NPR News: 11-24-2024 1PM EST

Summary

Podcast Summary: NPR News Now Episode: NPR News: 11-24-2024 1PM EST
Release Date: November 24, 2024
Host: Norah Rahm

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1. International Defense and Security

Approval of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in response to escalating tensions involving Russia and the recent deployment of North Korean troops to the region. This decision comes during a sensitive transition period between the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump.

National Security Adviser’s Perspective

Incoming National Security Adviser, Representative Mike Walts, addressed these developments on Fox News, emphasizing the resilience of the current administration's defense strategy. At [00:43], Walts stated:

“For our adversaries out there that think this is a time of opportunity, that they can play one administration off the other, they're wrong.”

Walts highlighted the collaborative efforts between himself and the current National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, while also outlining his vision for significant policy changes should Trump assume the presidency. At [01:03], he affirmed:

“I'm going to conform the system to the best I can, to his style, to his decisions and to his mandate.”

Top priorities for his national security agenda include securing the U.S. border and imposing costs on Hamas for holding American hostages.

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2. U.S. Political Developments

Trump Completes Cabinet Selections

Former President Donald Trump has finalized his cabinet nominations, with longtime aide Brooke Rollins selected as Secretary of Agriculture. All cabinet members must undergo Senate confirmation, a process scheduled for next year. This completion marks the end of Trump's cabinet lineup, setting the stage for his potential second term.

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3. Global Climate Change Initiatives

UN Climate Change Conference in Baku Concludes with Major Commitments

The United Nations Climate Change Conference wrapped up early morning in Baku, Azerbaijan, after intense negotiations. Wealthier nations have pledged to triple their previous financial commitments to assist developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts.

Financial Commitments and Reactions

At [01:53], NPR's Jeff Brady reported:

“They agreed to compensate developing nations $300 billion a year. Developing nations contributed far less to climate change but are suffering a lot of the consequences.”

However, developing countries have expressed concerns, arguing that the pledged funds will not suffice to address the extensive damage caused by climate change. The agreement plans for the $300 billion annual aid to be fully realized by 2035, a timeline some nations believe is insufficient given the urgent nature of climate challenges.

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4. Middle East Tensions and Terrorism

Assassination of Israeli Moldovan Rabbi in UAE

Tragically, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, a dual Israeli-Moldovan national affiliated with the Chabad Organization, was found dead in the United Arab Emirates. Israeli authorities have condemned the act as antisemitic terrorism.

Details and Security Responses

At [02:17], Daniel Estrin of NPR News reported:

“Venues in the UAE have expanded their Jewish outreach since diplomatic ties with Israel were established.”

Israeli security officials have reissued a travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the UAE. Suspects linked to the assassination are believed to be Uzbek nationals possibly dispatched by Iran, heightening concerns over regional security and the safety of Jewish communities abroad.

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5. International Elections

Presidential Elections in Romania and Uruguay

• Romania’s Presidential Race: Polls indicate that Romania's current leftist Prime Minister is poised to advance to a runoff election alongside a hard-right challenger in two weeks. Key issues influencing voters include the national economy and the country's stance on supporting Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

• Uruguay’s Presidential Runoff: Uruguay is witnessing a tightly contested runoff between a conservative governing party candidate and a representative from a left-leaning coalition. The electorate is primarily concerned with violent crime, economic inequality, and the high cost of living, with polls showing an almost deadlock between the contenders.

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6. Sports Highlight: Orlando Pride’s Championship Victory

Orlando Pride Secures First NWSL Championship

In an exhilarating match held at a neutral venue in Kansas City, the Orlando Pride clinched their inaugural National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) championship with a decisive 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit.

Key Performances and Celebrations

At [04:07], Greg Eklund of NPR News detailed:

“Orlando forward Barbara Banda, who grew up in Zambia and played her first season in the NWSL, saved her best for last in the playoffs. She scored two goals in the Pride's quarterfinal, a goal in the semis and the only goal of the title match in the 37th minute.”

Barbara Banda's decisive goal was the highlight of the match, showcasing her determination and skill. The victory marks not only a significant achievement for the team, which had lost only two matches throughout the season, but also celebrates Marta Vieira da Silva, the renowned Brazilian superstar, earning her first title at age 38.

