NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-18-2024 9AM EST

Episode Date: December 18, 2024

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For every headline, there's also another story about the people living those headlines. On weekdays, Up First brings you the day's biggest news. On Sundays, we bring you closer with a single story about the people, places, and moments reshaping our world. Your news made personal. Every Sunday on the Up First podcast from NPR. Live from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korova Coleman. Congressional leaders have released

information about a stopgap spending bill. Congress needs to pass one fast or the federal government will partially shut down late Friday night. The measure is worth about $100 billion. It sets aside money for disaster recovery. On Capitol Hill, senators are meeting with more of President-elect Trump's cabinet nominees this week. NPR's Claudia Grisales has more on his choice for national intelligence director. Tulsi Gabbard, a former House Democrat who became a Republican this year,

faces stiff opposition to her joining the Trump administration as director of national intelligence. Gabbard, however, told NPR she remains optimistic as she meets with senators. Taking the opportunity to be able to engage with each of them personally and hear what's on their minds and share what President Trump's vision is

and how we look forward to working together. Gabbard has drawn criticism for her apparent acceptance of brutal dictators, including Syria's ousted leader. She's among Trump's more controversial nominees, who include Pete Hagsteth for defense secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health and human services secretary. Claudia Grisales, NPR News, The Capitol. President-elect Trump has also tapped former football star player Herschel Walker to be the next U.S.

ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in Georgia two years ago. There are reports of momentum in ceasefire talks for Gaza. It is said to include a pause in fighting and a release of some hostages held in Gaza and a release of some Palestinian detainees held by Israel. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This is close. And with enough pushing from the outside mediators and the commitment of Israel and Hamas, we

can get it done. He spoke to MSNBC. But there are some objections from some Israeli leaders. They say a partial deal that does not free all the hostages won't work and may leave too much of Hamas intact. Some countries are reopening their embassies in the Syrian capital Damascus after rebels toppled the Assad regime. But questions remain regarding the leadership of Syria's new interim government. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi reports it's been linked to al-Qaeda. Even though the French embassy is still closed in Damascus, the French flag is now up there

as a symbolic gesture. According to the French Foreign Ministry, France, quote, stands alongside Syrians in this period of transition. Both the Turkish and Qatari embassies are resuming operations in Syria. Turkey funded some of the rebel groups which made up the forces which toppled former President Bashar al-Assad. The leader of the revolt, Ahmad al-Shar'a, formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, is a designated terrorist by the United States. He has called on the international community to come to Syria's aid as they rebuild. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus. It's NPR. Mourners held a candlelight vigil in Madison, Wisconsin, last night for the victims of this week's shooting at a religious school.

Madison police are clarifying information they released earlier about the shooting. They now say a second grade teacher alerted authorities to the shooting. They had earlier said a second grade student had phoned them. The shooting left three people dead, including the shooter, a teenage girl who killed herself. A group of experts has released a draft recommendation about vitamin D and calcium supplements. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports the experts find that these do not reduce the risk of fractures or falls. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, promoting strong bones and muscles. It also supports a healthy immune system. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, so reduced exposure during winter months

can increase the risk of a deficiency. Supplements may help, but they're not enough to prevent bone breaks or falls as we age. Here's task force member Dr. Gam Rau, a family medicine doctor at Case Western Reserve University. That doesn't mean that vitamin D and calcium are not useful overall for bone health, for other functions within the body. Many doctors recommend vitamin D supplements to patients who have insufficient amounts and more than one in three older adults take them. When it comes to preventing fractures, experts say physical activity including weight

bearing exercises can be very effective. Allison Aubry, NPR News. Former Iowa to preventing fractures, experts say physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises, can be very effective. Alison Aubry, NPR News. Former Iowa Republican Congressman Jim Leach died December 11th at the age of 82. His family says he had a heart attack and stroke. Leach was known for his moderate stances. I'm Corva Coleman, NPR News in Washington.