NPR News: 12-21-2024 10AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 21, 2024, 10 AM EST

1. Federal Government Avoids Shutdown with Budget Deal

The federal government will remain operational until at least mid-March after Congress narrowly averted a shutdown. The budget deal, which marks the end of a tumultuous week on Capitol Hill, was approved by both the House and Senate. This agreement funds the government for several months, allocates additional money for farmers, and provides $100 billion in aid for victims of natural disasters, including last year's wildfires in Hawaii and this year's hurricanes and flooding in the Carolinas.

Sarah McCammon reports that this was the third version of the bill introduced recently. The initial attempts failed due to opposition from President-elect Donald Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk. Ultimately, the bipartisan-supported bill passed without an increase to the nation's debt ceiling, which Trump had requested earlier.

Sarah McCammon [00:36]: "The agreement approved by the House and Senate was the third iteration of the bill introduced in recent days."

President Biden is expected to sign the stopgap measure into law today, concluding the 118th Congress as lawmakers depart Capitol Hill for the holidays.

2. Labor Strikes Spread Across Major Cities

A Union representing Starbucks workers has announced a five-day strike that is set to expand to Columbus, Denver, and Pittsburgh today. The initial walkouts began on Friday in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with the intent to escalate daily, potentially impacting hundreds of stores by Christmas.

Lindsey Bergner, a Starbucks worker in Seattle, expressed the workers' grievances:

Lindsey Bergner [01:40]: "I deserve to have a living wage. I deserve not to have all these unfair labor practices against my fellow workers."

In addition to the Starbucks strike, Amazon delivery drivers, represented by the Teamsters union, initiated a strike at seven facilities on Thursday. Workers at a prominent New York warehouse are anticipated to join the strike starting midnight.

3. Stock Market Responds to Federal Reserve Policies

The stock market experienced volatility as investors reacted to the Federal Reserve's recent decisions. Despite a quarter percentage point rate cut announced on Wednesday, the Fed signaled that interest rates may remain higher for longer into the next year, dampening investor enthusiasm.

Scott Horsley explains that the Fed's cautious outlook for 2025, suggesting only a half percentage point decrease in interest rates next year compared to the previously projected full point, led to a sell-off. This uncertainty caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to tumble more than 1,100 points initially, though some losses were later recovered. By the week's end, the Dow was down 2.25%, the S&P 500 fell by 2%, and the Nasdaq dropped approximately 1.8%.

Scott Horsley [01:45]: "Inflation wary policymakers suggested they might lower interest rates by only half a percentage point next year, not the full point they were projecting back in September."

4. International News: Germany and Canada

Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the tragic attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, describing it as a "dreadful tragedy." He visited the scene, where authorities believe a driver intentionally rammed his vehicle into a large crowd, resulting in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries.

Olaf Scholz [02:54]: "Calling last night's attack on a Christmas market... a dreadful tragedy."

Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces increasing pressure to resign following the recent departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a significant ally. Jack Macsing of the New Democratic Party announced plans to present a formal motion of no confidence when Parliament reconvenes after the holidays. Trudeau, who has led Canada for over nine years, is currently taking a Christmas break to contemplate his future.

5. Health Advisory: Rising Respiratory Viruses Ahead of Holidays

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning as respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV, are on the rise across the United States. The increase is expected to continue as the holiday season approaches, with more people traveling and gathering.

Rob Stein reports that public health officials are particularly concerned because vaccination rates remain low. Only about 21% of adults have received an updated COVID-19 booster, and less than 42% have gotten a flu shot. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccinations to mitigate the spread and impact of these viruses during the festive period.

Rob Stein [03:58]: "Most people still haven't gotten the latest Covid and flu shots."

6. Sports: Lindsey Vaughn’s Triumphant Return to Ski Racing

Lindsey Vaughn made a remarkable comeback to World Cup ski racing this weekend in Switzerland, six years after retiring due to multiple crashes and injuries. Her return follows a knee replacement surgery, which she credits for her improved condition and renewed passion for the sport.

