NPR News Now: December 20, 2024, 8 AM EST

Hosted by Korva Coleman

1. Government Shutdown Looms as House Fails GOP Spending Bill

Congress faces a critical deadline tonight to pass a spending bill and avert a partial federal government shutdown. The House recently rejected a Republican-backed measure supported by President-Elect Trump. According to Korva Coleman at [00:16], “Congress has until late tonight to pass a spending bill or the federal government will partially shut down.”

Claudia Grisales elaborates on the situation at [00:40], explaining that the new House Republican bill, crafted without Democratic input, failed when "38 Republicans joined Democrats in voting against it." The measure required a two-thirds majority under an expedited process, but the failure pushes lawmakers back to the negotiating table as the shutdown deadline approaches. Senate and House Democrats criticized Republicans for abandoning a previously agreed-upon bipartisan funding plan, while House Republicans defending the failed proposal argued it did not align with traditional goals of cutting spending and reducing the deficit.

2. Amazon Workers Stage Nationwide Strike for Union Recognition

This week marks the second day of a significant strike targeting seven Amazon facilities across the United States. The Teamsters Union reports that thousands of Amazon drivers and employees are protesting from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Korva Coleman introduces this story at [01:30], highlighting the union's demand for Amazon to recognize the union and engage in collective bargaining.

Samantha Thomas, an Amazon driver from Georgia, shared her motivations at [01:59]: “We’re fighting for better benefits, better vacation time, better pay, most importantly. And we’re also fighting for safer working conditions, like having our proper winter uniforms that have not been provided for us.” Despite Amazon’s dispute over the union’s claims, asserting it does not represent the workers, the strike underscores growing labor tensions within the tech and logistics giant.

3. Death Penalty Executions Remain Steady in the U.S.

A recent study indicates that the number of executions in the United States has remained relatively stable in 2024, with 25 individuals executed this year. Korva Coleman introduces the report at [02:11], noting that Amazon is a financial supporter of NPR.

Martin Kosti reports on the findings at [02:31], citing Robyn Marr, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center: “Public support for the death penalty remains at a bare majority, which is 53%. That’s a five-decade low.” Despite this slight decline in public support, the use of the death penalty continues to be concentrated in a few states. Only four states accounted for three-quarters of all executions this year, making the death penalty more of a localized issue and less prominent in national discourse. Currently, 27 states retain the death penalty, though five have paused executions by gubernatorial order.

4. President Biden to Visit Rome and Forgive $4 Billion in Student Loans

President Biden is scheduled to travel to Rome early next year before the end of his term. The White House announced that he has been invited by Pope Francis to visit the Vatican, where he will also meet with Italy’s Prime Minister. Additionally, President Biden is moving forward with debt relief initiatives, planning to forgive over $4 billion in student loans for approximately 55,000 borrowers enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This effort primarily benefits eligible teachers, nurses, and other public service professionals, aiming to alleviate financial burdens for those dedicated to serving the community.

5. New York Implements Heat Protection Laws for Schools

In response to the increasing number of hot school days, New York State is set to introduce new legislation mandating schools to take action when classroom temperatures become excessively high. Korva Coleman highlights this development at [03:13].

Rebecca Redelmeier from member station WSKG provides further details at [03:55]: “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.” This move comes as research indicates that high temperatures negatively impact student learning. While states like California, Minnesota, and Nevada already have similar heat protection laws, New York’s new regulations represent a significant step toward ensuring a conducive learning environment. The largest teachers union in New York has welcomed the legislation, acknowledging the benefits for both students and educators.

6. LA Zoo Successfully Hatches First Perenti Lizards

In a moment of triumph for conservation efforts, officials at the Los Angeles Zoo have successfully hatched two baby perenti lizards. Announced by Korva Coleman at [04:35], these lizards are among the largest in the world, capable of growing over eight feet long. The hatchlings are the first of their kind to be bred at the LA Zoo, and officials report that they are thriving. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the zoo’s efforts to preserve and study these impressive reptiles, contributing to broader conservation and educational goals.

Notable Quotes:

• Korva Coleman on government shutdown: “[00:16] Congress has until late tonight to pass a spending bill or the federal government will partially shut down.”

• Samantha Thomas on Amazon strike: “[01:59] We’re fighting for better benefits, better vacation time, better pay, most importantly. And we’re also fighting for safer working conditions, like having our proper winter uniforms that have not been provided for us.”

• Robyn Marr on death penalty support: “[02:43] Public support for the death penalty remains at a bare majority, which is 53%. That’s a five-decade low.”

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