NPR News Now: December 1, 2024, 7 PM EST

Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth coverage of critical global and national issues.

1. Ukrainian President Zelensky Seeks NATO Security Guarantees

[00:20] Windsor Johnston

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging NATO to extend security assurances to the regions of Ukraine not currently under Russian occupation. Speaking to Sky News, Zelensky emphasized that such support would effectively conclude what he described as the "hot phase of the war."

[00:44] Joanna Kakissis reports that Zelensky proposed NATO's eventual full membership for Ukraine, encompassing territories presently occupied by Russian forces. Until Ukraine can regain these areas diplomatically, Zelensky insists that NATO must safeguard the regions still under Ukrainian control.

[01:02] Volodymyr Zelensky:

"We should take under NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control. That's what we need to do fast. And then Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically."

Kakissis highlights the ongoing tension, noting Russia's staunch opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership and its continued claims over Ukrainian-held lands.

2. Trudeau Meets President-Elect Trump Amidst Trade Tensions

[01:27] Windsor Johnston

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a meeting with President-Elect Donald Trump in Florida, following Trump's recent announcement of significant tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

[01:42] Juliana Kim explains that this encounter comes after Trudeau's prior conversation with Trump earlier in the week. As Canada stands as America's largest trading partner, Trump's proposed 25% tariff on all Canadian goods has sparked fears of a potential deep recession in Canada. Trudeau remains committed to ongoing dialogue with Trump to find collaborative solutions, though there is domestic debate within Canada about possible retaliatory measures should the tariffs proceed.

[01:42] Juliana Kim:

"Canada is America's largest trading partner, but that might soon change with the incoming Trump administration."

3. Conclusion of the Active Atlantic Hurricane Season

[02:23] Windsor Johnston

Today marks the official end of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. The season has been notably active and devastating.

[02:33] Debbie Elliott reports the season featured 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes with winds exceeding 111 mph. Among the most destructive were Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which collectively resulted in over 200 fatalities and caused billions of dollars in damage across Florida, North Carolina, and other southeastern states. The season also set a record with seven hurricanes forming after September 25th, highlighting the unprecedented activity.

4. Restoration of the Great Organ at St. John the Divine

[03:14] Windsor Johnston

The world's largest Gothic cathedral is celebrating the return of its historic organ following damage from a fire five years ago. Contrary to popular assumptions, this restoration pertains to St. John the Divine in New York City, not Notre Dame in Paris.

[03:34] Jennifer Vernasco provides details about the organ's restoration. The 1910 Aeolian Skinner Opus 150A, comprising over 8,000 pipes, was previously damaged by smoke from a basement fire that occurred just before the catastrophic Notre Dame fire in April 2019.

[04:02] Father Patrick Molloy, dean of St. John the Divine, expressed the congregation's elation:

"There's a different kind of sound that's generated by an organ that is somehow really authentic and really real. We at the cathedral care about what's real."

The organ's return is timely, coinciding with the first Sunday of Advent.

5. Severe Monsoon Rains Force Mass Evacuations in Southeast Asia

[04:19] Windsor Johnston

Heavy monsoon rains have led to widespread flooding across Malaysia and Thailand, displacing tens of thousands of residents. The floods have resulted in at least three fatalities and forced nearly 100,000 individuals to seek refuge in temporary shelters.

Social media platforms are abuzz with harrowing imagery of submerged vehicles and inundated homes. In response, the National Disaster Management Agency has been instructed to coordinate efforts across all federal and state agencies to ensure the safety and support of those affected throughout the ongoing monsoon season.

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