NPR News Now: November 21, 2024

Host: Shea Stevens
Reporter Contributors: Lexi Schapittle, Sergio Martinez Beltran, Emily Wu, Jeff Brady

1. House Ethics Committee Deadlocked on Matt Gaetz’s Attorney General Nomination

[00:17] Shea Stevens: The House Ethics Committee remains deadlocked over releasing its report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz. This delay comes as Gaetz seeks confirmation for his nomination to become Attorney General under President-elect Trump.

[00:35] Lexi Schapittle: The committee investigated serious allegations against Gaetz, including drug use and sex trafficking during his tenure in the House. Despite bipartisan calls for transparency, including from senators across the aisle, the committee has yet to agree on releasing the report. “There has been, quote, no agreement to release the report,” stated Ethics Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi. Congresswoman Susan Wild, the ranking Democrat on the committee, highlighted the partisan divisions, adding, “Members were divided along party lines, but agreed to revisit the matter at another meeting on December 5th."

2. Legislation Affecting Transgender House Members and Texas’s Deportation Facilities Proposal

[01:08] Shea Stevens: The House of Representatives is deliberating a bill that would prohibit transgender women from using female bathrooms and locker rooms within the U.S. Capitol. This proposed legislation directly impacts Sarah McBride, an incoming House member from Delaware who is openly transgender and poised to become the nation’s first openly transgender congresswoman.

Concurrently, Texas is making a significant move by offering President-elect Trump 1,400 acres of land in Star County for the construction of mass deportation facilities. This initiative is part of Texas’s broader strategy to handle an anticipated increase in deportations.

[01:40] Sergio Martinez Beltran: The land in Star County, near the U.S.-Mexico border, is earmarked for processing and detaining deportees, with plans to establish what could become the largest deportation facility in the nation. General Land Commissioner Don Buckingham emphasized the readiness of Texas to collaborate with the federal government: “We are ready to enter into an agreement with the federal government to build a facility for the processing, detention and, quote, largest deportation of violent criminals in the nation.” This offer aligns with President Trump’s recent statements about declaring a national emergency to utilize military resources for deportation efforts.

3. Conviction and Sentencing of University of Georgia Student Murderer

[02:20] Shea Stevens: Hosea Barrel has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the murder of a University of Georgia nursing student last February. Emily Wu provides more details from Atlanta.

[02:30] Emily Wu: Ibarra was convicted on all 10 charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault with intent to rape. The incident occurred during a morning run when Ibarra approached Riley, dragging her approximately 65 feet off the path before fatally beating her. Despite being a Venezuelan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, Ibarra had temporary permission to stay while his immigration case was pending. Notably, he waived his right to a jury trial, resulting in the judge delivering a guilty verdict just 15 minutes after the closing arguments. The prosecution opted not to seek the death penalty in this case. “The prosecution did not seek the death penalty in this case,” Wu reported.

4. U.S. Provides Ukraine with Anti-Personnel Landmines; Azerbaijan’s Fossil Fuel Focus at COP 29

[03:13] Shea Stevens: In defense news, Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the United States is supplying Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines to aid in its conflict against Russia. Austin highlighted the safety aspect of these weapons, noting that their effectiveness diminishes over time, reducing long-term risks.

Simultaneously, Azerbaijan is drawing international attention as it prioritizes oil and gas development over renewable energy projects, even as the nation hosts the upcoming UN Climate talks.

[03:55] Jeff Brady: According to a report from Global Energy Monitor, Azerbaijan is currently constructing more oil and gas power plants than renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Ahead of COP 29, a government official was caught promoting Azerbaijan’s fossil fuel interests, reflecting the country’s stance. President Mukhtar Babayev commented, “I mean the oil and gas countries, fossil fuel producing countries. It's a good chance for these countries to demonstrate their leadership in this issue.” This position puts Azerbaijan at odds with the Paris Climate Agreement's expectations, which call for wealthy nations like the U.S. to support developing countries in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

5. South Carolina Parole Board Upholds Life Sentence for Susan Smith

[04:35] Shea Stevens: The South Carolina parole board has decided that Susan Smith must remain incarcerated for her conviction in the 1994 murders of her two sons. Smith initially claimed that her children were taken by two black carjackers, a narrative that was later disproven when she admitted to driving her vehicle into a lake with her toddler strapped in the backseat. This decision ensures that Smith continues to serve her life sentence without the possibility of parole.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key news topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on November 21, 2024. For detailed updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News.