NPR News Now Summary: November 17, 2024, 7 PM EST

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Source: NPR

Ukraine’s Access to U.S.-Made Long-Range Missiles

Timestamp: [00:16 - 00:37]

In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Biden has authorized Ukraine to utilize American-made long-range missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs), which have a range of approximately 190 miles. This decision marks the first time the U.S. has granted Ukraine permission to deploy such weaponry.

Jeanine Hurst reported, “President Biden for the first time is allowing Ukraine to fire U.S. made long range missiles” (00:16).

Tom Bowman elaborated, explaining that the policy change was prompted by the deployment of North Korean troops assisting Russia in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. This strategy aims to bolster Ukrainian defenses in regions like the Kursk area of Russia, which Ukrainian forces have recently captured. The administration's move may set a precedent, potentially encouraging other nations, including Britain, to permit the use of their long-range missile systems in the conflict.

Controversial Appointment: Matt Gaetz as Attorney General

Timestamp: [01:11 - 01:59]

Former Representative Matt Gaetz has been nominated by President Elect Trump for the position of Attorney General, eliciting mixed reactions due to ongoing investigations surrounding his conduct.

Jeanine Hurst introduced the topic, stating, “President Elect Trump has announced more than two dozen names for his next administration. Few have been more polarizing than his choice of former Representative Matt Gaetz for Attorney General” (01:11).

Luke Garrett provided context on Gaetz’s controversial background, noting that he was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations including sexual misconduct. Gaetz has since resigned from Congress, casting uncertainty on the future of the committee's investigation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the situation on CNN, asserting, “The report is not finished. It's in a rough draft form, was not yet ready to be released. And since Matt Gaetz left the Congress, I don't think it's appropriate to do so” (01:40). He further clarified, “The president and I have literally not discussed one word about the ethics report” (01:55), indicating no prior discussions with Trump regarding the ethics investigation.

Despite the controversy, some Senate Republicans are calling for the release of the ethics report on Gaetz, reflecting ongoing tensions within Congress about transparency and accountability.

Big Retailers to Report Quarterly Earnings

Timestamp: [02:11 - 03:07]

Major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Lowe's, and TJ Maxx, are set to release their quarterly financial reports this week, drawing significant attention from investors monitoring consumer spending trends.

Jeanine Hurst introduced the segment: “Walmart and other big retailers will unveil their quarterly report cards this week” (02:11). Tom Bowman added, highlighting the critical nature of these reports: “As NPR's Maria Aspen reports, investors will be closely watching for updates on consumer spending” (02:14).

Maria Aspin emphasized Walmart's role as a bellwether for the U.S. economy: “Walmart is the world's largest retailer, so its earnings should provide a window into how consumers are feeling about the US Economy and what they're willing to spend money on” (02:23). The recent upward trend in retail sales, exceeding expectations in October, indicates robust consumer confidence. Shoppers are notably purchasing big-ticket items such as cars and electronics, as well as investing in home and garden supplies—a demand surge partly attributed to hurricane-induced rebuilding efforts in the Southeast.

Competing retailers like Home Depot have already reported better-than-expected earnings, buoyed by increased demand for home repairs and reconstruction following recent hurricanes. This trend suggests a resilient retail sector despite broader economic uncertainties.

U.S. Stock Futures Show Mixed Signals

Timestamp: [03:07 - 03:22]

U.S. futures markets are reflecting a sense of uncertainty ahead of the upcoming earnings season. Jeanine Hurst reported, “US Futures contracts are trading in mixed territory. Dow futures down a fraction. Nasdaq futures up three tenths of a percent” (03:07). This mixed performance underscores the cautious optimism among investors as they await key economic indicators and corporate earnings reports.

Alarming Rise in Obesity Rates Across the U.S.

Timestamp: [03:22 - 04:14]

A comprehensive new study published in The Lancet reveals that nearly three-quarters of all U.S. adults are now classified as overweight or obese, with over one in three children affected by these conditions. These rates have more than doubled since 1990, raising significant public health concerns.

Tom Bowman introduced the study: “Nearly three quarters of all adults in the US are now overweight or obese” (03:22). Maria Godoy detailed the findings, noting that obesity among adults and adolescents aged 15 and older has seen a dramatic increase, alongside a troubling rise in related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers. The prevalence of childhood hypertension and diabetes is also on the rise, signaling long-term health crises if current trends continue.

Researchers warn that without effective intervention, the number of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5 and up could exceed 43 million by 2050. The study underscores the urgent need for public health strategies to combat this growing epidemic.

Titanic Memorabilia Sells for Record Prices

Timestamp: [04:14 - 04:40]

An 18-carat Tiffany gold pocket watch, originally presented to Captain Arthur Rostron for his heroic efforts in rescuing 700 survivors from the Titanic disaster, sold at auction for nearly $2 million—a record price for memorabilia from the ill-fated shipwreck.

Jeanine Hurst reported, “An 18 carat Tiffany gold pocket watch given to the ship captain who rescued 700 survivors from the Titanic sold at auction for nearly $2 million, a record” (04:14).

Tom Bowman provided additional context, explaining that the watch was a gift from the widow of John Jacob Astor, the wealthiest passenger to perish in the tragedy, as well as from the widows of two other prominent businessmen who also died aboard the Titanic. This marks the second time the watch has been sold in the past seven months, highlighting the enduring fascination and high value of Titanic artifacts among collectors and historians alike.

Market and Health Updates

• US Stock Futures: Mixed performance with Dow futures slightly down and Nasdaq futures up by 0.3%.
• Obesity Statistics: Nearly 75% of U.S. adults and over 33% of children are overweight or obese, with alarming increases in related health conditions.
• Memorabilia Auction: A Titanic-era pocket watch achieved a record sale of nearly $2 million.

This summary is based on the transcript from the NPR News Now episode released on November 18, 2024.