Mideast Ceasefire Continues, Irish Elections, Texas Politics

Summary

Up First from NPR: Mideast Ceasefire Continues, Irish Elections, Texas Politics

Released on November 30, 2024

NPR’s “Up First” delivers a comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing news stories. In this episode, hosts Scott Simon and Eric Deggans delve into the ongoing Mideast ceasefire, the closely contested Irish elections, and the evolving political landscape in Texas. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. Mideast Ceasefire Continues

Returning Displaced Lebanese in Southern Lebanon

The episode opens with an update on the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, now in its fourth day. Scott Simon and Eric Deggans report that thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens are attempting to return to their homes in the southern part of the country. However, many of these homes have been destroyed or are no longer habitable.

On-the-Ground Report from Nabatiyeh

Lauren Frayer, NPR’s correspondent in southern Lebanon, provides a vivid account of the devastation in the village of Kafar Tibnit. She describes the extensive damage:

“Every building has been damaged. Most of them have no windows. The balconies have been blown off. There's a car that's burned on the road right next to me...” (00:32)

Frayer highlights the challenges faced by returnees:

“He’s confident that same Hezbollah agent with a clipboard will show up, survey the damage and give him a check. But the pace of rebuilding could be a lot slower this time because the damage is just orders of magnitude greater.” (02:30)

Ceasefire Status and Renewed Tensions

While both sides claim the truce is holding, Frayer notes ongoing tensions:

“There have been several Israeli airstrikes, there's been artillery fire, there's been gunfire. Israel says it's detected violations by Hezbollah and is acting to enforce this ceasefire.” (04:05)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism about the longevity of the ceasefire:

“This ceasefire may well be very short and that Israel is prepared for an intensive war if Hezbollah violates its terms.” (04:25)

Renewed Fighting in Syria

Frayer also touches upon the broader regional implications, mentioning renewed fighting in Aleppo, Syria:

“Opposition forces have been battling their way toward Aleppo... they have entered the city and that's the first time that they have attacked Aleppo with such strength since 2016.” (04:43)

She connects the dots between the conflicts in Lebanon and Syria, emphasizing the regional power dynamics:

“The Syrian government forces are backed by Iran and so is Hezbollah. So the idea is that while Iran and its proxies, Hezbollah, have been so preoccupied with Lebanon and the war here, they've lost real ground elsewhere.” (05:10)

2. Irish Elections: A Housing-Centric Vote

Tight Race Among Top Parties

Eric Deggans transitions to the Irish elections, where exit polls indicate a narrow lead for Sinn Féin over the traditional center parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. Fatima Al Kasab, reporting from Dublin, provides detailed insights:

“The initial suggestion from the exit poll is that Sinn Fein... has a narrow lead over the two big centre parties. It's pretty tight between all three.” (05:50)

Housing: The Deciding Issue

Housing emerges as the dominant issue influencing voters across demographics. Al Kasab underscores this sentiment:

“The biggest issue for them was housing, no matter their age or background.” (06:45)

Personal stories highlight the gravity of the housing crisis:

“It's very difficult to get out of like the home in Ireland. Like all of my mates basically... live at home with their parents, even the ones in good jobs.” – Owen McNeil, 24 (07:07)

Despite Ireland’s economic prosperity driven by corporate taxes, the populace feels the pinch:

“Ireland is actually a very rich country... But people aren't really feeling it. The high cost of living was actually the second biggest issue for voters.” (07:23)

Sinn Féin’s Surge and Potential Coalition

Sinn Féin's focus on housing has resonated strongly, especially among younger voters:

“Housing is the issue that's really helped propel Sinn Fein... it's like a single issue vote.” (07:43)

Al Kasab predicts the continuation of coalition politics:

“Whatever happens in the next couple of days, it's clear that the days of two parties dominating Irish politics are over.” (08:19)

Awaiting Final Results and Government Formation

With the proportional representation system, full results may take until the end of the weekend or even the new year to materialize, especially with coalition negotiations:

“Full results are expected by the end of the weekend, but it might not be until next week, potentially even in the new year, till we get a government formed.” (08:22)

3. Texas Politics: Legislative Priorities and Challenges

Immigration Enforcement: Operation Lone Star

Blaise Ganey from the Texas Newsroom discusses Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s aggressive stance on immigration:

