Trump Administration and Ukraine Peace Plan
Bloomberg has released transcripts indicating that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff provided guidance to a Russian adviser regarding the presentation of a Ukraine peace proposal to President Trump. The release of these transcripts coincides with reported progress on Trump's peace plan. The recording, dated mid-October, reportedly captures Witkoff advising Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser, on interacting with Trump. This occurred shortly after the U.S. implemented sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies. NPR has not independently verified the transcript contents.
Ukrainian parliament member and foreign affairs committee chair Oleksandr Merezhko stated he was not surprised by this development, according to NPR. Merezhko had previously advocated for Witkoff's replacement six months prior, citing concerns about his understanding of Ukraine and the conflict's origins. Merezhko also indicated that Ukrainians perceive some individuals within Trump's circle as aligned with Russia's perspective.
President Trump's administration is reportedly focused on concluding the conflict in Ukraine, dispatching senior aides to Moscow and Kyiv to address aspects of a peace plan. NPR reported that despite an exchange of ideas between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. on ending the conflict, a resolution does not appear imminent. Trump has expressed concern regarding casualties, particularly among children. NPR correspondent Franco Ordoñez suggested that the president's pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize may be a contributing factor to his efforts to end the war.
Thanksgiving Air Travel Projections
U.S. federal regulators have declared the national aviation system operational following the recent government shutdown, anticipating high air travel volumes for the Thanksgiving holiday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy introduced a new public awareness initiative, 'The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,' which encourages travelers to show respect for airport and airline personnel. Critics of the administration have commented that this campaign primarily burdens passengers, potentially diverting focus from airline accountability in maintaining travel civility. NPR reported that significant airport congestion is expected, with the Federal Aviation Administration projecting the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period to be the busiest in 15 years.
CDC Appointment of Dr. Ralph Abraham
Dr. Ralph Abraham, Louisiana's surgeon general, is appointed as the principal deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making him the agency's second-highest official. This position has been vacant since Dr. Nirav Shah's departure in February. Dr. Abraham has previously characterized COVID-19 vaccines as 'dangerous' and has voiced support for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He has also previously supported inquiries into the relationship between vaccines and autism, a topic that the CDC has recently re-engaged with.
Advancements in Oral Obesity Medications
Pharmaceutical companies have developed oral formulations of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment, presenting an alternative to existing injectable drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet granted approval for these oral medications, but is anticipated to approve the initial pill form by the close of the year.
Key information regarding the new medication includes:
- The FDA is expected to first approve an obesity pill from Novo Nordisk, which contains semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic.
- Oral versions are projected to be less expensive than injectable drugs, which can have monthly list prices exceeding $1,000.
- Under agreements between Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and the Trump administration, approved oral obesity medicines are to be sold directly to consumers for $149 per month.
- A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that a 25 mg semaglutide pill led to an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks, a result comparable to Wegovy.
Campi Flegrei Volcano Activity
The Campi Flegrei volcano, situated near Naples, Italy, is exhibiting renewed activity, marked by ground tremors identified by scientists as being unprecedented for centuries. Researchers are expressing concern regarding a potential impending eruption. Historic eruptions of Campi Flegrei were notable for their scale, which reportedly obscured sunlight, induced climatic changes, and deposited volcanic ash across Europe and Russia. A contemporary eruption would necessitate the evacuation of over 500,000 individuals residing within the 'red zone,' an area encompassing the volcano's eight-mile-wide crater as designated by Italian authorities.
Briefs
Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise estimated to have been born in 1884, passed away at 141 years old after residing at the San Diego Zoo for a century. Thanksgiving marks the peak sales period for Jiffy corn muffins, which the company states are among the top-selling dry goods in the U.S. grocery market, having been available for 75 years. NPR's 'Word of the Week' is exploring the historical context of the turkey, a subject noted by historians and etymologists for its historical ambiguities.