memories and sentiments. Reflecting on their enduring relationship, Biden stated, "I've been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years" [00:38]. He emphasized Carter's profound impact, saying, "It is a testament to Carter's decency and decades of work after leaving office that millions of people all over the world feel like they lost a friend, too, even if they've never met him" [00:40].

Carter's legacy extends beyond American borders, with his former colleague acknowledging, "And his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe" [00:54]. The news of Carter's passing prompted tributes from other former presidents:

• Barack Obama remarked that Carter "embodied his values, such as compassion."
• Bill Clinton praised Carter for working "for a better, fairer world."
• George W. Bush highlighted that Carter "set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations" [01:10].

Funeral arrangements are currently underway as NPR's Tamara Keith continues to follow the story [01:00].

2. Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Downing Airliner

In international affairs, the president of Azerbaijan has formally demanded that Russia accept full responsibility for the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines jet last week, which resulted in the tragic loss of 38 lives [01:10]. According to NPR's Brian Mann, initial investigations suggested several possibilities, including bird strikes or an onboard explosion. However, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has been unequivocal in his stance:

"Compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, to the injured passengers and crew members. These are our conditions." [02:09]

Despite mounting evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not fully accepted liability but offered a partial apology:

"For the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace." [02:16]

The international community watches closely as tensions escalate, with official investigations still underway [02:28].

3. Public Health Alert: Bird Flu Tracking

Public health officials in the United States are intensively monitoring the status of bird flu among both humans and animals. The virus is frequently transmitted through raw milk products or raw meat used in pet food, posing significant risks. NPR's Will Stone reports:

"We do know that all kinds of mammals including cats and dogs, can catch bird flu and it can be serious, even fatal." [02:28]

To prevent the spread, experts recommend keeping pets away from wild birds and rodents, as the virus remains widespread in various populations [02:45]. These measures are crucial in mitigating the potential impact of bird flu on both public health and animal welfare [02:58].

4. Financial Markets and Legal Developments

Wall Street experienced a downturn today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by over 540 points and the NASDAQ dropping nearly 300 points [02:58]. This decline reflects broader economic concerns as markets react to various ongoing issues.

In legal news, a federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million civil verdict against President-elect Donald Trump from 2023. The jury held Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, though it did not find him liable for rape [02:58]. Trump has announced his intention to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, President Biden has announced a substantial new aid package for Ukraine, amounting to nearly $2.5 billion. He emphasized the necessity of this assistance for security purposes, noting:

"The US has now spent all the money allocated by Congress to help Ukraine." [02:58]

This aid comes at a critical time as Biden prepares to leave office, signaling continued U.S. support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions [02:58].

5. Supporting Caregivers During the Holidays

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Health experts offer strategies to help families navigate these difficult times. Stephanie Colombini from member station WUSF spoke with Tampa caregiver Melissa Malone, who shared her approach to celebrating the holidays with her late mother [04:11].

Malone emphasized creating a comforting environment by preparing familiar foods and playing favorite music and movies:

"Melissa Malone cooked her mom's favorite food and put on music and movies she... grew up loving." [04:11]

To minimize confusion and stress, Malone staggered guest arrivals and limited interactions by asking yes or no questions:

"They tried to stick to yes or no questions to limit confusion and didn't shame her if she said something that didn't make sense." [04:15]

She also highlighted the emotional toll of caregiving, stating:

"It's okay to be upset, upset at the disease, and it's okay to be mad at the disease, but you can't be mad at the person." [04:31]

Malone encourages fellow caregivers to take regular breaks and seek support when needed to maintain their well-being [04:39]. Her insights provide valuable guidance for those striving to balance caregiving responsibilities with personal health during the festive season [04:46].