Vaughn competed in a Super G race at St. Moritz, showcasing her determination and resilience.

Giles Snyder [04:32]: "Lindsey Vaughn decided to return after knee replacement surgery, saying it feels better than it has in years."

Conclusion

As the holiday season unfolds, significant developments are shaping the national and international landscape. From government budget negotiations and labor strikes to economic policies and health advisories, NPR News Now provides comprehensive coverage to keep listeners informed and engaged.

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This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on December 21, 2024.

Transcript

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[Giles Snyder]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Giles Snyder. The federal government is staying open at least until mid March. Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown late last night, wrapping up chaotic week on Capitol Hill by approving a budget deal. NPR's Sarah McCammon has more.

[Sarah McCammon]

In addition to funding the federal government for a few more months, the deal includes money for farmers and $100 billion in aid for victims of natural disasters, including wildfires in Hawaii last year and hurricanes and flooding in the Carolinas this year. The agreement approved by the House and Senate was the third iteration of the bill introduced in recent days. The first deal fell apart after President elect Donald Trump and his close advisor, billionaire Elon Musk, expressed opp. The final deal ultimately passed with bipartisan support and without an increase to the nation's debt ceiling that Trump had requested. Sarah McCammon, NPR News.

[Giles Snyder]

President Biden is expected to sign the stopgap measure into law today. Its passage marks the end of the 118th Congress. Lawmakers have now left Capitol Hill for the holidays. Union representing Starbucks workers says a five day strike will spread to Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh today and that walkouts will escalate daily and could reach hundreds of stores by Christmas. Eve began Friday in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, where Lindsey Bergner works.

[Lindsey Bergner]

I deserve to have a living wage. I deserve not to have all these unfair labor practices against my fellow workers.

[Giles Snyder]

The Starbucks workers joined Amazon delivery drivers who began a strike at seven facilities on Thursday. The drivers are members of the Teamsters union. Workers at a prominent warehouse in New York are expected to join the strike at midnight last night. Stocks rallied on Friday but still ended down for the week. NPR's Scott Horsley reports that investors were disappoint when the Federal Reserve hinted that interest rates may stay higher for longer next year.

[Scott Horsley]

The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday in what policymakers described as a close call. Markets were happy about the rate cut, but not so happy with the Fed's forecast about 2025. Inflation wary policymakers suggested they might lower interest rates by only half a percentage point next year, not the full point they were projecting back in September. That news triggered a sell off in stocks on Wednesday with the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumb more than 1,100 points. Stocks later regained some of that ground. But the Dow still finished down 2.25% for the week, while the S&P 500 index lost 2% and the Nasdaq fell about 1.8%. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

[Giles Snyder]

German Chancellor Olof Scholz calling last night's attack on a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg a dreadful tragedy. He spoke today after visiting the scene where authorities believe a driver intentionally rammed his car into a large crowd. Authorities now say at least five people were kill and scores were injured. And from Washington, this is NPR News. Pressure is mounting on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down following this week's resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a key ally. Jack Macsing of the new Democratic Party says he will present a formal motion of no confidence when Parliament returns late next month. Trudeau is said to be taking the Christmas break to consider his future. He's led Canada as prime minister minister for more than nine years. With the arrival of the winter season and the holidays approaching, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of people catching respiratory viruses is picking up. NPR's Rob Stein has the latest.

[Rob Stein]

The CDC says COVID 19 activity is increasing again. At the same time, seasonal flu activity continues to rise across the country, and RSV is still spreading widely. All three viruses are expected to spread even more as people travel and gather for the holidays. The CDC says that's worrisome because most people still haven't gotten the latest Covid and flu shots. Only about 21% of adults have gotten an updated Covid booster, and less than 42% have gotten a flu shot. Rob Stein, NPR News.

[Giles Snyder]

Lindsey Vaughn has returned to World cup ski racing. She is competing this weekend in Switzerland, six years after retiring due to a series of crashes and injuries. She says she decided to return after knee replacement surgery, saying it feels better than it has in years. Vaughn competed in a Super G race at St. Moritz today. I'm Giles Snyder, NPR News.

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