NPR News: 12-23-2024 2AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now Episode: NPR News: 12-23-2024 2AM EST
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Dale Willman

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President-Elect Donald Trump's Arizona Conference Highlights Panama Canal Threats

In a significant address on Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump spoke at a conservative conference in Arizona, focusing on several key issues, notably immigration and the popular social media platform TikTok. However, his most contentious remarks targeted Panama and the Panama Canal.

Trump criticized Panama's fees, stating, “[00:36] The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama. I say very foolishly by the United States. This complete ripoff of our country will immediately stop.”

He further threatened to "reassert US control over Panama," a move that would reverse the 1999 agreement where the United States handed over the canal's operations to Panama. This stance has raised concerns about potential international tensions and the implications for global trade routes.

Syria's New Leadership and Potential Conflict with Turkish Influence

In international relations, Syria's newly appointed leader, Ahmed Al Shara, made headlines during a joint press conference with Turkey’s Foreign Minister. Al Shara declared that all weapons in Syria must come under state control, emphasizing the need for unity and self-reliance among Syrians: “[01:14] Ahmed Al Shara has promised to unite Syria after years of war and division, insisting that Syrians themselves must come together to work for a better future without foreign interference.”

This declaration aligns with Turkey's agenda, which views Syrian Kurds as a terrorist threat and aims to dismantle their armed forces. Analysts warn that if Al Shara follows Turkey’s lead, it could reignite conflicts within the region, potentially destabilizing the area further.

Escalating Violence in Gaza: Israeli Strikes and Civilian Casualties

The Gaza Strip has seen a surge in violence, with Israeli airstrikes resulting in at least 22 deaths over the weekend, according to Palestinian health officials. A particularly tragic incident occurred when a school in Gaza City, now housing displaced individuals, was struck, killing eight people, including three children. The Israeli military defended the actions, asserting they were targeting Hamas militants using the school as a shelter.

This escalation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and raises questions about the balance between military objectives and civilian safety.

NYPD Arrests Suspect in Subway Arson Case

In New York City, the New York Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect responsible for the brutal murder of a woman who was set on fire while aboard an F train on Sunday. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided details about the swift resolution of the case: “[02:29] Jessica Tisch: NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says it was three high school aged New Yorkers who called 911 after recognizing the suspect from police fly.”

The suspect approached the victim calmly and used what authorities believe was a lighter to ignite her, all captured by body-worn cameras and onboard train cameras. The quick identification and arrest highlight the effective collaboration between law enforcement and the public in enhancing community safety.

Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Draws Massive Crowds to Oahu's North Shore

Hawaii's North Shore of Oahu became the epicenter of the surfing world as approximately 50,000 spectators gathered to witness over 40 of the globe’s premier surfers compete in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Jackie Young from Hawaii Public Radio reported, “[03:40] Jackie Young: Crowds gathered overnight and parking lots filled up before dawn for what has been called the super bowl of surfing.”

This prestigious, invite-only event, named after the legendary big wave surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau, only proceeds if wave heights consistently reach 40 feet, with forecasts predicting swells up to 50 feet. Last year’s champion, Honolulu city lifeguard Luke Shepherdson, returned to defend his title amidst warnings from emergency officials to maintain a safe distance from the shore due to the danger posed by high surf conditions.

Rome's Trevi Fountain Reopens Ahead of 2025 Jubilee Holy Year

After three months of extensive renovations, Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain has reopened its gates to the public. This restoration was strategically timed to ensure the fountain was in optimal condition for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, an event expected to attract millions of visitors worldwide. Dale Willman reported, “[04:30] Dale Willman: Following three months of renovations, Rome's famous Trevi Fountain is once again open.”

The fountain continues to be a cultural landmark, featured in numerous films and a beloved tourist attraction where visitors toss coins into its waters, contributing approximately one and a half million dollars annually to charity.

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This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant global and local events, ranging from political developments and international conflicts to impactful community stories and cultural milestones. Notable quotes and detailed reporting offered listeners a nuanced understanding of each topic, ensuring that even those who did not tune in could stay informed.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. President elect Donald Trump was in Arizona on Sunday where he spoke at a conference being put on by a conservative group. He revisited many of his favorite topics, including immigration and TikTok, but his threats toward Panama and the Panama Canal drew the most attention.

[Donald Trump]

The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama. I say very foolishly by the United States. This complete ripoff of our country will immediately stop.

[Dale Willman]

Trump also threatened to reassert US Control over Panama. The canal was turned over to Panama by the US in 1999. Syria's new leader says all weapons in the country need to come under state control. He made those comments during a joint press conference with Turkey's foreign minister. The BBC's Sebastian Ussher reports.

[Ahmed Al Shara]

Ahmed Al Shara has promised to unite Syria after years of war and division, insisting that Syrians themselves must come together to work for a better future without foreign interference. That was how he framed his call for the state to take over all military operations. But he was speaking to the foreign minister of Turkey, which has given him vital support. Ankara sees the Syrian Kurds as a terrorist group and wants to prioritize the dismantling of their armed forces. If Mr. Alshara follows the Turkish lead, it may result in new conflict.

[Dale Willman]

That's the BBC's Sebastian Usher with our report. Israeli strikes across Gaza Strip have killed at least 22 people this weekend. That's according to Palestinian health officials. One of the most recent attacks hit a school in Gaza City that houses displaced people. That strike killed at least eight people, including three children. Israel's military, though, says it was targeting Hamas militants who were taking shelter in the school. The New York Police Department has made an arrest in the killing of a woman who was set on fire while on a subway train on Sunday. WNYC's Catalina Ganella has this reports.

[Jessica Tisch]

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says it was three high school aged New Yorkers who called 911 after recognizing the suspect from police fly.

[NYPD Representative]

We asked the media to broadcast those images far and wide so we could use the viewing public as a force multiplier and New Yorkers came through again.

[Jessica Tisch]

She says the suspect and victim were riding in the same F train car as it pulled into the last stop in Brooklyn. He calmly walked up to the motionless victim and used what they believe was a lighter to set her on fire. Officials say images captured by body worn cameras and cameras on board the train helped police quickly determine what happened and identify a person of interest. For NPR News, I'm Catalina Gonela in New York City.

[Dale Willman]

And you're listening to NPR News. In Hawaii, an estimated 50,000 spectators are crowding onto Oahu's North Shore this weekend to see more than 40 of the world's top surfers compete. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational contest is historical and as well as a prestigious one day event. Jackie Young from Hawaii Public Radio has the details for us.

[Jackie Young]

Crowds gathered overnight and parking lots filled up before dawn for what has been called the super bowl of surfing. The event has run only 10 times in 40 years and was last held in January 2023. The invite only contest is named for big wave champion surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau and will only run if surf heights consistently reach 40ft. Monster swells are expected to run throughout the day up to 50ft. Last year's champ, Honolulu city lifeguard Luke Shepherdson, will be defending his title. Emergency officials are warning spectators to stay far away from the shore because last year's high surf washed dozens of people and their belongings into the ocean. For NPR News, I'm Jackie Young in Honolulu.

[Dale Willman]

Following three months of renovations, Rome's famous Trevi Fountain is once again open. Officials say they wanted to make sure the work was done before the inauguration of the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year. That event is expected to draw millions of visitors. The fountain has played a role in many movies, and visitors often toss coins into its pool. That raises about one and a half million dollars a year for charity. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

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