NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-23-2024 9PM EST

Episode Date: December 24, 2024

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The Indicator is a podcast where daily economic news is about what matters to you. Workers have been feeling the sting of inflation. So as a new administration promises action on the cost of living, taxes, and home prices, The S&P 500 biggest post-election day spike ever. Follow all the big changes and what they mean for you. Make America affordable again. Listen to The Indicator, the daily economics podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear.

The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was arraigned in New York City today. NPR's Windsor Johnson reports 26-year-old Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to a host of charges. A New York City grand jury has chargedgioni with numerous counts, including first degree murder and firearms charges. The shooting tipped off a massive manhunt for the suspect after CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in front of a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Maggioni was eventually spotted at a fast food restaurant in Pennsylvania where he was taken into custody. NPR's Windsor Johnston. Latin American leaders are rallying against some of President-elect Donald Trump's policies. NPR's Ador Peralta reports leaders of Mexico, Panama and Colombia say they will not count out of Trump. President-elect Trump caused a diplomatic ruckus when he said the US wanted to take over the Panama Canal once more and then he said he would consider Mexican drug cartels terrorists. The president of Panama, José Raúl Molino, responded with an address to the nation. Every square meter of the canal belongs to us, he said. The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, said they would not hesitate to stand by Panama until quote, the last consequence.

Mexico for its part worries that if the U.S. designates drug cartels terrorists, it may open the door to military intervention. President Claudia Sheinbaum said they will collaborate and coordinate with the U.S. but quote they will never be subservient. Ada Peralta, NPR News, Mexico City. Travelers across the northeast could face wintery weather conditions Christmas Eve. NPR's Joe Rose reports millions of people are on the move in what could be a record-setting holiday season.

More than 119 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home between December 21st and New Year's Day, according to a forecast from AAA. That would set a new record for the holiday season, barely eclipsing the pre-pandemic total from 2019. The US air travel system is also bracing for its busiest holiday season ever. TSA, the Transportation Security Administration, is expecting 40 million people to pass through security checkpoints,

a 6% jump from last year. December 27th and 30th will be some of the busiest days to fly. Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington. A special holiday gift for around a million taxpayers will be arriving in coming weeks. That's how many people are expected to qualify for one-time special payments of up to $1,400. That money comes as part of a distribution of taxpayers who fail to claim a recovery rebate credit on their 2021 tax returns. People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments to receive less than the full amount

were eligible to claim it, but some taxpayers failed to do so. They'll receive the money. However, most of those who are eligible have already gotten paid. Stocks gained ground on Wall Street today, the Dow up 66 points. You're listening to NPR News. The century-old retail chain Nordstrom says it's agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a roughly $6.25 billion deal. Under terms of the agreement, shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share

of the company's stock, roughly a 42% premium, following the deal the Nordstrom family will retain a major ownership stake in the company. Federal regulators are taking aim at a popular category of edibles that contain a suncoactive mushroom that comes after some of those products were linked to more than 100 illnesses and even a few suspected deaths. More from NPR's Will Stone. This is the quintessential red-capped and white-spotted mushroom. It's called Amanita muscaria.

While it is hallucinogenic, it's very different than magic mushrooms with psilocybin, and is not a controlled substance. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to food manufacturers saying they cannot use Amanita muscaria or its compounds in food products because they do not meet safety standards. Mushroom edibles are sold in smoke shops and convenience stores. Some do contain aminida muscaria,

which can be toxic in high doses, but testing reveals they also have a range of other undisclosed substances and drugs. Legal experts say it's hard to predict how the FDA will enforce this latest decision. Will Stone, NPR News. Consumers are feeling a bit less confident heading into this month with the business research group the Conference Board reporting its consumer confidence index fell around

eight points from the previous month. Consumers have been generally more confident in recent months though. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.