NPR News Now – December 12, 2024, 1AM EST
NPR News Now delivers the latest updates across critical national and international topics. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the December 12, 2024, episode.
FBI Director Christopher Wray Announces Resignation
[00:19] Dan Roren
FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced his resignation, effective at the end of the Biden administration. Wray, who is nearing the end of his ten-year term with three years remaining, faced the inevitability of being dismissed by President-elect Donald Trump upon his inauguration on January 20th.
Christopher Wray highlights the integrity of the FBI:
“The importance of our mission, the quality of our people and their dedication to service over self. It's an unshakable foundation that has stood the test of time and cannot be easily moved. And you, the men and women of the FBI are why the bureau will endure and remain successful long, long into the future.”
– Christopher Wray [00:48]
Wray delivered this statement during a town hall meeting for FBI employees, commending the dedication of law enforcement despite increasing criticism from the incoming administration.
Trump Nominates Successors to Key Federal Positions
[01:16] Dan Roren
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated two significant figures for federal positions:
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Kash Patel for FBI Director
- A loyalist to Trump, Patel is actively engaging with lawmakers in anticipation of his confirmation hearings.
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Kerry Lake for Director of Voice of America
- Kerry Lake, a Republican who previously ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and U.S. Senate, is poised to lead the Voice of America. Lake’s background includes a 22-year career as a broadcaster in the Phoenix area before venturing into politics.
These nominations reflect Trump’s strategy to place trusted allies in pivotal roles within the federal government.
Stock Markets Rally Amid Positive Inflation Data
[02:07] Rafael Nam
The stock markets continue their upward trajectory, with the Nasdaq reaching an unprecedented milestone by surpassing 20,000 points. The S&P 500 also reported gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a minor decline.
Rafael Nam reports:
“A rally in stocks is showing no signs of losing steam. The Nasdaq hit another record high, while The S&P 500 also posted gains. Although the Dow Jones posted a small loss.”
– Rafael Nam [02:07]
This surge follows the release of November’s consumer price index (CPI) data, which indicated a 2.7% increase year-over-year, aligning with market expectations. The gradual easing of inflation has bolstered investor confidence, leading to optimism about a potential third Federal Reserve interest rate cut scheduled for next week.
New York Police Link Shooting Suspect to Victim
[02:51] Dan Roren
New York City authorities have firmly connected shooting suspect Luigi Mangione to the death of insurance executive Brian Thompson. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided critical details:
“Three shell casings found at the Manhattan crime scene match up with the gun that Mangione was carrying when he was arrested Monday at a Pennsylvania McDonald's.”
– Jessica Tisch [02:51]
The evidence strongly ties Mangione to the incident, intensifying the investigation’s focus on his involvement.
South Korea’s President Defends Martial Law Amid Political Turmoil
[02:51] Dan Roren
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yul faces intense scrutiny over his recent decision to impose martial law briefly. In a televised address from Seoul, President Yoon asserted that the move was necessary to safeguard the nation’s democracy against what he describes as a parliamentary dictatorship orchestrated by the opposition party.
Despite numerous calls for his resignation or impeachment, President Yoon remains steadfast, declaring his intention to "fight to the end."
Tribute to The Amazing Kreskin, Renowned Mentalist
[04:03] Chloe Veltman
The world bids farewell to George Kressley Jr., famously known as The Amazing Kreskin, who passed away Tuesday at an assisted living center in Wayne, New Jersey. Kreskin, a beloved mentalist, captivated audiences in the 1960s and 70s with his extraordinary mind-reading abilities.
Chloe Veltman highlights Kreskin’s legacy:
“He called himself a mentalist, not a psychic, best known for a theatrical trick in which he asked audience members to hide his paycheck somewhere in the auditorium while he went outside. Then he'd come back in and find it, almost always successfully. He described the stunt in the 2005 documentary 'The Amazing Kreskin.'”
– Chloe Veltman [04:16]
Kreskin’s innovative performances, including the iconic paycheck trick, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born into a Polish Sicilian family, Kreskin was inspired by Mandrake the Magician, a comic book hero, which fueled his passion for mentalism.
Bill Belichick Returns to Washington with Five-Year Deal
[04:50] Dan Roren
In sports news, six-time Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick has made headlines by accepting a five-year contract with Washington. Belichick’s return signifies a major shift in the team’s strategic direction, aiming to leverage his unparalleled expertise to enhance the team’s performance in upcoming seasons.
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