NPR News Now: November 22, 2024, 6AM EST

On this episode of NPR News Now, host Korva Coleman delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in national and international news. From high-stakes political appointments and tight election races to severe weather impacts and global security concerns, the episode covers a wide array of topics with in-depth reporting and expert insights.

U.S. Attorney General Appointment

[00:19] Korva Coleman opens the episode with a significant political development: President-Elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his U.S. Attorney General. This announcement follows the withdrawal of Trump’s initial choice, former Congressman Matt Gaetz.

[00:34] Ryan Lucas elaborates on Bondi’s qualifications and Trump’s rationale for the selection:

“Trump notes that Bondi was a local prosecutor in Florida before she served as the state's attorney general. Trump says Bondi is tough and smart and will refocus the Justice Department on fighting crime and making America safe” (00:34).

Bondi’s longstanding relationship with Trump is highlighted, noting her role at the 2016 Republican National Convention and her position on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment. Gaetz withdrew from consideration, citing the confirmation process as a “distraction” for the Trump transition (00:34).

Pennsylvania Senate Race and Recount Triggered

[01:18] The episode shifts to electoral news, reporting that incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey has conceded to Republican challenger David McCormick in a closely contested Pennsylvania race. The margin of approximately 16,000 votes necessitates an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law, reflecting the intense competition in the state’s political landscape.

Severe Weather Impacts the Pacific Northwest and Northern California

[01:18] & [01:51] Severe weather continues to plague the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. An atmospheric river has caused significant disruptions, leaving over 200,000 customers without power, particularly around Seattle. Heavy rainfall is also leading to flooding concerns in Eureka, Northern California.

Suki Lewis reports:

“Nearly 12 inches of rain fell in the nearby coastal mountains in just 24 hours” (01:51). James White of the National Weather Service warns of rising water levels in the Eel River, threatening major flood states and crucial roads needed by farmers to move livestock safely (02:04).

Efforts are underway to prepare for potential road closures in Ferndale as saturated grounds heighten the risk of downed trees and mudslides. The community remains on high alert as authorities strive to mitigate the impacts of the relentless rain (02:15).

Low Vaccination Rates Ahead of the Holiday Season

[02:31] & [02:43] As the holiday season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raises concerns over low vaccination rates against flu and COVID-19. Rob Stein highlights the urgency:

“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” (02:43).

Additionally, vaccination rates for the new RSV vaccine remain suboptimal, with only 40% of adults aged 75 and older having received the recommended shot. While current cases of flu and RSV are relatively low and COVID-19 numbers are declining, the CDC warns of a potential surge as people travel and gather for Thanksgiving and winter holidays (02:43).

Law Enforcement Actions and North Korea’s Stance on U.S. Dialogues

[03:16] The Justice Department has made a significant arrest, detaining Cristian Fernando Gutierrez Ochoa, a high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel. Ochoa, who had allegedly faked his own death and adopted a false identity, was living in a luxury residence in California prior to his arrest.

[03:16] In international news, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed the possibility of resuming dialogues with the United States. Anthony Kuhn reports from Seoul on the stagnant state of U.S.-North Korea negotiations since 2019:

“Kim said... the US's unchanging, invasive and hostile policy towards the North” (03:50).

Kim’s recent speech at an arms exhibition underscored North Korea’s enhanced missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The nation’s nuclear arsenal has expanded with increased support from Russia, which has supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles in exchange for North Korean troops assisting in the conflict in Ukraine. South Korea’s National Security Adviser Shin Won Sik confirmed Russia’s involvement (03:50).

Indictment of Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

[04:28] In a pivotal development from South America, Brazilian authorities have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro on charges of planning to overthrow the government. Alongside Bolsonaro, 36 individuals face accusations of conspiracy in the alleged coup scheme, which purportedly materialized after Bolsonaro lost his reelection bid in 2022. The Brazilian Attorney General is set to decide on pursuing the charges, while Bolsonaro has firmly denied any wrongdoing (04:28).

Looking Ahead

As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded of the ongoing global and domestic challenges, from political shifts and election outcomes to public health concerns and international security tensions. NPR News Now continues to provide timely and reliable updates to keep the public informed.

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