NPR News Now: November 18, 2024 – Detailed Summary
1. U.S. Grants Ukraine Permission to Use Long-Range Missiles in Russia
At the forefront of international developments, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukrainian forces to deploy Western-supplied long-range missiles targeting military installations deep within Russia. This significant policy shift comes after months of persistent lobbying from Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, emphasized the strategic importance of this move in his nightly address:
“Our so-called victory plan to end the war on Ukraine's terms includes the use of these long-range missiles” [00:39].
However, Unnamed U.S. Official cautioned against media speculation regarding the permanence of this authorization, stating:
“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” [00:57].
Concerns loom over the sustainability of this decision, as the incoming Trump administration may seek to revoke it, adding uncertainty to Ukraine’s military strategy [01:09].
2. Brendan Carr Appointed as FCC Chair by President-Elect Trump
In a pivotal move ahead of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Brendan Carr as the new Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr is recognized as a seasoned Republican with a strong track record within the FCC.
David Falkenflik, NPR’s correspondent, highlights Carr’s background:
“For years, Carr took a classic Republican line in favor of sweeping away regulations that limit the consolidation of media ownership.” [01:34].
Carr has also been vocal about regulating big tech and has criticized broadcast networks for their coverage of the presidential race. He played a key role in developing Project 2025, a pro-Trump Republican initiative aimed at reshaping the FCC’s policies. The appointment is expected to bring the semi-autonomous FCC under closer White House control, a move that is likely to face legal challenges [01:34 – 02:15].
3. Political Unrest and Security Incident in Israel
Israel faces escalating political instability as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confronts both internal and external challenges. On Saturday night, two rockets were fired at Netanyahu’s residence, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Justice Minister Yariv Levine condemned the attacks, describing them as part of a broader strategy:
“A link in a chain of violent and anarchic actions which aim to overthrow the government” [02:34].
Public support for Netanyahu's government is waning, with persistent protests against his war policies. Recent surveys indicate a significant portion of the population desires an end to the conflict through a hostage exchange, and trust in the Prime Minister has plummeted to below 30%, while overall government trust hovers just above 20% [02:34].
4. Shootings During New Orleans Parade
Tragedy struck during a second line parade in New Orleans on Sunday, where two separate shootings resulted in nine injuries and two fatalities.
Police Chief Ann Kirkpatrick reported on the incidents:
“Apparently a car was involved, a suspect car and shots were fired into the crowd” [03:29].
Approximately 45 minutes after the initial shooting, a second attack occurred, leading to additional casualties. Investigations are ongoing, and as of the report, no arrests have been made. The connection between the two shootings remains unclear [03:37].
5. Climate Change Linked to Global Dengue Fever Spread
In health news, a new study presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in New Orleans underscores the impact of climate change on the proliferation of dengue fever worldwide.
Erin Mordecai, a Stanford University researcher and study author, explained:
“So it's a very large share of the existing dengue, and in some places it's more like 30 to 40%” [04:39].
The research highlights that rising global temperatures have created ideal conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit dengue, particularly at temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This climatic shift has been responsible for nearly 20% of recent dengue cases. The study emphasizes that controlling future climate change could yield substantial public health benefits by curbing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue [04:46].
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of critical global and national issues, from geopolitical tensions and political appointments to public safety incidents and the far-reaching effects of climate change on health.