NPR News Now – December 13, 2024

Host: NPR
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Episode: NPR News: 12-12-2024 11PM EST

1. Justice Department's Report on FBI's January 6th Intelligence Efforts

Presenter: Dan Ronan

The Justice Department's inspector general has unveiled a comprehensive report examining the FBI's intelligence operations leading up to the January 6th, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The investigation highlights both proactive measures and significant oversights within the bureau.

Key Findings:

• The FBI actively worked to identify domestic extremists intending to gather in Washington, D.C., for the events on January 6th.
• Despite recognizing the potential for violence, the inspector general criticized the FBI for not adequately canvassing its field offices to gather intelligence related to threats against the electoral certification process.

Notable Quote:

"A basic step that was missed," stated the bureau's deputy director at [00:41], highlighting a critical lapse in the FBI's intelligence gathering process.

Additional Insights:

• The report revealed that while no undercover FBI agents were present in the protest crowd or inside the Capitol during the attack, there were 26 informants involved.
• Of these informants, four entered the Capitol premises alongside the rioters. However, none of the informants were authorized to engage in illegal activities, as per the watchdog's findings.

2. Drone Sightings in New York and New Jersey Dismissed as Non-Threatening

Presenters: Dan Ronan and Tamara Keith

Recent drone sightings across New York and New Jersey have raised alarms among local and state officials. However, the White House has downplayed these incidents, suggesting that the perceived threats may not be as severe as initially thought.

Investigation Details:

• The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are actively investigating the drone reports that began in late November.
• White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby addressed the issue, indicating that federal and local investigators have yet to confirm the nature of these sightings.

Notable Quote:

"Many of the objects appear to be manned aircraft, not drones, and operated lawfully. We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat," Kirby stated at [01:32].

Further Information:

• Kirby emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with no current evidence linking the sightings to foreign threats or significant security concerns.

3. Jake Sullivan Negotiates Potential Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange in Israel-Gaza Conflict

Presenter: Dan Ronan

President Biden's National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Diplomatic Efforts:

• Sullivan visited Israel to discuss the volatile situations in Syria, Lebanon, and the Gaza war.
• He expressed optimism about nearing a ceasefire agreement and the possibility of a hostage settlement.

Notable Quote:

Sullivan mentioned, "Among the hostages still being held by Hamas are seven Americans, three of whom are presumed Al," at [02:27], underscoring the urgency of resolving the hostage crisis.

Hostage Negotiations:

• Sullivan is attempting to finalize a hostage deal within the month.
• He highlighted coordination efforts with the incoming Trump administration and outlined forthcoming trips to Egypt and Qatar, countries instrumental in mediating talks with Hamas.

Additional Commentary:

• Despite the optimistic outlook, Sullivan remained cautious, stating, "We've been close before and haven't gotten there, so I can't make any promises or predictions to you," at [02:40].

4. Wall Street Experiences a Decline Across Major Indexes

Presenter: Dan Ronan

The stock market faced a downturn on Thursday, with all three major indexes closing in negative territory.

Market Performance:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Fell by 234 points, ending the session at 43,914.
• Nasdaq Composite: Dropped 132 points, closing at 19,902.

Market Sentiment:

• The decline reflects investor apprehension amidst various economic and geopolitical factors influencing market stability.

5. Writers Guild of America Targets Hollywood Studios Over AI-Generated Scripts

Presenter: Dan Ronan and Mandalit del Barco

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is urging major Hollywood studios to take decisive action against the use of artificial intelligence in scriptwriting, citing concerns over intellectual property and authors' rights.

WGA's Stance:

• The union has officially addressed CEOs of leading studios, including Amazon, Disney, Universal, and others, demanding legal measures against companies that allegedly misuse writers' work to train AI tools without proper authorization or compensation.

Notable Quote:

"Tech companies have looted the studio's intellectual property," the WGA's letter states at [03:34], emphasizing the unauthorized use of creative content.

Contextual Background:

• This move by the WGA responds to reports, such as a recent article in The Atlantic, indicating that datasets used by companies like Apple and Meta incorporate subtitles from numerous Oscar-winning films and popular TV shows.
• The guild asserts that existing collective bargaining agreements mandate studios to protect writers' copyrights, a responsibility they believe is being neglected in the face of AI advancements.

6. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker Announces Resignation

Presenter: Dan Ronan

Mike Whitaker, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has announced his resignation, effective at the conclusion of the Biden administration. This move is intended to allow the incoming Trump administration to appoint a new head for the Aviation Oversight Agency.

Whitaker's Tenure:

• Senators from both political parties have commended Whitaker for his leadership at the FAA.
• His administration was noted for enforcing stringent policies towards airlines and addressing safety concerns with major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing.

Notable Quote:

"[Senators] have praised Whitaker's tenure at the FAA," highlighting his role in managing safety issues, including incidents like the Alaska Airlines 737 door plug panel malfunction.

Impact of Resignation:

• Whitaker's departure marks a significant transition for the FAA, as the agency prepares for new leadership aligned with the incoming administration's policies and priorities.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the December 13, 2024, episode of NPR News Now, capturing essential details and notable statements for listeners seeking a detailed briefing.