NPR News Now – December 19, 2024 Episode Summary
Live from NPR News in Washington, Shea Stevens brings you the latest updates across politics, labor, legal affairs, and economic studies.
1. Government Shutdown Avoidance Efforts
Congressional Maneuvers to Prevent Shutdown
Members of Congress are urgently working to avert a partial government shutdown expected this weekend. The primary issue revolves around the funding of government agencies.
President-Elect Donald Trump's Stance
President-elect Donald Trump is actively urging Republican lawmakers to reject a bipartisan proposal that aims to fund government operations through mid-March.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Bipartisan Agreement
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the importance of the bipartisan deal, stating:
"We reached a bipartisan agreement to meet the needs of the American people and provide assistance to farmers, families, children, seniors, veterans, men and women in uniform and working class Americans."
(00:44)
Jeffries warns that rejecting the proposal would adversely affect ordinary Americans, potentially leading to significant hardships.
2. Amazon Faces Strikes Ahead of Holiday Season
Teamsters Union Launches Strikes
The Teamsters union announced strikes at Amazon facilities nationwide, citing the company's failure to negotiate a new contract. This move comes less than a week before Christmas, potentially disrupting the crucial holiday supply chain.
Details of the Strikes
Patricia Campos Medina, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at Cornell, detailed the scope:
"The Teamsters say a mix of workers, including pickers and packers and third party delivery drivers, will be picketing seven Amazon facilities in and around Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago and New York City."
(01:20)
She also highlighted the potential for more pickets at other Amazon locations, emphasizing the timing's critical nature:
"Any disruption at this time of year could be damaging to the company. It is the holiday season."
(01:50)
Amazon has disputed the Teamsters' claims regarding representation, maintaining that negotiations are ongoing.
3. Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
Legal Actions Against Ryan Ruth
Florida Attorney General is pressing attempted murder charges against Ryan Ruth, the individual accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf club in September. Ruth has remained in custody since the incident.
Details of the Incident and Charges
Hakeem Jeffries provided an overview of the event:
"Apparent assassination attempt on Trump, Ryan Ruth fled in his vehicle north on Interstate 95 because of concerns that he might have explosives. Law enforcement authorities stopped traffic in both directions in a multi vehicle accident. A short time later, a six year old girl received what are being described as life threatening injuries and remains in hospital care."
(02:20)
Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Energy Secretary, commented on the legal implications:
"Actions turn into an attempt to felony murder case."
(02:44)
Governor DeSantis' Concerns
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized federal law enforcement for hindering the state’s investigation. He expressed hope that these "federal roadblocks will be removed" following Trump’s inauguration.
4. Supreme Court to Hear TikTok Ban Case & CVS Pharmacy Under Scrutiny
TikTok Ban Constitutionality
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments challenging the U.S. government's ban on TikTok, which is slated to take effect next month unless the platform's China-based owner divests. TikTok contends that the ban infringes on constitutional rights.
DOJ's Civil Complaint Against CVS Pharmacy
The Justice Department has filed a civil complaint alleging that CVS Pharmacy and its subsidiaries unlawfully filled prescriptions, including opioids, violating the False Claims Act. CVS has denied these allegations and stated its cooperation with investigators.
5. Biden Administration's Study on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports
Study Findings and Recommendations
A recent study by the Biden administration advises the incoming Trump administration to carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of increasing U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Jennifer Granholm on Economic and Environmental Impacts
Jennifer Granholm highlighted key points from the study:
"The federal study shows that the US has already approved more than enough natural gas export plants to meet global demand."
(04:09)
"With more gas exported overseas, prices will be set according to the global market, leading to greater volatility and the likelihood that natural gas and electricity bills will increase here. That could hurt manufacturers and drive up the cost of consumer goods."
(04:17)
She also noted environmental concerns:
"The study also showed that some export facilities could have a bigger climate footprint than most of the world's countries."
(04:17)
Conclusion from PSA
Shea Stevens summarized the study's implications:
"The main takeaway is that a business as usual approach is neither sustainable nor advisable."
(04:09)
6. Market Updates
US futures traded flat in after-hours sessions, while Asia Pacific markets experienced declines. These movements reflect ongoing economic uncertainties and investor caution.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on December 19, 2024. For detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.