NPR News Now: December 20, 2024 | 12AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Author: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. U.S. House Rejects Last-Minute Spending Plan to Avert Government Shutdown

Timestamp: [00:19] – [00:39]

The U.S. House of Representatives has dismissed a last-minute spending proposal aimed at preventing a government shutdown. In an unexpected move, several Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the plan. The White House has sharply criticized the decision, labeling the rejected plan as a "giveaway for billionaires."

Asma Khalid of NPR reports:

"House says President Biden supported an earlier version of the plan, a bipartisan deal to keep the government open. That deal was upended on Wednesday by President-elect Donald Trump and his close advisor Elon Musk, who also happens to be the wealthiest person in the world." ([00:39])

Key Points:

• The rejected spending plan was initially backed by President Biden.
• Influence from President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk played a role in the plan's downfall.
• White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre condemned Republicans for prioritizing billionaire interests over American workers.
• The plan included provisions to lower prescription drug costs and make it more difficult to offshore jobs to China.
• If no agreement is reached, government shutdown operations are set to begin at midnight Friday.

2. Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Slaying Faces Charges in New York

Timestamp: [01:21]

The investigation into the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has taken a significant turn. The suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, has been relocated to New York and is now facing multiple charges, including murder. Mangione was arrested days after the December 4th attack in Manhattan and is currently held without bail.

3. FAA Bans Drone Flights Over New Jersey Critical Infrastructure

Timestamp: [01:53] – [02:32]

In response to a surge in drone sightings near critical infrastructure sites, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a temporary ban on drone flights over more than a dozen locations in New Jersey for the next 30 days. This measure aims to enhance public safety amidst rising concerns.

Joel Rose of NPR explains:

"Homeland Security officials continue to insist there's no threat to public safety, but say the restrictions are being issued out of an abundance of caution. Authorities say the vast majority of reported unexplained drone sightings are actually manned aircraft or commercial and hobbyist drones." ([01:53])

Additional Insights:

• The FAA's action is precautionary, addressing the increasing number of drone-related incidents.
• There has been a notable rise in individuals pointing lasers at airplanes, a practice deemed illegal and dangerous by the FAA.
• Despite the FAA's measures, Homeland Security maintains that there is no immediate threat to public safety.

4. U.S. Announces $230 Million Aid Package for Sudan Amid Crisis

Timestamp: [02:32] – [03:06]

Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the United Nations, unveiling a substantial aid package worth $230 million aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in war-torn Sudan.

Antony Blinken stated:

"We continue to see war crimes and crimes against humanity committed across vast parts of Sudan. In Zamzam, people have resorted to eating grass and peanut shells. By some estimates, a child dies every two hours for lack of food." ([02:49])

Details of the Aid Package:

• Funds will cover essential needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
• An additional $30 million is allocated to support Sudan's transition back to democratic governance.
• The aid responds to ongoing atrocities and severe shortages affecting the population, particularly in the northeast African nation.

5. Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Upper Midwest

Timestamp: [03:06]

A significant winter weather system is currently impacting parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, bringing heavy snow, ice, gusty winds, and bitter cold. The Twin Cities area is expected to receive up to 7 inches of snow. Additionally, the National Weather Service has forecasted another storm that will bring light to moderate snowfall to the Northeast overnight into Saturday.

6. New York Mandates Heat Protection Measures in Schools

Timestamp: [03:57]

In response to increasing incidents of extreme heat during the school year, New York has enacted new legislation requiring schools to implement heat protection measures.

Rebecca Redelmeier from WSKG reports:

"The new legislation requires New York schools to take action if classroom temps reach 82 degrees. That means turning on fans or providing water breaks. If classrooms reach 88 degrees, schools must take steps to relocate students and staff." ([03:57])

Key Highlights:

• The law mandates immediate action when classroom temperatures hit 82°F, including the use of fans and water breaks.
• At 88°F, schools must relocate students and staff to cooler areas.
• This move aligns New York with states like California, Minnesota, and Nevada, which already have similar heat protection laws.
• Research indicates that excessively warm classrooms hinder student learning, and many schools lack adequate air conditioning.

Support from Educators:

• New York's largest teachers' union has welcomed the legislation, acknowledging its importance for student well-being and educational outcomes.

7. Amazon Workers Strike, Yet Holiday Deliveries Unaffected

Timestamp: [04:36]

Despite a strike by union workers at seven Amazon facilities in Ithaca, New York, the company assures that holiday deliveries will remain on schedule. The strike emerged after workers alleged that Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline for contract negotiations, leading to the establishment of picket lines.

8. U.S. Futures Dip Following Thursday's Wall Street Losses

Timestamp: [04:36]**

U.S. futures are trending lower in after-hours trading, reflecting declines on Wall Street following Thursday's market losses. Investors remain cautious amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Notable Quotes

• Karine Jean Pierre, White House Press Secretary:

  "Republicans are doing the bidding of their billionaire benefactors at the expense of hardworking Americans and breaking their word to support a bipartisan agreement that would lower prescription drug costs and make it harder to offshore jobs to China." ([00:39])

• Antony Blinken, Secretary of State:

  "We continue to see war crimes and crimes against humanity committed across vast parts of Sudan. In Zamzam, people have resorted to eating grass and peanut shells. By some estimates, a child dies every two hours for lack of food." ([02:49])

• Rebecca Redelmeier, WSKG:

  "The new legislation requires New York schools to take action if classroom temps reach 82 degrees. That means turning on fans or providing water breaks. If classrooms reach 88 degrees, schools must take steps to relocate students and staff." ([03:57])

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of critical national and international issues, ranging from political developments in Washington and legal proceedings in New York to significant humanitarian efforts in Sudan and pressing environmental concerns in educational settings. The segment highlighted the interplay between policy decisions and their real-world impacts, providing listeners with insightful analysis and up-to-date information on events shaping the world.

For more detailed coverage, visit NPR News Now.