NPR News Now: November 19, 2024, 4 PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh

Ukraine's Ballistic Missile Launch into Russia

Timestamp: [00:18-00:36]

Lakshmi Singh opens the episode with a significant international development:

"Ukraine has fired seven U.S.-made ballistic missiles deep into Russia for the first time."
— Lakshmi Singh [00:18]

Details:

• Missile Launch: Ukraine deployed ATACMs (Army Tactical Missile Systems) targeting southwest Russia, specifically a weapons storage facility near northern Ukraine.
• Russian Response: Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, labeled the attack a "significant escalation" and a "new phase in the war," signaling a desire for further escalation.
• U.S. Involvement: President Biden recently authorized Ukraine to use ATACMs within Russian territory, expanding previous restrictions that limited their use to Russian forces inside Ukraine.

"President Biden recently gave Ukraine permission to use the ATACMs inside Russia."
— Greg Myhre, NPR News [00:36]

House Democrats Push for Matt Gaetz Investigation Report

Timestamp: [01:13-01:42]

Lakshmi Singh reports on the political turmoil surrounding former Congressman Matt Gaetz:

"Nearly 100 House Democrats have sent a letter urging the ethics committee to release the findings of an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against former Congressman Matt Gaetz."
— Lakshmi Singh [01:13]

Key Points:

• Demand for Transparency: Democrats seek the release of the ethics committee's findings regarding Gaetz.
• Attorney General Nominee Scrutiny: The nominee for Attorney General is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing amid these allegations.
• Republican Response: Senator Tom Tillis dismisses the need for the report's release, asserting relevant information would emerge regardless.

"It's nonsense. I mean we're creating a false crisis because the reality is all that information is going to be on display at the hearing."
— Senator Tom Tillis [01:34]

Allegations Against Gaetz:

• Claims of Misconduct: Attorney Brett Kavanaugh represents two women who allege Gaetz paid them for sex. One testimony includes a claim of Gaetz engaging with a 17-year-old at a 2017 party.
• Gaetz's Denial: Gaetz has denied all allegations.
• Media and Political Support: The Trump transition team supports the nominee for Attorney General, asserting confidence despite the allegations.

Trump’s Nominee for Commerce Secretary and Economic Implications

Timestamp: [01:42-02:33]

Lakshmi Singh discusses Trump's selection for Commerce Secretary and the economic debate surrounding tariffs:

"Trump's made his pick for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick. If confirmed, the veteran Wall Street CEO would carry out Trump's trade and tariffs agenda."
— Lakshmi Singh [01:42]

Economic Concerns:

• Tariff Impact: Economists warn that steep tariffs on imported goods could exacerbate inflation, even as it approaches the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
• Potential Policy Shifts: The Trump administration is expected to implement aggressive trade policies, potentially influencing market stability.

SpaceX's Starship Test Flight and Trump's Attendance

Timestamp: [02:33-02:52]

Jeff Brumfield provides an update on SpaceX's ambitious space endeavors:

"This will be a test flight of a massive rocket called Starship. Elon Musk's company SpaceX is spending billions to develop it."
— Jeff Brumfield [02:33]

Highlights:

• Starship Mission: Aimed at eventually sending humans to Mars, aligning with Trump's campaign promises.
• Upcoming Event: President-elect Trump is scheduled to attend the Starship launch in Texas, signaling potential support for accelerated space exploration.

"We will land an American astronaut on Mars. Thank you, Elon. Thank you. Get going."
— Brett Kavanaugh [02:46]

Future Outlook:

• Administration Influence: Experts believe the Trump administration could expedite Starship's testing and development significantly.

U.S. Economic Insecurity Study

Timestamp: [03:07-04:00]

Jennifer Ludden explores a new study on economic insecurity in the United States:

"A new study finds just over half of all people in the United States face economic insecurity."
— Lakshmi Singh [03:07]

Study Insights:

• Scope of Insecurity: More than 50% of Americans experience economic insecurity, defined by struggles to make ends meet and save for the future.
• Factors Contributing: Low wages and insufficient income are primary causes, rather than high living costs.

"A lot of people are getting by, but it's hard and you don't have much margin and you can't really start planning for the future."
— Jeff Brumfield [03:49]

Expert Commentary:

• Urban Institute's Greg Ausch: Highlights that many affected individuals aren't typically captured in poverty or unemployment data, underscoring the hidden nature of economic hardship.

AI Company Founder Arrested on Fraud Charges

Timestamp: [04:00-04:17]

The Justice Department announces the arrest of an AI company founder:

"The Justice Department announced the founder of an artificial intelligence company... has been arrested on fraud and identity theft charges."
— Lakshmi Singh [04:00]

Details:

• Accusations: Joanna Smith Griffin allegedly defrauded investors of millions by misrepresenting the financial health of her now-defunct company, All Here Education, Inc.
• Impact on Education Technology: The case highlights ongoing concerns about ethics and transparency in the burgeoning AI and EdTech sectors.

Historic Donation to U.S. Soccer

Timestamp: [04:17-04:57]

Lakshmi Singh reports on a landmark donation to U.S. Soccer:

"Washington Spirit owner Michelle Kang is pledging $30 million to U.S. soccer. The women's soccer mogul's gift is the largest donation ever directed for the organization's girls and women's programs."
— Lakshmi Singh [04:17]

Donation Impact:

• Allocation: The $30 million will be distributed over five years to enhance support for female players, coaches, and referees.
• Significance: This unprecedented investment aims to bolster the infrastructure and development of women's soccer in the United States, fostering greater equality and opportunities.

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