“They have spent $11 billion on that program. It was created in March of 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott to respond to the rise in illegal immigration...” (09:20)

Operation Lone Star includes measures such as deploying razor wire and extending barriers along the Rio Grande:

“They’ve deployed miles of razor wire along the border and extended a floating buoy barrier in the Rio Grande.” (09:30)

Private School Vouchers and Legislative Efforts

The push for private school vouchers remains a contentious issue. Despite setbacks in other states, Texas lawmakers prioritize this agenda:

“Vouchers have been a big ticket item in several states... Texas is not one of them. The governor has been trying to pass a bill since 2023 with no luck...” (11:02)

Recently, Abbott secured support by removing opposition from certain rural Republicans:

“He was successful in getting several of the rural Republicans that voted against it out of office.” (11:20)

Anti-Abortion Measures: Bathroom Bills and Medication Restrictions

Texas lawmakers are reintroducing and advancing several conservative bills:

• Bathroom Bill: Restricts the use of public restrooms to individuals whose sex on their birth certificate matches the sign.

  “It restricts the use of public restrooms and locker rooms to be used only by a person whose sex on their birth certificate matches what's on the sign.” (11:50)

• Abortion Pills: Targets the distribution of abortion-related medications.

  “The goal is to prevent people from ordering these pills online.” (12:05)

Legislative Productivity and Strategy

Despite filing nearly 2,000 bills, Ganey notes the low passage rate, emphasizing the importance of early legislation:

“The earlier the bills get filed, the more time you have to bring all sides to the table to discuss any issues the bill might have.” (12:23)

Ganey concludes with a reflection on the legislative process:

“Better early than late because the earlier the bills get filed, the more time you have to bring all sides to the table.” (12:35)

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Conclusion

“Up First from NPR” provides an in-depth look into significant global and domestic issues shaping our world today. From the fragile ceasefire in the Mideast and its broader regional implications to the potent impact of housing policies on Ireland’s political landscape, and the vigorous legislative agenda in Texas, the episode underscores the interconnectedness of local and international affairs. Through on-the-ground reporting and expert analysis, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and dynamics at play.

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Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Frayer on housing destruction:
  “Every building has been damaged. Most of them have no windows. The balconies have been blown off.” (02:30)

• Fatima Al Kasab on housing issues in Ireland:
  “Housing is the main issue and there's a lot of families with small children living in guest houses and hotels.” (06:45)

• Governor Greg Abbott on immigration:
  “We just want to make sure... the Trump administration understands we are here to help, whether it be to deny illegal entry, whether it be to arrest those who are here illegally...” (09:46)

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For more detailed coverage and updates, subscribe to NPR’s “Up First” and support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Transcript

[Scott Simon]

Thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens return to their homes in the southern part of.

[Eric Deggans]

The country as the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon continues into its fourth day.

[Scott Simon]

I'm Scott Simon.

[Eric Deggans]

And I'm Eric Deggans. And this is up first from NPR News. In many cases, the homes the refugees are headed to are no longer there.

[Scott Simon]

We'll have more on that story.

[Eric Deggans]

Plus, Ireland is counting the votes from an election that revolved largely around housing.

[Fatima Al Kasab]

It's very difficult to get out like home in Ireland. Like all of my mates live at home with their parents, even the ones in good jobs.

[Scott Simon]

And we'll check in on Texas Republicans who have strengthened their majority in the state House.

[Eric Deggans]

Stay with us. We have the news you need to start your weekend.

[Lauren Frayer]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Saatva. Founder and CEO Ron Rudsen shares the story of how he got started Creating.

[Eric Deggans]

Saatva in 2007, 2008, I went out and I bought the most popular luxury mattresses. I tore them apart and I realized based on the raw materials, cost and the analysis that I had done, that I was able to sell that level mattress, but with a very affordable price.

[Lauren Frayer]

Visit saatva.com NPR and save up to $600. This message comes from NPR sponsor Merrill. Whatever your financial goals are, you want a straightforward path there. But but the real world doesn't usually work that way. Merrill understands that. That's why with a dedicated Merrill advisor, you get a personalized plan and a clear path forward. Go to ML.combullish to learn more. Merrill, a Bank of America company. What would you like the power to do? Investing involves risk. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Inc. Registered Broker dealer Registered investment advisor Member, sipc. This message comes from NPR sponsor Shopify, the global commerce platform that helps you sell and show up exactly the customize your online store to your style. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com upfirst.

