NPR News Now: December 24, 2024, 5 PM EST

Published on December 24, 2024

NPR’s “News Now” delivers the latest updates in five minutes, covering a wide range of topics from global conflicts to economic trends and environmental conservation. In the December 24th episode, the podcast highlights significant developments affecting various regions and sectors, providing listeners with insightful analysis and firsthand reports.

Bethlehem and the Impact of the Gaza War

Host: Jack Spear introduces a poignant report from Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, highlighting the town's struggles amid ongoing conflict.

Reporter: Emily Fang reports that Bethlehem’s economy has contracted by approximately 20% this year. The downturn is primarily due to Israel freezing work permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians, severely limiting economic activity.

Key Insights:

• Community Sentiment: Both Christian and Muslim residents express difficulty in fully celebrating Christmas amidst the war in Gaza. With at least 45,000 Palestinians killed, the festive season is overshadowed by sorrow.

• Personal Account: Caroline Elateen, a local resident, describes the area around Bethlehem and Bait Zor’s Shepherd’s Field as “an area of ghosts” (00:36). She notes the absence of festive gatherings and prayers that once filled the region during the holidays.

Holiday Travel Disruptions

Host: Jack Spear updates on the challenges faced by travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the holiday season.

Key Events:

• American Airlines Technical Glitch: A widespread technical issue forced American Airlines to ground flights nationwide, causing thousands of delays and cancellations. The problem was resolved within an hour, lifting the FAA’s nationwide ground stop (01:19).

• Weather-Related Delays: Adverse weather conditions across parts of the country have led to additional flight cancellations and delays on Christmas Eve and the first night of Hanukkah, complicating travel plans for many.

Donald Trump’s Tariff Threats Signal GOP Shift

Host: Jack Spear discusses the evolving stance of the Republican Party as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office again.

Reporter: Daniel Kurtzleben explains that Trump is advocating for a significant departure from the GOP’s traditional support for free trade. Instead, he is threatening broad tariffs, including additional ones on China and even allies like Canada and Mexico (02:00).

Expert Insight:

• Political Analysis: Diana Mutts, a political science professor at UPenn, states that while trade elites have long supported free trade for economic growth and peace, voters have shown ambivalence. Trump capitalizes on this by framing trade as a battle, portraying it as a competition where “they” lose and “we” win (02:27).

Implications:

• Congressional Support: A critical question remains regarding how many Republican members of Congress will back Trump’s tariff initiatives next year (02:30).

Small Business Optimism on the Rise

Host: Jack Spear shares encouraging news for small business owners amid economic uncertainties.

Survey Findings:

• Optimism Index: The National Federation of Independent Businesses reports an 8-point increase in its Small Business Optimism Index, reaching its highest level since June 2020 (02:40).

• Reasons for Optimism: A key factor is the resolution of the election, which has alleviated concerns about future business conditions, allowing owners to focus on growth and stability.

Market Performance:

• Stock Market Gains: In pre-market trading on Christmas Eve, major indices closed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 390 points, and the Nasdaq increased by 266 points, reflecting positive investor sentiment (02:40).

Severe Storm Hits California Coast

Host: Jack Spear reports on the devastating effects of a major storm battering the California coastline.

Storm Impact:

• Fatalities and Damage: The storm has caused significant flooding and high surf, tragically resulting in the death of Amanda, who was fatally trapped beneath beach debris. Additionally, a pier partially collapsed, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean (03:49).

• Evacuations and Destruction: Heavy surf and strong winds forced the evacuation of several beachfront homes and hotels, highlighting the storm’s destructive power (03:49).

Thick-Billed Parrots: A Conservation Success Story

Host: Regina Barber enlightens listeners on the hopeful recovery of thick-billed parrots, once endangered but now seeing a population increase.

Conservation Efforts:

• Historical Decline: These vibrant green parrots, once widespread from the southwestern United States to Venezuela, faced threats from forest fires, parrot smuggling, and deforestation over the past three decades (03:49).

• Recovery Initiatives: Nonprofit organizations in Mexico and the U.S. have implemented conservation projects, including the installation of artificial nesting boxes and the use of tiny solar backpacks to study the birds. These efforts have led to a 10% population increase over 12 years (03:49).

Future Outlook:

• Continued Support: Scientists remain optimistic that ongoing collaboration with local communities and sustained conservation measures will ensure the parrots continue to thrive (03:49).

Historic Artwork Rediscovered at Boston’s Old North Church

Host: Jack Spear concludes with a fascinating discovery at a historic Boston church.

Discovery Details:

• Uncovered Angels: Eight angel portraits, originally painted in the early 18th century, were found beneath layers of paint applied during a 1912 renovation of the Old North Church (04:30).

• Historical Significance: The Old North Church is renowned for its role in the American Revolutionary War, notably tied to Paul Revere as a bell ringer. The restoration of these angel portraits adds to the church’s rich historical tapestry (04:30).

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and comprehensive news coverage, ensuring listeners stay informed on critical global and domestic issues. For more updates, subscribe to NPR News Now on your preferred podcast platform.

Notable Quotes:

• Caroline Elateen: “People used to come here and pray during the holidays. Now there is no one. It is an area of ghosts.” (00:36)

• Diana Mutts: “Trade was emphasized by Trump as a means of dominating other countries, as a means of becoming the winner and them the losers.” (02:27)

This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the essential news coverage presented in the episode.