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And depending, of course, upon when you're listening, there's just a few hours left to beat the taxman and get your gift in before 2025.

So please visit wng.org slash year-end gift. And thanks.

Good morning. On this final day of 2024, we continue our coverage of the biggest news of the year.

Today, the life beat. What does it mean to be a human being frozen in ice in a laboratory?

It's a very strange condition that we've brought these embryos into.

Also today, 40 years ago this month, a pop song raises millions for food and medical aid in Africa.

And remembering the lives of innovators in business and science.

I did make more money out of this patent than anybody else. I got a hundred dollars for having

submitted.

It's Tuesday, December 31st. This is the world and Everything in it from listeners-supported World Radio.

I'm Mary Reichert. And I'm Nick Eicher. Good morning.

Up next, Mark Mellinger with today's news.

President Trump has given Mike Johnson his endorsement to continue serving as Speaker of the House,

but Johnson still has not secured the support he needs from his fellow Republican lawmakers.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massey says he won't vote for Johnson despite Trump's endorsement Monday.

That means Johnson cannot afford to lose any more Republican votes when the new Congress

convenes to choose a speaker Friday, but a few GOP lawmakers, like Tennessee's Tim Burchett, are still

non-committal. I'll make up my mind Friday or so when we do the votes. I'll pray about it.

Some GOP critics are upset with Johnson for working with Democrats to pass a spending deal this month.

Johnson allies like New York Congresswoman Claudia Tenney are pushing back.

What some of these people that are frustrating to see my own colleagues say is that, well, why does you work with Democrats?

...