[Scott Simon]

The Israeli military has ordered Lebanese refugees to keep away from the southern part of the country for now, but many.

[Eric Deggans]

Of them are traveling there anyway, despite the security risks.

[Scott Simon]

NPR's Lauren Frayer is in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. Lauren, thanks for being with us.

[Lauren Frayer]

Thanks for having me.

[Scott Simon]

Scott, what do you see?

[Lauren Frayer]

I'm in a village called Kafar Tibnit, on a hill across from a crusader castle. This area has lots of history. Every building has been damaged. Most of them have no windows. The balconies have been blown off. There's a car that's burned on the road right next to me there's a 250 year old mosque that was hit by an Israeli airstrike. I'm looking at this white stone minaret toppled on its side. Loudspeakers that normally broadcast the call to prayer are bent and twisted. I met a man whose home was destroyed in the last Israel Hezbollah war. In 2006, Hezbollah paid to rebuild his house. Now it's been destroyed again. He's confident that same Hezbollah agent with a clipboard will show up, survey the damage and give him a check. But the pace of rebuilding could be a lot slower this time because the damage is just orders of magnitude greater.

[Scott Simon]

What do you hear from people who are heading south?

[Lauren Frayer]

There was jubilation when this ceasefire was announced, but a lot of people are still trying to get home because Israeli troops have cordoned off huge areas of southern leb. They have 60 days to withdraw. And they've published maps with a list of villages where people are not allowed to return. They're under curfew, and so people are in limbo. The Hezbollah leader gave a speech last night declaring this as a divine victory. But it doesn't feel like that for people who can't get home. Israeli troops are still operating in a sort of area of olive groves between where I am and this crusader castle in the distance. It's a strategic vantage point.

[Scott Simon]

How does the truce seem to be holding?

[Lauren Frayer]

I mean, both sides say it is holding, but there have been several Israeli airstrikes, there's been artillery fire, there's been gunfire. Israel says it's detected violations by Hezbollah and is acting to enforce this ceasefire. Lebanese officials accuse Israel of breaking it. They say returnees with cars loaded up with belongings are being mistaken for militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his one of his first interviews since the ceasefire took effect. He spoke to Israel media saying this ceasefire may well be very short and that Israel is prepared for an intensive war if Hezbollah violates its terms.

[Scott Simon]

Lauren, let me ask you about the renewed fighting this week in Syria because rebels say they now control much of Aleppo. What do you know about this?

[Lauren Frayer]

Yeah, so this is the latest chapter in fighting that really began with Syria's Civil War in 2011 and has continued on and off ever since. Opposition forces have been battling their way toward Aleppo, Syria's second largest city, for days. And now they've entered the city and that's the first time that they have attacked Aleppo with such strength since 2016, when opposition forces, insurgents, were ousted from Aleppo by government forces. It might sound like an unrelated matter, but the Syrian government forces are backed by Iran and so is Hezbollah. So the idea is that while Iran and its proxies, Hezbollah, have been so preoccupied with Lebanon and the war here, they've lost real ground elsewhere. There are other interests in the region.

[Scott Simon]

NPR's Lauren Frayer in southern Lebanon. Thanks so much.

[Lauren Frayer]

You're welcome, Scott.

[Eric Deggans]

Exit polls in Ireland show a tight race between the top three political parties.

[Scott Simon]

At least two of them will likely have to form a coalition to win a majority in the country's parliament. NPR's Fatima Al Kasab joins us from Dublin. Thanks for being with us.

[Fatima Al Kasab]

Thanks, Scott.

[Scott Simon]

What do we know about the results so far?

[Fatima Al Kasab]

So we've got the exit poll which came out last night just as the polls closed, and that's given us an indication of the vote share. And then vote counting began this morning. The initial suggestion from the exit poll is that Sinn Fein, this is the party that used to be the political wing of the Irish Republican army, the IRA has a narrow lead over the two big centre parties. That's fine, Gael and FINA fall, but it is pretty tight between all three. Turnout also looks to be down on last time. Yesterday was really quite wet and windy. And from the exit poll data, it does look like that affected how many people turned out.

