NPR News: 11-21-2024 11AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: November 21, 2024, 11 AM EST

International Affairs

NPR News Now opened with significant developments in the Middle East. Korva Kuhlman reported from Washington on the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense secretary, and a Hamas leader, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu's office has vehemently rejected the ICC's actions, labeling the warrants as antisemitic.

The conflict's toll continues to escalate, with officials from the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that Israeli attacks have resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths since the war with Hamas began last year. Ruth Sherlock from NPR provided a harrowing account of the latest strikes in Gaza:

"The director of the Kemal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza says it was his doctors who dug out the wounded from under the demolished buildings and carried them to the hospital." (01:11)

Sherlock detailed the dire situation in northern Gaza, which remains largely inaccessible due to an Israeli siege. Fresh military strikes have devastated both southern and northern regions, causing extensive casualties and leaving many trapped under rubble. The destruction of a designated safe tented camp for displaced civilians resulted in numerous fatalities, including children, as captured in graphic footage shared by the health ministry.

U.S. Politics

In domestic news, NPR News Now highlighted the remarkable voter turnout in the recent general elections, described by Korva Kuhlman as the third highest in about a century. The exit polls indicated strong performances by Republican candidates, notably Donald Trump, who significantly boosted engagement among typically low-turnout demographics. Miles Parks elaborated on Trump's appeal:

"Exit polls found that he did really well among people without a college degree and also won people who said it was the first time they'd ever cast a ballot." (02:11)

This surge suggests a shifting political landscape, with Trump mobilizing new voters and reinforcing his support base.

Health News

Health officials in California have been closely monitoring a potential bird flu case involving a child in the Bay Area. Korva Kuhlman reported on the situation, citing member station KQED's Keith Mizuguchi:

"The child is recovering at home and family members have all tested negative." (02:36)

Initially testing positive for bird flu after exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms, the child later tested negative, alleviating immediate concerns. However, the state remains vigilant, having confirmed 27 bird flu cases among dairy workers, though there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Local and Business News

Weather alerts dominated the local news segment, with severe warnings issued for Northern California and Southern Oregon. A powerful Pacific system, known as an atmospheric river, is expected to bring heavy rain, life-threatening flooding, strong winds, and mountain snow. The National Weather Service anticipates an additional foot of rain in California over the coming days. Additionally, Washington state reported two fatalities linked to fallen trees during the adverse weather conditions.

In business news, Ryan Warner from Colorado Public Radio discussed an inspiring initiative in Denver where a barbershop supports individuals who have served time in prison, aiding their reintegration into society:

"Out here that actually think about people in there coming out and making a smooth transition." (04:20)

Founded by RR Head Labs and planning expansion, the barbershop not only provides employment opportunities but also fosters community support for its employees.

Legal Developments in Technology

Korva Kuhlman also covered a significant legal battle in the tech industry. The U.S. Department of Justice is petitioning a federal judge to compel Google to sell its search engine Chrome. This move follows a judicial ruling that Google has maintained an illegal monopoly through Chrome. Google opposed the petition, arguing that it would harm user privacy and stifle innovation.

"Google says this will significantly harm user privacy and company innovation." (04:38)

This case underscores ongoing concerns about big tech's market dominance and its implications for competition and consumer rights.

Conclusion

NPR News Now provided a comprehensive update on critical international conflicts, domestic political shifts, public health concerns, severe weather impacts, inspiring community initiatives, and pivotal legal challenges in the technology sector. The episode offered listeners a thorough overview of pressing issues shaping the current global and national landscape.

Transcript

[Sponsor Announcement]

This message is brought to you by NPR sponsor Leesa in collaboration with west elm. Discover the new natural hybrid mattress, expertly crafted from natural latex and certified safe foams, designed with your health and the planet in mind. Visit leesa.com to learn more.

[Korva Kuhlman]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Korva Kuhlman. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense secretary. The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas leader. It's over the war in Gaza. Netanyahu's office has condemned the warrant against him, calling it antisemitic. Officials with the Gaza Health Ministry say Israeli attacks have now killed more than 44,000 Palestinians since the war between Israel and Hamas started last year. Doctors in Gaza are appealing for help after fresh Israeli military strikes. One in southern Gaza killed at least 23 people in a tented encampment. Meanwhile, more strikes in northern Gaza killed dozens of people overnight and left others trapped in rubble. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports. Northern Gaza is mostly cut off from the rest of the enclave.

[Ruth Sherlock]

The director of the Kemal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza says it was his doctors who dug out the wounded from under the demolished buildings and carried them to the hospital. Because there are no ambulances, rescuers have been unable to safely work in northern Gaza since an Israeli siege began there weeks ago. The military says it's fighting Hamas, trying to group separately in southern Gaza. Medical workers say a tented camp for displaced people Israel has designated as being safer for civilians was hit, killing Many videos shared by the health ministry show the bodies of children and adults lying stacked on the metal shelves of a morgue. The Israeli military told NPR it needs more time to prepare an accurate response to our request for comment. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Korva Kuhlman]

In the US Exit polls are showing that turnout in this year's general election was the third highest in about a century. Republican candidates did very well. NPR's Miles Parks says that includes Donald Trump, who energized people who don't often vote.

[Miles Parks]

Exit polls found that he did really well among people without a college degree and also won people who said it was the first time they'd ever cast a ballot.

[Korva Kuhlman]

NPR's Miles Parks reporting. California health officials are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about a possible bird flu case involving a child in the Bay Area. From member station KQED in San Francisco, Keith Mizuguchi reports.

[Miles Parks]

California health officials say the child tested positive for bird flu after showing mild upper respiratory symptoms four days later. The bird flu test was negative. The child is recovering at home and family members have all tested negative. It's unclear where the child might have contracted the virus, although health officials are looking into the possibility of exposure to wild birds. The state has confirmed at least 27 cases of bird flu among dairy workers. Health officials say that so far there is no evidence of human to human transmission. For NPR News, I'm Keith Miziguchi in San Francisco.

[Korva Kuhlman]

On Wall street, the dow is up 350 points. This is NPR. Northern California and Southern Oregon are under several types of weather warnings today. A powerful Pacific system is bringing heavy rain, life threatening flooding, strong wind and mountain snow. The system is called an atmospheric river. The National Weather Service says an additional foot of rain could fall in California over the next few days. Two people died in accidents involving fallen trees in Washington state. A barbershop in Denver helps its employees who have served time behind bars to stay out of prison. And it's approaching its anniversary. Colorado Public Radio's Ryan Warner reports. The shop also has plans to expand.

[Sponsor Announcement]

RR Head Labs was founded by a former president of the national barber chain, Floyds. The company hires people who served time in prison, which is where many of them learned to cut hair and helps them get licensed. The goal is to keep them from returning. Apprentice James Kennedy of Denver has done two stints behind bars. It's good to see that there's people.

[Korva Kuhlman]

Out here that actually think about people in there coming out and making a smooth transition.

[Sponsor Announcement]

The company currently employs nine apprentice barbers and plans to expand to a second location in early 2025. For NPR News, I'm Ryan Warner in Denver.

[Korva Kuhlman]

The Justice Department is asking a federal judge to force big tech company Google to sell off its search engine Chrome. Prosecutors say this comes after a federal judge ruled this year Google is using Chrome to keep an illegal monopoly going. Google says this will significantly harm user privacy and company innovation. This is NPR support for npr.

[Sponsor Announcement]

And the following message come from Paint Care, making it easy to recycle leftover paint with convenient locations like your local paint store. Find a paint drop off site near [e-mail].