Summary of NPR News Now – November 21, 2024 Episode

Released on November 22, 2024

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international developments in their November 21, 2024, episode. The episode covered significant political appointments, election outcomes, public health concerns, high-profile legal cases, and international judicial actions. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

1. Donald Trump's Appointment of Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General

Host: Shay Stevens [00:18]

Reporter: Ryan Lucas

President-elect Donald Trump announced the selection of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the new U.S. Attorney General. This decision came shortly after former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his candidacy for the position.

Key Points:

• Background of Pam Bondi: Bondi served as the local prosecutor in Florida before her tenure as the state's Attorney General. Trump highlighted her reputation as "tough and smart," emphasizing her commitment to refocusing the Justice Department on combating crime and enhancing national safety.

• Trump's History with Bondi: The President-elect has known Bondi for years, citing her participation in the 2016 Republican National Convention and her role as an attorney on Trump's legal team during his first impeachment.

• Matt Gaetz's Withdrawal: Gaetz cited the confirmation process as a distraction for the Trump transition, stating, "there was no time for a drawn out battle over it," leading to his withdrawal.

Notable Quote:

“Bondi is tough and smart and will refocus the Justice Department on fighting crime and making America safe.” — President-elect Donald Trump [00:38]

2. Pennsylvania Senate Race Outcome: Republicans Secure Majority

Host: Shay Stevens [01:22]

Reporter: Sidney Roach

Republicans have secured a 53 to 47 majority in the upcoming U.S. Senate. Democratic Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded defeat to Republican businessman David McCormick after a contentious and closely watched race.

Key Points:

• Election Results: The race was one of the tightest in Pennsylvania's history, decided by less than a quarter of a point, triggering an automatic recount as per state law.

• Senator Casey's Concession: In a statement on social media, Casey expressed pride in his service since 2007 and acknowledged the narrow margin by stating, “This race was one of the closest in our commonwealth's history, decided by less than a quarter of a point” [01:51].

• David McCormick's Victory: McCormick, the former CEO of a major hedge fund, pledged to bring leadership to the Senate. Throughout his campaign, he criticalized Casey as a "do nothing and weak career politician” [02:12].

Notable Quote:

“This race was one of the closest in our commonwealth's history, decided by less than a quarter of a point.” — Senator Bob Casey [01:51]

3. Public Health Alert: Low Vaccination Rates Ahead of Holidays

Host: Shay Stevens [02:27]

Reporter: Rob Stein

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported alarmingly low vaccination rates against influenza and COVID-19 as the holiday season approaches, raising concerns about potential outbreaks.

Key Points:

• Vaccination Statistics:

  • Only about one-third of adults received this year's flu vaccine.
  • Less than 18% of adults have taken the new COVID-19 booster.
  • Approximately 40% of adults aged 75 and older have received the recommended RSV vaccine.

• Current Health Status: Despite low vaccination rates, there is currently minimal presence of flu and RSV viruses, and COVID-19 cases continue to decline following last summer's surge.

• Potential Risks: The CDC warns that the increase in travel and gatherings during Thanksgiving and the winter holidays could lead to a rapid rise in these illnesses.

Notable Quote:

“There isn't a lot of flu or RSV right now, and the COVID numbers are still falling from this summer's big surge. But all those viruses could pick up quickly as people start to travel and gather for Thanksgiving in the winter holidays.” — Rob Stein [02:38]

4. Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Jussie Smollett's Conviction

Host: Shay Stevens [03:12]

Reporter: Mandalito del Barco

The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of actor Jussie Smollett, not based on the case's facts but on procedural handling. This decision marks a significant turn in a high-profile legal saga.

Key Points:

• Background of the Case: In 2019, Smollett reported being attacked by two men who allegedly shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and placed a noose around his neck.

• Legal Proceedings: Initially, the court found Smollett had fabricated the attack, leading to a pact where he performed community service and paid a $10,000 bond to have charges dismissed. In 2020, a special prosecutor reopened the case, presenting testimonies from two brothers who claimed Smollett paid them to stage the attack. Smollett was subsequently found guilty of lying to the police and served part of a five-month jail sentence.

• Supreme Court's Ruling: The court determined that the new charges should not have been filed following the initial agreement, thereby overturning his conviction.

Notable Quote:

“Now the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that the new charges should not have been filed after Smollett's initial deal.” — Mandalito del Barco [03:31]

5. International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Israeli Leadership

Host: Shay Stevens [04:17]

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and a Hamas leader, accusing Israel of various human rights violations, including murder and persecution.

Key Points:

• ICC Accusations: The court alleges that Israel engaged in acts of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. Additionally, Hamas has been accused of committing murder, rape, and torture.

• Non-recognition by Nations: Several countries, including Israel and the United States, do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC.

• Brazil's Political Turmoil: In a related international development, Brazil's federal police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others on charges of attempting to stage a coup following the 2022 election victory of his successor. Bolsonaro has denied all allegations.

Notable Quote:

“The ICC is accusing Israel of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.” — Shay Stevens [04:17]

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with critical updates on political appointments, electoral outcomes, public health warnings, significant legal developments, and international judicial actions. The discussions highlighted ongoing political dynamics in the United States, concerns over public health preparedness, and notable cases impacting both national and international arenas.