[Scott Simon]

And I know you've spoken with voters. What did they tell you that was on their minds?

[Fatima Al Kasab]

Yes. So I spoke to voters yesterday outside a polling station in Dublin and they pretty much all said that the biggest issue for them was housing, no matter their age or background. Here's Valerie Shields. Housing is the main issue and there's a lot of families with small children living in guest houses and hotels. And 24 year old Owen McNeil said.

[Lauren Frayer]

The same housing like I have no hope of.

[Fatima Al Kasab]

Like, I mean, well, not no hope.

[Lauren Frayer]

But it's very difficult to get out of like the home in Ireland. Like all of my mates basically. Yeah. Live at home with their parents, even.

[Fatima Al Kasab]

The ones in good jobs. Ireland is actually a very rich country. It's generated a huge income from corporation taxes which has made it one of the richest in Europe. But people aren't really feeling it. The high cost of living was actually the second biggest issue for voters, according to the.

[Scott Simon]

And did any of the parties in particular campaign on lowering housing prices?

[Fatima Al Kasab]

Yeah, housing is the issue that's really helped propel Sinn Fein. In fact, commentators here this morning were saying we can even look at the vote for Sinn Fein as a housing vote, a single issue vote. And that's especially true among young voters. Sinn has a lot of support among younger voters. And the party has made big gains in recent years because of its promises on housing. Whatever happens in the next couple of days, it's clear that the days of two parties dominating Irish politics are over. Sinn was on the up in the last election in 2020 when it surprised everyone and it won the popular vote. And this time round, it looks like it's confirmed its place at the top with the two traditional parties.

[Scott Simon]

When do you think we might get a full picture of the vote?

[Fatima Al Kasab]

So we're in for a long weekend of counting votes. It's a system of proportional representation, so it could take some time. Full results are expected by the end of the weekend, but it might not be until next week, potentially even in the new year, till we get a government formed. And that's because there needs to be negotiations about forming a coalition, and that can take some time. The most likely scenario is that even if Sinn Fein wins the most votes, that's what happened last time. The two big parties, these are the traditional parties that have governed Ireland for over a century. Fine Gael and Fina Fall will go into coalition again, although this time the exit poll suggests that their vote share is down, so it might actually be harder for them to cobble together a majority.

[Scott Simon]

NPR's Fatima Al Kasab from Dublin. Thanks so much for being with us.

[Fatima Al Kasab]

Thanks, Scott.

[Eric Deggans]

Immigration enforcement, private school vouchers and anti.

[Scott Simon]

Abortion measures, those are some of the priorities for Texas state lawmakers for the coming year.

[Eric Deggans]

Blaise Ganey is the state capitol reporter for the Texas Newsroom and joins us from Austin. Good morning, Blaze.

[Blaise Ganey]

Good morning. Thanks for having me.

[Eric Deggans]

Sure. So let's start with the big one, border and immigration. One of Trump's campaign promises is to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Texas is a border state. They clearly have to play a part in that. How do they plan to do it?

[Blaise Ganey]

Well, they already have a program going called Operation Lone Star. They've spent $11 billion on that program. It was created in March of 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott to respond to the rise in illegal immigration because he said President Biden's administration wasn't doing enough. He's bused tens of thousands of migrants to blue states, deployed miles of razor wire along the border and extended a floating buoy barrier in the Rio Grande. And Abbott was recently on FOX News. Here's what he had to say on immigration we just want to make sure.

[Scott Simon]

That the Trump administration understands we are.

[Eric Deggans]

Here to help, whether it be to deny illegal entry, whether it be to arrest those who are here Illegally, whether.

[Scott Simon]

It be to assist in the deportation process.

[Blaise Ganey]

So if Trump increases border patrols, then that could free up Texas from having to invest so much of its own resources.

[Eric Deggans]

Okay, well, it sounds like they're eager to pitch in.

[Blaise Ganey]

Yeah, exactly. Another way we might see that play out, though, is the state's General Land Office offered the incoming Trump Administration More than 1400 acres of South Texas borderland to, quote, construct deportation facilities. But there's already been a lot of pushback on mass deportation, not only from immigrant advocates, but business leaders as well. They say it could be dangerous for the economy and workforce.

