NPR News Now: November 29, 2024

Host: Dwalhalisai Kowtow

Canada Responds to U.S. Tariff Threat Over Border Security

Timestamp: [00:19]

Canadian leaders are mobilizing a unified response to President-elect Donald Trump's recent threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. This tariff would be enacted if Canada fails to curb the flow of drugs and migrants across the shared border.

Chrystia Freeland, Canada's Finance Minister, addressed the situation in a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers of ten provinces:

"We agreed that we need to be smart, strong and united in meeting this challenge. We spoke principally about the border and the Canada U.S. trade relationship."
[00:45]

Freeland emphasized the bipartisan consensus on combating illegal drug trafficking, particularly opioids, which she described as a "scourge for both Canada and the U.S." She stressed the necessity of ongoing collaboration to maintain a safe and secure border.

France's Stance on ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Sparks Outrage

Timestamp: [00:59]

Human rights organizations have expressed significant frustration with the French government's ambiguous position regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused of war crimes in Gaza.

Eleanor Beardsley, NPR's reporter in Paris, highlighted the tension:

"France's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Netanyahu could benefit from certain immunities coming from a non-signatory country to the ICC charter."
[01:28]

However, Clemence Bechtart, a French human rights lawyer, criticized this stance:

"France has actively contributed to the setting up of the International Criminal Court, and so it is not acceptable that France would support an ICC arrest warrant against Putin and not support it against Netanyahu."
[01:43]

Bechtart further pointed out that the ICC's credibility is at stake, especially when key contributors like France appear inconsistent in their support. She referenced the ICC's previous warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, underscoring the need for France to uphold its commitment to the court.

North Korean Involvement Escalates Russia-Ukraine War

Timestamp: [02:13]

The Pentagon has announced that thousands of North Korean troops have joined Russia's military efforts in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This development comes as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its alliances amidst increasing challenges on the battlefield.

Volodymyr Solohub, NPR reporter from Kyiv, provided further insights:

"Ukraine is asking South Korea for weapons. Seoul is considering the request and says it depends on Russia and North Korea's next moves."
[02:27]

Dmytro Zudkin, Ukraine's Defense Ministry spokesperson, elaborated on North Korea's involvement:

"First they supplied weapons, now they supply the troops. North Korean soldiers are gaining combat experience."
[02:42]

In response to the evolving situation, President-elect Trump has appointed retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as the special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg has expressed a firm stance:

"I want to get tough on both Ukraine and Russia to end the war."
[02:50]

Ukraine aims to bolster its negotiating position ahead of the new U.S. administration, seeking both military support and diplomatic leverage to navigate the intensified conflict.

Thailand Deportation of Cambodian Activists Draws Concerns

Timestamp: [03:10]

Thailand has deported six Cambodian activists back to Cambodia, where they face trial for treason due to Facebook comments critical of the Cambodian government. The deported individuals, comprising four women and two men, fled Cambodia two years ago following persecution related to their involvement with the banned Cambodian National Rescue Party.

The Khmer Movement for Democracy, a pro-democracy group in exile in California, condemned the deportations:

"The six activists will face inhumane and degrading treatment in Cambodia's prison system."

This action by Thailand raises significant human rights concerns, highlighting the precarious situation of political dissidents in the region.

A Pug Named Vito Wins Best in Show at 2024 National Dog Show

Timestamp: [04:09]

In a heartwarming turn of events, a pug named Vito secured the Best in Show title at the 2024 National Dog Show in Philadelphia, triumphing over more than 1,900 other competitors.

Jackie Northam, NPR's reporter covering the event, shared the celebratory moment:

"Vito craned his neck to look up at his handler, Michael Scott, when the award was announced, as if trying to understand what all the excitement was about."
[04:09]

Michael Scott, Vito's handler, believes his canine companion sensed the achievement:

"I think he knows. He's very smug."

The judge praised Vito for his "beautiful expression and movement," noting the impressive qualities of the pug breed despite its small stature. Vito outperformed six other finalists, including various spaniels, schnauzers, hounds, and a Welsh terrier, APSO Verde, who earned the Reserve Best in Show.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on November 29, 2024. For comprehensive coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.