House Ethics Committee Withholds Report on Matt Gaetz Investigation

At the outset of this episode, Jack Speier reports from NPR News in Washington about the House Ethics Committee's decision not to release its findings on the investigation into Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz. The committee, chaired by Michael Guest, remains tight-lipped about the details of the meeting held on November 20, 2024.

Susan Wilder, PA, the ranking Democrat on the committee, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency. At [00:47], Wilder stated, “Though he has implied that there was an agreement of the committee not to disclose the report. That is untrue to the extent that that suggests that the committee was in agreement or that we had a consensus on that, that is inaccurate.”

The investigation, which addresses allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct against Gaetz, saw a partisan split when it came to the release of the report. Wilder highlighted that the vote on making the findings public was divided along party lines. Despite calls from some Capitol Hill lawmakers for transparency, the committee has yet to reach an agreement to disclose the report. If confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz would lead the Justice Department, which previously conducted its own investigation and opted not to file charges.

Trump Nominates Matt Whitaker as U.S. Ambassador to NATO

In a significant nomination, President-elect Donald Trump has selected former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Jack Speier introduces this development, followed by a detailed report from NPR's Stephen Fowler.

Whitaker, who served in the Justice Department during Trump's first term, is seen as a choice where “loyalty to the president outweighs experience specific to the role.” At [01:28], Trump remarked that Whitaker would “strengthen relationships with our NATO allies and stand firm in the face of threats to peace and stability. He will put America first.”

This nomination aligns with Trump's longstanding criticisms of NATO, particularly regarding the contributions and spending of other member nations. Earlier in the year, Trump warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to “do whatever the hell they want to” if member states failed to meet their financial commitments to the alliance. Stephen Fowler underscores the potential implications of this appointment on U.S.-NATO relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Life Sentence Imposed on Jose Ibarra for Murder of Nursing Student

Turning to a tragic case in Atlanta, Jack Speier reports on the sentencing of Jose Ibarra, who has been given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of Lacan Riley in February on the University of Georgia campus. Reporter Emily Wu Pearson provides an in-depth look at the case.

At [02:17], Pearson details that Ibarra, a Venezuelan citizen who illegally entered the U.S. in 2022, was found guilty on all 10 charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault with intent to rape. The prosecution described a harrowing account of how Riley encountered Ibarra during her morning run. Ibarra allegedly stopped her, dragged her nearly 65 feet off the path, and beat her to death.

Notably, Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, leading the judge to return a guilty verdict swiftly—15 minutes after closing arguments ended. The prosecution opted not to pursue the death penalty in this case, instead resulting in the life sentence. This verdict underscores the severity of the crime and the judicial system's response to such violent acts.

Wall Street Closes Mixed Amid Target's Sharp Decline

Jack Speier provides a brief update on the financial markets, noting a mixed close on Wall Street. Significant among the movements was a 20% drop in Target's shares following weaker-than-expected earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an uptick of 139 points, while the NASDAQ experienced a slight decline of 21 points.

This volatility reflects investor reactions to corporate earnings reports and broader economic indicators, highlighting the ongoing fluctuations within the stock market.

Bomb Cyclone Hits Pacific Northwest, Causing Widespread Damage

A major storm, termed a "bomb cyclone" due to its rapid intensification, is wreaking havoc on the Pacific Northwest. Jack Speier outlines the severe impacts of this weather event, including heavy rainfall, high winds, and substantial power outages affecting approximately 450,000 people.

At [02:59], Speier reports that the storm has led to the downfall of trees, resulting in at least two fatalities. Homes have been struck, and roadways remain hazardous with fallen trees. Weather prediction centers have issued excessive rainfall warnings expected to last through at least Friday. The storm underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the region.

FAA's Bold Plan to Increase SpaceX's Starship Launches Faces Environmental Scrutiny

In an ambitious move to advance space exploration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a plan to significantly ramp up the number of launches for SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built. Jack Speier introduces this story, which is further explored by NPR's Jeff Brumfiel.

At [03:59], Brumfiel explains that the Starship, developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, stands taller than the Statue of Liberty and is designed for repeated flights to facilitate missions to the Moon and Mars. The FAA's proposal aims to allow up to 25 launches and enable the landing of both the Starship and its massive booster in Texas.

However, this plan has met resistance from environmentalists who are already suing the FAA. The lawsuit alleges that the agency has failed to adequately assess the environmental impacts of frequent Starship launches, particularly concerning nearby wetlands. The conflict highlights the tension between advancing aerospace technology and addressing environmental conservation concerns.

New Scientific Findings Suggest Changes in Cosmic Energy Over Time

Concluding the episode, Jack Speier delves into groundbreaking astronomical research indicating that the universe's expansion, long known to be accelerating, may be influenced by changes in cosmic energy. At [04:40], Speier explains that by analyzing the movement of galaxies over billions of years, scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that the energy driving this expansion might be weakening or altering over time.

This revelation challenges existing cosmological models and opens new avenues for understanding the fundamental forces shaping the universe. If confirmed, these findings could have profound implications for physics and our comprehension of the cosmos's ultimate fate.

This episode of NPR News Now on November 20, 2024, encapsulates a diverse array of stories, from political investigations and high-stakes nominations to impactful criminal justice outcomes, market dynamics, severe weather events, advancements in space exploration, and pivotal scientific discoveries. Each segment provides listeners with concise yet comprehensive coverage of pressing national and global issues.