[Eric Deggans]

Okay, well, another big issue, vouchers that give parents taxpayer money to pay for private schools. Now, last month, voters in Kentucky, Colorado, and Nebraska rejected ballot questions on this issue. But Texas leaders say it's a top priority for this legislative session. Tell us more.

[Blaise Ganey]

Yeah, I mean, vouchers have been a big ticket item in several states. There's already 16 states with a program so far. Texas is not one of them. The governor has been trying to pass a bill since 2023 with no luck. He even called three special sessions for it, but it never got passed. But this election cycle, he was successful in getting several of the rural Republicans that voted against it out of office. We'll have to wait and see, but at the time, it does look like he has the votes.

[Eric Deggans]

Okay, well, what else are you hearing? Might be a priority.

[Blaise Ganey]

Yeah. So making a return from 2017 session is the bathroom bill. It restrict the use of public restrooms and locker rooms to be used only by a person whose sex on their birth certificate matches what's on the sign. And this would only apply to government owned buildings. And another bill that's been filed focuses on stopping people from getting medications associated with abortions. The goal is to prevent people from ordering these pills online.

[Eric Deggans]

So Blaze Texas lawmakers don't go into session for another month. But they've already filed a lot of bills. Why are they doing this?

[Blaise Ganey]

Yeah, I mean, they filed nearly 2,000 bills so far. But it should be noted that not a lot of bills actually pass. Last session, 8000 bills were filed, and less than 1300 of those were passed and signed by the governor. So the lawmakers can brag about introducing legislation or this or that, but those bills probably don't stand a chance. And you know the saying, better late than never? Well, with bills, it's better early than late because the earlier the bills get filed, the more time you have to bring all sides to the table to discuss any issues the bill might have. And then you can get amendments tackled.

[Eric Deggans]

On to fix them better early than late. That sounds like a good model for journalists, too.

[Blaise Ganey]

I agree.

[Eric Deggans]

Blaise Ganey is the state capitol reporter for the Texas Newsroom Blaze. Thank you so much for joining us.

[Blaise Ganey]

Thank you.

[Scott Simon]

And that's up first for Saturday, November 30th, 2024. I'm Scott Simon.

[Eric Deggans]

And I'm Eric Deggans.

[Scott Simon]

Our producer is Fernando Narrow, with help from Chris Thomas.

[Eric Deggans]

Our director is Michael Radcliffe.

[Scott Simon]

Our editors are Dede Scanke, Miguel Macias, Acacia Squires and Matthew Sherman.

[Eric Deggans]

Hannah Glovna is our technical director, with engineering support from Neisha Hines, Andy Huether and Arthur Halliday Laurent.

[Scott Simon]

Evie Stone is our senior supervising editor. Sarah Lucy Oliver is our executive producer.

[Eric Deggans]

And Jim Cain is our deputy managing editor.

[Scott Simon]

So that's what he does. Tomorrow on the Sunday Story from Up first, host Ayesha Roscoe speaks with Montana Public Radio's Nick Mott about the Endangered Species act that was passed more than half a century ago.

[Eric Deggans]

And for more news, interviews, sports and music, you can tune in the Weekend Edition on your radio. Go to stations.NPR.org to find your local.

[Scott Simon]

NPR station, and I'll be listening to you tomorrow morning. Eric.

[Eric Deggans]

All righty.

[Lauren Frayer]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Merrill. Whatever your financial goals are, you want a straightforward path there. But the real world doesn't usually work that way. Merrill understands that. That's why with a dedicated Merrill advisor, you get a personalized plan and a clear path forward. Go to ML.combullish to learn more. Merrill, a Bank of America company. What would you like the power to do? Investing involves risk. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Inc. Registered broker dealer Registered investment advisor Member, sipc. This message comes from Boland Branch. Bolen Branch's best sale of the year is right now. Try the organic cotton sheets loved by millions. Go to bolinbranch.com and use code NPR for 25% off everything. Limited time. Only exclusions apply. See site for details. This message comes from NPR sponsor Mint Mobile. From the gas pump to the grocery store, inflation is everywhere. So Mint Mobile is offering premium wireless starting at just $15 a month. To get your new phone plan for just $15, go to mintmobile.com switch.