NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-15-2024 5PM EST

Episode Date: December 15, 2024

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janene Hurst. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he spoke to President-elect Trump over the weekend about Lebanon, Syria, and negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. And here's Michelle Kellerman has more. Netanyahu says he had, in his words, a very friendly, warm, and important conversation with Trump about the efforts to bring hostages back from Gaza, there are seven Americans among the 100 still held by Hamas. Biden administration officials say they hope a deal can be finalized this month for a hostage and ceasefire deal

that would also allow much needed aid to get into Gaza. Israel continues to carry out deadly airstrikes there. It's also been pounding military targets in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Netanyahu says Israel has no interest in confrontation with rebel leaders there. He says the Israeli actions are defensive to keep weapons out of the wrong hands. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News Tel Aviv. Drone sightings are going viral on social media and sparking concern in New Jersey. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the federal government is, quote, on it.

And here's Luke Garrett has more. Secretary Mayorkas confirmed drone sightings are happening during an interview with ABC News Sunday. There's no question that people are seeing drones. He said a recent federal aviation administration rule change that allows drones to fly at night might explain the increase in sightings. Regardless, Mayorkas said the federal government is helping New Jersey police deal with the drones and the concern they are creating, but that all the drones his team has looked

into have been domestic. We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter. In a social media post on Friday, President-elect Trump said the drones should be shot down if the government can't explain what's going on. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington. The Federal Reserve is holding its last meeting of the year this week. And as NPR's Rafael Nam reports, most investors are expecting policymakers to cut interest rates for a third consecutive time.

The Fed has a delicate task heading into 2025. Policymakers have already cut rates twice starting in September. And Wall Street is betting they will do that again this week. But after that, the outlook becomes more uncertain. That's because inflation may be easing, but is still above where the Fed would like it to be. And the economy has remained pretty healthy. So the Fed believes it can afford to go slow in cutting rates.

That has analysts thinking this may be the last rate cut for now, with the Fed then growing more cautious as CDC's economic conditions. Rafael Nam, NPR News. And you're listening to NPR News from Washington. One of the earliest tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments is going up for auction at Sotheby's Wednesday this week. And Piers Jason DeRose reports the auction house is estimating bids could reach $2 million. Jason DeRose The two-foot-tall marble tablet dates from as early as the fourth century. According to Sotheby's, workers unearthed it in 1913, just south of Tel Aviv during

railroad construction. For several decades it served as a paving stone in a home until someone discovered what the text actually was. The 115 pound tablet includes the well-known prohibitions against murder and adultery, however, it's missing the commandment about not taking God's name in vain. The inscription also says to worship God on Mount Gerizim, near what's now the city of Nablus. Scholars say that means the object was likely used by Samaritans rather than Jews or Christians. Jason DeRose, NPR News.

At the weekend box office. Hidden in a terrible storm. It's an ancient island. Sitting foot on its sands would break the curse, bring our people together again. I know what I have to do. Moe, I could really use your help. Moana 2 took the top spot again with an estimated $26 million in ticket sales. So far, it's the fourth highest grossing film of the year,

surpassing Dune, Part 2, with $717 million globally. In second place, Wicked, with $22 million in its fourth weekend, worldwide, Wicked has made more than $500 million in ticket sales. I'm Janine Herbst, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington.