Political Intrigues and Peace Efforts
Recent developments have brought to light a significant political maneuver involving U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. Newly released transcripts by Bloomberg indicate Witkoff reportedly advised a Russian official on how to present a Ukraine peace proposal to President Trump. This revelation emerges as President Trump's peace plan for Ukraine appears to be gaining traction.
The alleged phone call, dating back to mid-October after Trump sanctioned major Russian oil companies, purportedly shows Witkoff guiding Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser, on managing interactions with Trump. While NPR has not independently verified the transcript's contents, the news has drawn attention.
Ukrainian parliament member Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the foreign affairs committee, expressed no surprise, recalling his call six months prior for Witkoff's replacement due to perceived incompetence and a lack of understanding regarding Ukraine and the war's origins. Merezhko highlighted the Ukrainian awareness of individuals within Trump's circle who align with Russia's stance, yet emphasized the necessity of engaging with them.
President Trump remains committed to ending the conflict in Ukraine, dispatching top aides to Moscow and Kyiv to bridge differences in his latest peace initiative. NPR's Franco Ordoñez notes that despite exchanges of ideas, a deal between Ukraine and Russia isn't necessarily closer. While Trump shows genuine concern for the tragic loss of life, particularly among children, Ordoñez suggests that the president's aspiration for a Nobel Peace Prize might also serve as a partial motivation for his peace quest.
Thanksgiving Travel Surge and Aviation Civility
The U.S. aviation system has returned to normal operations following a government shutdown, just in time for the millions of Americans planning to fly for the Thanksgiving holiday. Federal regulators confirm the system's readiness for what is anticipated to be an exceptionally busy period.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a new civility campaign this week titled "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You." This initiative urges travelers to show respect towards airport and airline staff, aiming to improve the overall travel experience.
However, the campaign has faced criticism. Opponents argue that it places undue pressure on passengers while potentially allowing airlines to avoid accountability for factors contributing to a less civil flying environment. NPR's Joel Rose advises travelers to prepare for significant crowds, as the Federal Aviation Administration projects this could be the busiest Thanksgiving in 15 years.
CDC Leadership Changes and Public Health Debates
In a notable appointment, Dr. Ralph Abraham, Louisiana's Surgeon General, is slated to become the principal deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This promotion would make him the second-highest-ranking official, filling a position vacant since Dr. Nirav Shah's departure in February under the Biden administration.
Dr. Abraham is known for his controversial stance, having previously labeled COVID vaccines "dangerous." He has also been a vocal supporter of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and has advocated for investigating the debunked link between vaccines and autism – a topic that the CDC recently acknowledged reviewing again.
Breakthroughs in Obesity Treatment: Oral GLP-1 Medications
A significant advancement in obesity treatment is on the horizon with drugmakers developing pill versions of GLP-1 medicines. These oral alternatives are designed to offer a convenient option for patients, potentially replacing injectable drugs.
Key Details on New Obesity Pills:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve the first oral obesity pill, likely Novo Nordisk's semaglutide-based medication (the same active ingredient found in Wegovy and Ozempic), by the end of the year.
- These pills are anticipated to be more affordable than their injectable counterparts, which currently carry list prices exceeding $1,000 per month. Under agreements with the Trump administration, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have committed to selling approved oral obesity medicines directly to consumers for $149 a month.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated impressive efficacy. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that a 25 mg semaglutide pill led to an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks, comparable to the results seen with Wegovy.
Beyond the Headlines: Volcanoes, Tortoises, and Thanksgiving Traditions
In other news, the powerful Campi Flegrei volcano near Naples, Italy, is displaying renewed activity, with ground tremors unprecedented in centuries. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, expressing concerns about a potential eruption. Historically, prehistoric eruptions from Campi Flegrei were so massive they caused climate-altering events across Europe and Russia. A modern-day eruption would necessitate the evacuation of over half a million people from the designated "red zone" surrounding its eight-mile-wide crater.
Stateside, a cherished resident of the San Diego Zoo, Gramma the Galápagos tortoise, has passed away at the remarkable age of 141. Born in 1884, Gramma lived a century at the zoo, endearing herself as a "sweet and shy tortoise."
As Thanksgiving approaches, Jiffy corn muffins maintain their status as a quintessential holiday staple. For 75 years, these iconic, low-cost pastries have remained top-selling dry goods in the U.S. grocery market.
Finally, NPR's Word of the Week explores the intriguing and often uncertain history of the turkey, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
