NPR News: 11-21-2024 9AM EST

Summary

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrants

Timestamp 00:19

In a significant development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, alongside a Hamas leader. This action is directly related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu's office has vehemently condemned the warrant, labeling it as antisemitic. The issuance of these warrants marks a critical moment in international efforts to address accountability in the region.

Korva Coleman: "The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for a Hamas leader. It's over the war in Gaza." [00:19]

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Israel's Draft Notices to Ultra Orthodox Community

Timestamp 00:51

Israel is facing internal tensions as a thousand draft notices have been dispatched to members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Historically exempt from military conscription, this exemption was overturned by Israel's Supreme Court earlier in the year. Despite the court ruling, the response has been tepid, with less than 10% complying in the initial draft round this summer. The ultra-Orthodox community has staged protests, including blocking a major highway near Tel Aviv, to resist the conscription efforts.

Michael Levitt: "The latest round of draft notices aims to recruit 7,000 ultra Orthodox Israelis." [01:30]

Boaz Biz Muth, Israeli Lawmaker: "There is no contradiction between being ultra Orthodox or being religious and serving in the army. There is no contradiction between the M16 and the Kippah on your head." [01:20]

Lawmaker Boaz Biz Muth emphasized the compatibility of religious life with military service, advocating for a shift in perspectives regarding conscription.

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House Ethics Committee withholds Report on Matt Gaetz

Timestamp 01:38

The House Ethics Committee has decided not to release its investigative report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for Attorney General. The committee's inquiry focused on allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual activities with an underage girl and participated in sex trafficking—claims he has firmly denied. Democratic Representative Susan Wild highlighted the lack of consensus within the committee regarding the report's release.

Susan Wild: "There was no consensus on this issue. We did agree that we would reconvene as a committee on December 5 to further consider this matter." [02:02]

Despite the pending nomination, Gaetz proceeded to Capitol Hill to meet with senators in anticipation of confirmation hearings.

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Antipoverty Advocates Brace for Trump Administration’s Budget Cuts

Timestamp 02:11

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, antipoverty advocates are concerned about potential cuts to social safety net programs. Trump's administration has pledged to eliminate waste and reduce budgets, targeting programs such as food assistance, rent support, and healthcare. Although Congress previously resisted deep cuts, the current political landscape suggests a more aggressive approach, supported by initiatives like Project 2025, which outlines a comprehensive plan to shrink the safety net.

Peggy Bailey, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: "Trump's first administration proposed deep cuts to aid for food, rent, health care and more, calling such programs ineffective." [02:34]

Jennifer Ludden: "This is all part of an agenda that is much more organized than it was the first time." [02:56]

Bailey and other experts predict further pushes for stricter work requirements for assistance recipients, arguing that while supporters see these measures as fostering self-sufficiency, critics believe they unfairly target those already employed.

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Escalation in Ukraine-Russia Conflict and Impact on Foreign Scientists in the US

Timestamp 03:15

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated with Ukraine reporting that Russia has targeted the east-central city of Dnipro with an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). If confirmed, this would be the first instance of Russia using an ICBM in the ongoing war. Concurrently, Ukraine has launched U.S.-made long-range missiles into Russian territory, indicating a significant intensification of hostilities.

Korva Coleman: "Ukraine says Russia has hit the east central city of Dnipro with an intercontinental ballistic missile." [03:15]

Amid these tensions and the anticipation of the Trump administration's return, foreign-born scientists in the United States are contemplating relocating to other countries. Concerns revolve around potential visa restrictions, particularly targeting H1B visas, which allow highly skilled professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years.

Lely Mortazavi, Stanford University: "I really like Stanford. People here are great, but I would have to see what kinds of changes happen under Trump." [04:14]

Samar Tazavi, Potential Applicant from Iran: "I would have to see what kinds of changes happen under Trump." [04:21]

Experts predict that policies from Trump’s previous term, such as the suspension of certain H1B visas, may resurface, exacerbating concerns among international scientists like Mortazavi and Tazavi, who are exploring opportunities in countries like Canada and the UK.

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Severe Weather Warnings in Northern California and Southern Oregon

Timestamp 04:30

Northern California and Southern Oregon are currently under multiple weather warnings due to a powerful Pacific system known as an atmospheric river. This weather phenomenon is bringing heavy rainfall, life-threatening flooding, strong winds, and significant mountain snowfall. The National Weather Service has warned that California could receive an additional foot of rain over the coming days. The severe weather has already resulted in fatalities, including two deaths from accidents involving fallen trees in Washington State.

