NPR News Now: December 24, 2024, 10 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines in five minutes, updated hourly. This episode, released on December 25, 2024, covers significant developments in U.S. politics, international crises, economic affairs, environmental challenges, and cultural events. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Donald Trump's Tariff Threats Signal Shift in Republican Trade Policy

[00:19 - 00:36]

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office once more, he has signaled a dramatic shift in the Republican Party's longstanding support for free trade. Jack Spear introduces the segment, highlighting Trump's threats to impose a wide range of tariffs, including additional ones on China and traditional allies like Canada and Mexico. This move marks a departure from the GOP's historical emphasis on free trade as a driver of economic growth and international peace.

Danielle Kurtzleben elaborates on the implications of this policy reversal. She notes that while GOP elites have traditionally championed free trade, Trump's approach appeals more directly to voters by framing trade as a battleground for national dominance.

"Trade was emphasized by Trump as a means of dominating other countries, as a means of becoming the winner and them the losers." — Danielle Kurtzleben [00:36]

A critical question raised is the degree to which Republican Congress members will support Trump's tariff agenda in the upcoming year, potentially reshaping U.S. trade relationships and economic policies.

2. Trump Vows to Reinstate Capital Punishment Following Biden's Commutations

[01:16]

In response to President Biden's recent announcement to commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without parole, Donald Trump has vowed to vigorously pursue capital punishment. Jack Spear reports that Trump criticized Biden's decision, attributing his disapproval to religious beliefs and insinuating that Biden aimed to impede Trump's efforts to carry out executions.

However, Trump remained vague about the specific actions he plans to take to reverse Biden's policy changes, leaving uncertainty about the future of federal capital punishment policies.

3. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Famine Spreads in Sudan

[01:16 - 02:03]

The transcript shifts focus to the escalating humanitarian disaster in Sudan, where famine is rapidly spreading. Reporting by Emmanuel Akinwotu highlights that what began as a famine declaration in Darfur’s largest refugee camp last August has now extended to five regions across the country, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

Approximately half a million people are currently experiencing famine or catastrophic hunger levels. The underlying cause is a brutal civil war that erupted 20 months ago between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group. Both factions have been accused of obstructing humanitarian aid, exacerbating the crisis to the point where nearly 25 million Sudanese—about half the population—are in urgent need of food assistance.

4. Committee on Foreign Investment Blocks Nippon Steel's Acquisition of U.S. Steel

[02:42]

Jack Spear reports on the U.S. government's decision to block Japan's Nippon Steel's proposed $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) failed to reach an agreement, sending a long-awaited report to President Biden, who has historically opposed the deal.

Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have expressed opposition to the acquisition, citing potential security risks despite some federal agencies' skepticism about the extent of these threats. The outcome has had a positive effect on the stock market, with Wall Street closing higher and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 390 points ahead of Christmas Eve trading.

5. Severe Storms Impact California Coast, Resulting in Fatalities and Damage

[02:42]

Continuing the weather segment, Jack Spear details the ongoing severe storms battering the California coastline. These storms have brought heavy surf and high winds, leading to the evacuation of beachfront residences and hotels. Tragically, the inclement weather has been linked to the fatal trapping of a man beneath debris on a beach and the partial collapse of a pier, which threw three individuals into the Pacific Ocean.

The severity of the storms has raised concerns about infrastructure resilience and the safety of coastal communities during extreme weather events.

6. NORAD Continues Its Annual Tradition of Tracking Santa Claus

[03:48]

In a lighter segment, Jeff Brumfiel recounts the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) enduring tradition of tracking Santa Claus. Originating in 1950, when a local business inadvertently published a military hotline number intended for nuclear attack warnings, NORAD has since embraced the role of monitoring Santa's journey on Christmas Eve.

Brumfiel shares a whimsical report on NORAD currently tracking a sleigh moving rapidly south, laden with presents for children. This annual event has become a beloved holiday tradition, showcasing NORAD's unique blend of military precision and festive cheer.

7. Pope Francis Launches the 2025 Holy Year with a Message of Hope

[04:22]

Jack Spear covers a significant religious event as Pope Francis officially opens the gates of St. Peter's Basilica, inaugurating the 2025 Holy Year. This jubilee celebration of the Catholic Church is anticipated to attract approximately 32 million pilgrims to Rome, presenting a considerable logistical challenge for both the pontiff and the Eternal City.

The Holy Year commences with the Christmas Eve mass, marking the beginning of the Jubilee—a tradition that occurs once every 25 years. Pope Francis has dedicated this year's Jubilee to the theme of hope, aiming to inspire and uplift millions during the festive season.

8. Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Market Uncertainty

[04:22]

In economic news, crude oil futures experienced a significant increase, rising over 1% to close at $70.10 per barrel. This uptick reflects the market's reaction to various global economic factors, including trade tensions and geopolitical developments discussed earlier in the episode.

Note: Advertisements and sponsor messages, including those from Rosetta Stone and Pemco Mutual Insurance, have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the content-driven segments of the podcast episode.

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