Ukraine Granted Permission to Use Western Long-Range Missiles
In a significant development, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukrainian troops to deploy Western-supplied long-range missiles targeting military installations deep within Russia. This decision comes after months of urging from Ukraine's leadership and marks a pivotal shift in the support provided to Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.
Joanna Kakissis reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a persistent advocate for the use of advanced aerial missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). In his nightly address, Zelensky outlined his strategy to conclude the war on Ukraine's terms, emphasizing the critical role these missiles would play.
Volodymyr Zelensky [00:57]: "There is a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for these actions, but strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves."
However, there are concerns within Ukrainian leadership regarding the longevity of this permission. An unnamed U.S. official mentioned that the authorization might be short-lived, especially with the incoming Trump administration potentially reversing the decision (00:57).
Biden Visits Amazon Rainforest, Pledges Continued Climate Support
President Biden made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. President to tour Brazil's Amazon rainforest. During his visit, he reaffirmed the United States' commitment to combating climate change, signaling a stark contrast to the anticipated policies of the incoming Trump administration.
Kerry Kahn elaborates that Biden is advocating for an additional $50 million allocation to the Amazon Fund, which is dedicated to climate change mitigation efforts. This move aligns with Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's ambitious goal to end deforestation by 2030. As host of the upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lula is pushing for a progressive agenda that includes taxing the wealthy and supporting anti-poverty measures—a stark difference from the Trump administration's expected stance.
Kerry Kahn [01:46]: "President Biden wants an additional $50 million for the Amazon Fund, which grants money for climate change mitigation."
The contrast is further highlighted by the anticipated policies of Trump and his allies, including Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his libertarian views, who are unlikely to support such environmental initiatives (01:46).
Trump Announces Over 30 Candidates for His Incoming Administration
President Elect Donald Trump has unveiled a list of more than 30 nominees for key positions within his forthcoming administration. While several of these picks have raised eyebrows due to their controversial views, Luke Garrett explains that this strategy aligns with Trump's intent to disrupt the existing political landscape.
Luke Garrett [02:50]: "He believes that the American people want to turn Washington upside down and that everyone who he's picking will really disrupt the status quo in America."
This approach signifies Trump's commitment to enacting significant changes and challenging established norms within the government.
Brendan Carr Appointed to Lead the FCC
In what is seen as a non-controversial nomination, Donald Trump appointed Brendan Carr as the new head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr, a seasoned Republican, is expected to maintain the agency's current trajectory, ensuring stability in communications policy during the transition (03:02).
Tropical Storm Sarah Weakens After Belize Landfall
Tropical Storm Sarah has downgraded to a tropical depression following its landfall in Belize. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods and mudslides in the affected regions. The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts that Sarah will continue to weaken as it moves further inland, reducing the immediate threat (03:02).
Renowned Gymnastics Coach Bella Karolyi Passes Away
The gymnastics community mourns the loss of Bella Karolyi, a legendary coach who passed away at the age of 82. Chandelis Duster highlights Karolyi's influential career, noting his role in training Olympic champion Nadia Comăneci, who achieved the first perfect 10 at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Chandelis Duster [03:44]: "Bella Karolyi rose to international fame as a gymnastics coach while in his native Romania training gymnasts, including Nadia Comanech, who scored the first perfect 10 at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games."
Karolyi and his wife Marta defected to the United States in 1981, where they continued to mentor top American gymnasts, including Mary Lou Retton. Despite his successes, Karolyi faced criticism for his rigorous training methods and was later embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal that shook the gymnastics world (04:12).
College Football Rankings Update
Oregon retains its top spot in the latest college football rankings, maintaining an undefeated record after a last-minute field goal secured a win over Wisconsin. The top five is dominated by Big Ten teams, including Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Indiana. Notre Dame has climbed two spots to number six, followed by Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. These rankings reflect the competitive landscape of the current season, with a strong showing from major collegiate programs (04:29).
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on November 18, 2024. From international military support and environmental pledges to significant political appointments and notable passings, the episode provides a broad overview of pressing global and national issues.