NPR News Now: November 18, 2024 – Comprehensive Episode Summary
Hosted by Korva Coleman
1. U.S. Permits Ukraine to Use American-Made Long-Range Missiles Against Russia
Timestamp: [00:18] - [01:09]
In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy American-made long-range missiles, known as ATACMs (Army Tactical Missile Systems), into Russian territory. These missiles boast a range of approximately 190 miles, a capability Ukrainian officials and their supporters in the U.S. have advocated for months.
Korva Coleman reported that the decision was influenced by the recent deployment of North Korean troops assisting Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. NPR’s Tom Bowman elaborated:
“Ukrainian officials and their supporters in the U.S. have long pushed for their use, but the Biden administration refused, fearing Russian escalation. Now, with thousands of North Korean troops fighting Ukrainian forces who have seized portions of the Kursk region of Russia, the administration has allowed the atacms to strike targets there.”
[00:35]
This policy change not only marks a pivotal moment in the U.S.-Ukraine-Russia dynamics but also sets a precedent that may encourage other nations, notably Britain, to authorize the use of their long-range missile systems in support of Ukraine.
2. G20 Summit in Brazil Highlights Climate Change and Global Governance
Timestamp: [01:09] - [02:30]
Brazil is the host of the annual G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, with President Biden in attendance. Notably, Biden made a historic visit to the Amazon rainforest prior to the summit, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so. The summit's agenda is concentrated on global governance, poverty alleviation, and particularly, climate change.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the responsibility of wealthy nations:
“I will appeal to the sense of responsibility of all G20 countries. Now is the time for leadership by example from the world's largest economies and emitters. Failure is not an option.”
[01:34]
The timing of the summit is critical as it precedes the inauguration of President Elect Donald Trump, who has already made headlines by nominating Chris Wright, the head of an oil and gas company, for the role of U.S. Energy Secretary. Wright is a controversial figure in climate discourse, having publicly denied the existence of a global climate crisis and the increasing intensity of weather-related disasters, contrary to the consensus among climate scientists.
3. E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots Sparks Major Recalls
Timestamp: [02:30] - [03:15]
A widespread E. coli outbreak has been traced to organic carrots, resulting in nearly 40 illnesses and one fatality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating cases across more than a dozen states, with Washington, Minnesota, and New York reporting the highest numbers. However, the CDC warns that the actual scope of the outbreak may be broader.
Juliana Kim reports that investigations have identified Grimway Farms as the common supplier of the contaminated carrots. Consequently, the company has initiated recalls affecting major retailers, including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walmart.
4. Polling Expert J. Ann Selzer Shuts Down Operations Amidst Election Challenges
Timestamp: [03:15] - [04:05]
J. Ann Selzer, a renowned polling expert associated with the Des Moines Register, has announced the closure of her polling operations. Selzer, recognized for her accurate predictions in the past—including Senator Barack Obama’s Iowa caucus victory in 2008—cited her decision to pursue other opportunities as the primary reason for shutting down her polling services.
In the recent election cycle, Selzer faced scrutiny after her polls showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in Iowa, a prediction that did not align with the general election outcome where Trump secured the win. This discrepancy has raised questions about the methodologies and pressures faced by polling experts in volatile political climates.
5. Iowa Health Care Workers Battle PTSD and Long Covid with Limited Support
Timestamp: [04:05] - [04:39]
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to haunt Iowa's healthcare workers, particularly those who were on the frontlines in nursing homes and hospitals during the crisis. Many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long Covid symptoms, yet support from employers and the government remains scarce.
Amy Maxman of KFF Health News narrates the struggles of Deborah Raghunanan, a nursing assistant who continues to work at a long-term care facility despite enduring panic attacks, brain fog, and a recent aneurysm—complications she attributes to her experiences during the 2020 COVID outbreak.
Deborah Raghunanan shared:
“All of us have to go right back where the COVID started. So that's a double whammy. That's a double kick.”
[04:21]
As low-wage caretakers, these workers find themselves trapped in demanding roles without the financial means or support systems to seek alternative employment or take necessary time off for recovery.
6. Jennings Creek Wildfire Declared a State of Emergency on NJ/NY Border
Timestamp: [04:39] - [04:57]
A significant wildfire, known as the Jennings Creek Fire, has erupted along the border between New Jersey and New York, scorching over 2,200 acres. The situation has prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency, mobilizing resources to contain the blaze and protect surrounding communities.
Korva Coleman provided the latest updates:
“There's a state of emergency still in effect on part of the border between New Jersey and New York where the Jennings Creek wildfire is burning over more than 2,200 acres.”
[04:39]
Efforts are ongoing to mitigate the fire's impact, with firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to prevent further spread.
This summary encapsulates the key news topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on November 18, 2024. For more detailed coverage, tuning into the full podcast episode is recommended.