NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-22-2024 8AM EST

Episode Date: December 22, 2024

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In college, Mustafa Suleiman started a helpline for young British Muslims. People were just looking to find support in a language that made sense to them. Today, he's CEO of Microsoft AI, where he's building digital helpers. Think of me as your superpower in your pocket. Building the future of AI. That's on the TED Radio Hour podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Giles Snyder. Ukraine is facing diplomatic pressure from European countries over a decision to cut off the flow of cheap Russian natural gas at the end of this year. Despite Russia's

invasion nearly three years ago, gas still flows through pipelines across Ukraine. NPR's Brian Mann reports from Kyiv. During a visit to Brussels, Ukraine's president Vladimir Zelensky confirmed he won't extend a deal that currently allows Russian gas to flow through Ukraine despite the bitter war. Here's Zelensky speaking through an interpreter. We would not prolong the transit of Russian gas. We will not give the possibility of additional billions to be earned on our blood, on the lives of our citizens."

At least three European countries, including Austria, still rely heavily on low-cost Russian gas. Slovakia has protested Ukraine's decision, and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at a press conference he's mediating talks, hoping to extend the deal, which expires in 10 days. Brian Mann in PR News, Keefe. Two Navy pilots were forced to eject from their fighter aircraft over the Red Sea early this morning. The U.S. military says both are okay, although one suffered minor injuries.

The military says their plane was struck by friendly fire as the U.S. was carrying out airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. In Magdeburg, Germany, last night crowds gathered at the city's cathedral for a memorial service following the attack on a Christmas market that left five people dead and some 200 others injured. Shireen Pham was at the market Friday night when a car plowed into a large crowd. She's a nurse and says she aided the injured. We heard some strange noises and we got outside and saw the car rampaging the whole way. Took everything with him, after him. It was just traumatizing.

Authorities say the 50-year-old Saudi man accused of carrying out the attack is being held on allegations of murder and attempted murder. As Congress voted to temporarily keep the government open for a few more months, it also approved $100 billion in emergency funding for disaster aid Friday night. Some of that money will go to rebuilding Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. Scott Masione from member station WYPR has more. The federal government will pay for the replacement of the key bridge in full after Congress passed the emergency spending bill. The bridge was struck by a thousand foot long cargo ship in March, causing the collapse.

The rebuild efforts could cost as much as two billion dollars. Maryland state officials say the plan is to have the replacement constructed and in use by the fall of 2028. Meanwhile, the state, the city of Baltimore, and numerous businesses are suing the owner of the cargo ship for damages and cleanup costs. The owners of the ship already settled with the U.S. Justice Department for more than $100 million in October for costs to clear the channel to the port of Baltimore. For NPR News, I'm Scott Massione in Baltimore. And you're listening to NPR News.

to NPR News. Reality TV producer Mark Burnett has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be his special envoy to the United Kingdom. Burnett has produced reality TV hits such as Survivor and The Voice as well as The Apprentice, the show in which Trump fired a succession of contestants competing for roles in his businesses. Baseball Hall of Famer Ricky Henderson has died at the age of 65. He was a World Series champion who holds the all-time record for the most stolen bases. From Emmerstation KQED in San Francisco, Joseph Gihal reports. An Oakland legend

who played parts of 14 seasons with the A's in a 25-year career, Henderson was known most for his rare and exciting combination of speed and power. His wife, Pamela Henderson, confirmed his death in a statement issued Saturday through the A's. In addition to the stolen base title, Henderson had many other career records that have stood for decades, including most leadoff home runs and most runs scored. Billy Bean, the famed longtime former Oakland Athletics general manager, said in a statement that Henderson was quote the greatest Oakland A of all time and that his impact on the A's on Oakland and on

baseball is immeasurable. For NPR News, I'm Joseph Gija. Spain marked the holiday season today with the country's huge annual Christmas lottery. It's a 200 year old tradition and more than 2.8 billion dollars up for grabs by ticket holders. A draw run by the state-run national lottery was broadcast live. A winning ticket for the top prize known as El Gordo or the fat one was sold in Spain's La Roja region. I'm Trial Snyder, NPR News.