NPR News Now: November 21, 2024, 6 PM EST – Detailed Summary
Host: Jack Speier | Author: NPR
On the November 21, 2024, episode of NPR News Now, host Jack Speier presents a comprehensive roundup of the latest national and international news in a concise five-minute format. This summary encapsulates the key stories, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a thorough overview for those who did not tune in.
1. Withdrawal of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General Nominee
Timestamp: [00:15]
The episode opens with significant political news concerning Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump's chosen nominee for Attorney General. After accompanying Vice President-elect J.D. Vance to meetings with Senate Republicans, Gaetz announced his withdrawal from the nomination process.
Deirdre Walsh elaborates on the situation:
“A day after Vice President-elect J.D. Vance accompanied Gaetz to a series of meetings with Senate Republicans, the former Florida congressman posted on social media that his nomination was becoming a distraction and dropped out.” [00:34]
Several Senate Republicans had anticipated challenges for Gaetz’s confirmation. Gaetz was under investigation by a House ethics panel for allegations related to paying for sex, including with a minor. The committee had recently deadlocked on whether to release the investigative report. Senator Susan Collins remarked:
“Certainly there were a lot of red flags.” [00:34]
Despite the setback, GOP leaders refrained from suggesting an alternative nominee for the Attorney General position, leaving the future of the nomination process uncertain.
2. Sexual Assault Allegations Against Secretary of Defense Nominee
Timestamp: [01:17]
Continuing the theme of political accountability, the podcast addresses a newly released police report concerning sexual assault allegations against President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense.
Bill Chappell provides detailed coverage:
“The woman who accused then Fox News host Pete Hegseth of sexual assault in October of 2017 told police that when she was in Hegseth's hotel room, she, quote, remembered saying no a lot.” [01:27]
The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, claimed that after a Republican conference, Hegseth seized her cell phone, prevented her from leaving his hotel room, and sexually assaulted her. Hegseth contended that their encounter was consensual. The Monterey County District Attorney stated:
“No charges were supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” [01:27]
Hegseth’s attorney disclosed that his client had previously reached a settlement with the accuser to safeguard his career, though details of the settlement remain undisclosed.
3. Low Vaccination Rates Ahead of Thanksgiving and Winter
Timestamp: [02:10]
As the holiday season approaches, concerns rise over the public's preparedness in combating common illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination rates for influenza and COVID-19 remain suboptimal.
Rob Stein reports:
“The CDC says only about one third of adults have gotten this year's flu shot and less than 18% have gotten one of the new Covid boosters.” [02:23]
Additionally, uptake for the new RSV vaccine among adults aged 75 and older is at 40%. While current cases of flu and RSV are relatively low, and COVID numbers are declining from the previous summer surge, the potential for rapid increases exists as people gather for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.
“But all those viruses could pick up quickly as people start to travel and gather for Thanksgiving in the winter holidays.” [02:23]
4. Bitcoin Surge Amid Crypto-Friendly Trump Administration
Timestamp: [02:55]
The podcast highlights a notable financial trend influenced by the incoming Trump administration’s favorable stance toward cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has experienced a significant rally, nearing the $100,000 valuation and rising over 40% in the past two weeks.
While the Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw an increase of 461 points, analysts caution against predicting the sustainability of the Bitcoin surge.
“Still, analysts say it's impossible to know how long the rally might last.” [02:55]
5. Russia’s Deployment of a New Ballistic Missile in Ukraine
Timestamp: [02:55]
In international news, Russia has confirmed the launch of a novel ballistic missile targeting the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, specifically striking a military-industrial facility. This missile launch, intended as a message to NATO, ignited discussions about whether Moscow had deployed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The missile’s velocity, traveling at approximately ten times the speed of sound, rendered it impervious to current anti-missile defenses. Western experts noted that this appears to be the first instance of such a weapon being utilized in any conflict.
6. National Book Awards Announced
Timestamp: [03:58]
The podcast transitions to a cultural highlight with the announcement of this year’s National Book Awards. The ceremony, held the previous night, recognized outstanding contributions to American literature.
Andrew Limbaugh reports on the winners:
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Percival Everett won the Fiction Award for "James," a reimagining of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" from the perspective of Jim, James Huck Finn's friend, who is escaping slavery.
“In his speech, Everett thanked his wife, his agent, his two teenage sons, whose [03:58]
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Jason De León secured the Nonfiction Award for "Soul Soldiers and Kings," a work exploring individuals who smuggle migrants across the southern U.S. border.
“He thanked the subjects in his book.” [04:11]
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Lena Khalaf Tufaha received the Poetry Award for "Something About Living," a collection that offers an expansive history of the Palestinian people.
“And the poetry award went to Lena Khalaf Tufaha, whose collection Something About Living is an expansive history of the Palestinian people.” [04:27]
These awards underscore the diverse narratives and voices shaping contemporary American literature.
7. Oil Prices and Market Trends
Timestamp: [04:42]
The financial markets section highlights oil prices, which followed the upward trend of stocks amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Crude oil saw an increase of $1.35 per barrel, settling at $70.10 in New York.
“Oil was up $1.35 a barrel, or 2%, settled at $70.10 a barrel.” [04:42]
This rise reflects the market’s reaction to geopolitical instability and its implications for global energy supplies.
8. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with a brief update from Jack Speier, reiterating the intertwined nature of financial markets and international relations, specifically referencing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Prices followed stocks higher today. That's as tensions mount between Russia and Ukraine.” [04:42]
The host signs off from Washington, encapsulating a day’s worth of pivotal news within a succinct and informative format.
Conclusion
The November 21, 2024, episode of NPR News Now offers a rapid yet comprehensive overview of pressing political developments, public health concerns, economic trends, international conflicts, and cultural achievements. Through clear sections and well-attributed quotes, the podcast ensures listeners are well-informed on the day's most significant events, maintaining its reputation for delivering timely and reliable news updates.