At [04:26], Banda reflected on her performance:

“I always want to take on the defenders, so I saw that opportunity and I had to put the ball at the back of the net for the [Orlando Pride].”

This championship win solidifies Orlando Pride's status in the league and honors Marta's enduring legacy in women's soccer.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing global issues, political developments, and significant achievements in sports. From international security concerns and climate change commitments to pivotal elections and inspiring athletic triumphs, the podcast delivered timely and insightful coverage on matters shaping our world today.

Transcript

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[Norah Rahm]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Norah Rahm. President Biden has approved Ukraine's use of U S Supplied long range missiles in Russia after North Korea sent troops there. These rising tensions come during a delicate transition between Biden and President elect Trump. NPR's Luke Garrett reports.

[Mike Walts]

Incoming national security Adviser Representative Mike Walts gave a warning on Fox News this Sunday.

For our adversaries out there that think this is a time of opportunity, that they can play one administration off the other, they're wrong.

Walt stressed the cooperation between himself and current national security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Despite this, Walt says he will bring about significant change to American policy under a second Trump presidency.

I'm going to conform the system to the best I can, to his style, to his decisions and to his mandate.

And topping his national security list is one, securing the U.S. border and two, quote, imposing costs on Hamas for holding American hostages. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Norah Rahm]

With yesterday's announcement that Trump has picked longtime aide Brooke Rollins as his secretary of agriculture, Trump has now completed his cabinet choices. All must be confirmed by the Senate, which will take up the nominations next year. The United nations climate change conference ended early this morning in Baku, Azerbaijan, after weeks of negotiations. The world's wealthier nations agree to triple their previous pledges to help developing nations deal with the effects of climate change. NPR's Jeff Brady has more wealthy countries.

[Jeff Brady]

Which are responsible for putting most of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They agreed to compensate developing nations $300 billion a year. Developing nations contributed far less to climate change but are suffering a lot of the consequences. And this money, it won't go out right away. Negotiators agreed to reach that level by 2035, but these developing countries say climate change will cost them much more than that.

[Norah Rahm]

NPR's Jeff Brady. Israeli authorities say an Israeli Moldovan rabbi has been killed in the United Arab Emirates. Israel calls it an antisemitic act of terrorism. NPR's Daniel Estrin reports.

[Daniel Estrin]

Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, a dual Israeli Moldovan national, went missing Thursday in Abu Dhabi. Now Israeli authorities say Emirati security officials have located his body. Rabbi Kogan was stationed in Abu Dhabi with the Chabad Organization, an Orthodox Jewish outreach group with chapters around the world. The group expanded its presence in the UAE since the country established diplomatic ties with Israel Israeli security authorities have reissued a travel advisory urging Israelis to avoid non essential travel to the uae. Israeli media are widely reporting the suspects are Uzbek nationals suspected of being dispatched by Iran. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[Norah Rahm]

And you're listening to NPR News in Washington. The polls are open in Romania in the first round of a presidential election. Polls suggest the leftist prime minister is likely to advance to the runoff election in two weeks as well as a hard right candidate. The major issues are the economy and support for neighboring Ukraine as it fights Russia. Uruguay is holding a presidential runoff election today. Most polls show a virtual tie between the two remaining candidates, one from the conservative governing party and the other from a left leaning coalition. The major issues include violent crime, inequality and the high cost of living. The Orlando Pride won the team's first championship in the National Women's Soccer league with a 1 nothing win over the Washington Spirit. The match took place on a neutral site in Kansas City. Greg Eklund reports from Kansas City.

[Greg Eklund]

Orlando forward Barbara Banda, who grew up in Zambia and played her first season in the nwsl, saved her best for last in the playoffs. She scored two goals in the Pride's quarterfinal, a goal in the semis and the only goal of the title match in the 37th minute.

[Barbara Banda]

I always want to take on the defenders, so I saw that opportunity and I had to put the ball at the back of the net for the.

[Greg Eklund]

Top seeded Pride, who lost only two matches all year. It was their first appearance in the championship match. It was also the first title for Marta Vieira da silva, the their 38 year old Brazilian superstar known to many fans simply as Marta. For NPR News, I'm Greg Ecklid in Kansas City.

[Norah Rahm]

And I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News in Washington.

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