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This comprehensive summary captures the key issues discussed in the NPR News Now episode from December 30, 2024. From the heartfelt tributes to Jimmy Carter and international tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, to public health alerts, financial market updates, legal battles involving a former president, and compassionate advice for caregivers, the episode delivered a wide range of important and timely news stories.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. Former President Jimmy Carter died yesterday after spending almost two years under hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. President Biden is remembering Carter as a dear friend as well as a globally recognized humanitarian. NPR's Tamara Keith reports.

[Joe Biden]

Biden, a young senator at the time, was one of the first national figures to endorse Carter in his bid for the presidency in 1976.

[Jimmy Carter]

I've been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years.

[Joe Biden]

It dawned on me, biden said it is a testament to Carter's decency and decades of work after leaving office that millions of people all over the world feel like they lost a friend, too, even if they've never met him.

[Jimmy Carter]

And his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe.

[Joe Biden]

Biden delivered his remarks after sharing his condolences in a call with several Carter family members. Funeral plans are underway. Tamara Keith, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

Other former presidents have weighed in. Former President Barack Obama says Carter embodied his values, such as compassion. Former President Bill Clinton said Carter worked for a better, fairer world. Former President George W. Bush says Carter set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations. The president of Azerbaijan is demanding that Russia accept full responsibility for the downing of an airliner last week that claimed 38 lives. While the investigation is still underway, officials in Azerbaijan say it's clear Russian air defense weapons hit the plane. NPR's Brian Mann reports.

[Brian Mann]

For days after the crash, Russian officials offered theories about what might have downed the Azerbaijan Airlines jet that was en route to the Russian city of Grozny. Bird strikes or an explosion on board the plane might be the cause. In a televised address, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said it was certain the plane was hit by Russian weapons. He spoke through an interpreter.

[Ilham Aliyev]

Compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, to the injured passengers and crew members. These are our conditions.

[Brian Mann]

In a statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin stopped short of accepting responsibility, but did apologize, quote, for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace. Brian Mann, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

In the U.S. public health officials are tracking the status of bird flu among humans and among animals. Both are often exposed through raw milk products or raw meat that is sold to animals as pet food. NPR's Will Stone says there are other ways pets can be exposed.

[Will Stone]

We do know that all kinds of mammals including cats and dogs, can catch bird flu and it can be serious, even fatal. The recommendation is keep them away from wild birds, also mice if possible, because the virus is still very widespread.

[Korva Coleman]

NPR is Will Stone reporting. Stocks are lower on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrials are down more than 540 points. The NASDAQ is down nearly 300 points. This is NPR. A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million civil verdict against President elect Trump. In 2023. A jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and later defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury did not find that Trump was liable for rape. A separate jury ordered Trump to pay the millions to Carroll for Trump has appealed. The White House says President Biden is sending a fresh tranche of aid to Ukraine worth nearly two and a half billion dollars. Biden says it's for security assistance. He says the US has now spent all the money allocated by Congress to help Ukraine. This is happening before Biden leaves office. The holidays can be a difficult time for people caring for those who have dementia, but health experts say there are still things people can do to help their families enjoy the upcoming New Year festivities. From member station wusf, Stephanie Columbini spoke with a Tampa caregiver who reminisced about how she celebrated holidays with her late mother.

[Stephanie Columbini]

Melissa Malone cooked her mom's favorite food and put on music and movies she.

[Unnamed Caregiver]

Grew up loving just to joust any bit of memory that she had so.

[Stephanie Columbini]

She didn't overwhelm her mom. Malone staggered guests arrivals. They tried to stick to yes or no questions to limit confusion and didn't shame her if she said something that didn't make sense.

[Unnamed Caregiver]

It's okay to be upset, upset at the disease, and it's okay to be mad at the disease, but you can't be mad at the person.

[Stephanie Columbini]

Malone encourages caregivers to take breaks and ask for help when they need it. For NPR News, I'm Stephanie Colombini in Tampa.

[Korva Coleman]

And I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News from Washington.

[Carvana]

Listen to this podcast sponsor free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR news now [e-mail] that's plus NPR. Org.