Korva Coleman: "A powerful Pacific system is bringing heavy rain, life threatening flooding, strong wind and mountain snow." [04:30]

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines as authorities manage the impact of the atmospheric river.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of pivotal international and domestic issues, ranging from high-stakes political developments and conflict escalation to impending policy changes and severe weather events. Notable quotes from key figures provided deeper insights into each topic, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the latest news impacting the global and local landscape.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. The the ICC also issued an arrest warrant for a Hamas leader. It's over the war in Gaza. Netanyahu's office condemned the warrant against him, calling it antisemitic. In Israel, a thousand draft notices have been sent out to members of the ultra Orthodox Jewish community. As NPR's Michael Levitt reports from Jerusalem, the group has historically been exempt from conscription into the Israeli military.

[Michael Levitt]

Israel's Supreme Court struck down the exemption earlier this year, but less than 10% reported for duty in the first round of draft notices sent this summer. In response, the ultra Orthodox quickly staged demonstrations, blocking a major highway near Tel Aviv on Sunday. Military service has long been mandatory for Jewish citizens of Israel, with the exception of the ultra Orthodox. Many see serving in the army as being in conflict with their ability to practice and study their faith. Israeli lawmaker Boaz Biz Muth told NPR that it's time for that perspective to change.

[Boaz Biz Muth]

There is no contradiction between being ultra Orthodox or being religious and serving in the army. There is no contradiction between the M16 and the Kippah on your head.

[Michael Levitt]

The latest round of draft notices aims to recruit 7,000 ultra orthodox Israelis. Michael Levitt, NPR News, Jerusalem.

[Korva Coleman]

The House Ethics Committee is not releasing its investigative report into former Congressman Matt Gaetz. He's been nominated by President elect Donald Trump for attorney general. The committee had been examining allegations that Gates had sex with an underage girl and engaged in sex trafficking. He has denied the allegations. Democratic Representative Susan Wild says the ethics panel is not in agreement on whether to release the report.

[Susan Wild]

There was no consensus on this issue. We did agree that we would reconvene as a committee on December 5 to further consider this matter.

[Korva Coleman]

Gates was on Capitol Hill yesterday to meet with senators about his nomination ahead of confirmation hearings. Anti poverty advocates are bracing for program cuts under the incoming Trump administration. President Elect Trump has vowed to cut waste and slash budgets. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports. Advocates worry the social safety net is a likely target.

[Peggy Bailey]

Trump's first administration proposed deep cuts to aid for food, rent, health care and more, calling such programs ineffective. Congress pushed back, but this time Peggy Bailey with the center on Budget and Policy Priorities says there will be fewer moderate republic. And there's Project 2025 with a detailed conservative plan to shrink the safety net.

[Jennifer Ludden]

This is all part of an agenda that is much more organized than it was the first time.

[Peggy Bailey]

She and others also expect another push for tougher work requirements for those getting aid. Supporters say they help people become more self sufficient. Critics say most who can work already do. Jennifer Lutton, NPR News, Washington.

[Korva Coleman]

You're listening to npr. Ukraine says Russia has hit the east central city of Dnipro with an intercontinental ballistic missile. If confirmed, this would be the first time Russia has used an ICBM in this war. It comes as the same week as Ukraine fired U S made long range missiles into Russian territory. The prospect of the incoming Trump administration is causing some foreign born scientists in the US to consider jobs in other countries. NPR's John Hamilton reports on expected changes to certain visas.

[John Hamilton]

During Trump's first term, he issued a series of executive orders designed to restrict or suspend the type of visa known as an H1B. These visas allow a limited number of highly skilled scientists and engineers to work in the US for up to six years, but they're likely to become scarcer when Trump returns to office. That's bad news for scientists like Lely Mortazavi, who is in the final year of a doctoral program at Stanford University.

[Lely Mortazavi]

I really like Stanford. People here are great, but I would have to see what kinds of changes happen under Trump.

[John Hamilton]

Samar Tazavi, who was born in Iran, is looking at jobs in Canada and the UK John Hamilton, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

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. You're listening to npr.

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