NPR News Now: December 2, 2024, 6 PM EST

NPR News Now delivers the latest updates across national and international headlines in a concise, five-minute format. This episode covers significant political developments in the United States, international crises, economic indicators, and human interest stories from around the globe.

White House Announces Pardon for Hunter Biden

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: 00:20

In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has issued a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise. Hunter was convicted earlier in the year on federal gun charges and tax offenses. The decision to pardon comes ahead of his scheduled sentencing later this month.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained the rationale behind the pardon:

"Hunter was singled out and because his last name was Biden, because he was the president's son. That's what we saw."
(00:54)

This pardon effectively shields Hunter Biden from any further prosecution by the Justice Department concerning actions from the past decade. President Biden has not addressed the pardon publicly since its announcement on Sunday evening.

Trump's Attorney General Nominee Meets with Senate Judiciary Committee Chair

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: 01:18

Pam Bondi, former Attorney General of Florida and President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. Attorney General, appeared before Capitol Hill. During her meeting with Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Bondi reiterated her commitment to upholding the duties of the nation's highest law enforcement office.

Pam Bondi stated:

"Should I earn the trust and the nomination from all of the senators, I will do my best every day to work tirelessly for the American people. And I will make you, the president and our country proud."
(01:35)

Bondi, aged 59, was nominated following the withdrawal of Florida Republican Matt Gaetz from consideration.

U.S. Responds to Escalating Conflict in Syria

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: 01:48

The United States has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Syria, where anti-government rebels have seized control of significant territories, including the major city of Aleppo. Both Russia and Iran have committed to supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad amidst these developments.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the U.S. stance:

"The Syrian people should determine who their leaders are and that Assad has never engaged in that process."
(02:37)

Miller stated that the U.S. seeks a credible process to end Syria's civil war and prevent further destabilization but noted that there has been no shift in U.S. policy regarding Assad.

Federal Reserve Official Hints at Possible Interest Rate Cuts

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: 02:54

Christopher Waller, a key member of the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, indicated a potential interest rate cut in the upcoming final meeting of the year. Speaking at George Washington University, Waller suggested that the Fed might support lowering rates to sustain economic momentum.

This announcement coincided with a downturn in Wall Street, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 128 points.

Tragic Stampede at Guinea Soccer Match Claims Nearly 60 Lives

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: 02:54

A devastating stampede at a soccer match in Guinea resulted in nearly 60 fatalities and numerous injuries. The chaos erupted following fans' protests against a referee's decision, leading to the throwing of stones. As thousands attempted to flee the PAC stadium, security forces deployed tear gas in an effort to control the rioters.

Award-Winning Wine Collection at Arizona State University's Mirabella Community

Reporter: Kathy Ritchie
Timestamp: 03:52

Jodi Kosterlitz, dining room manager at Mirabella, a senior living community affiliated with Arizona State University in Tempe, has achieved a remarkable feat. Under her management, Dolce Vita Bistro, Mirabella’s restaurant, received the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence over the summer.

Jodi Kosterlitz shared:

"I didn't think there'd ever been a senior living to do it, so we."
(04:20)

Mirabella stands out as the first—and currently the only—senior living community across the United States to earn this distinction, recognizing their extensive and well-curated wine selection.

Rare Spade-Toothed Whale Discovered in New Zealand

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: 04:36

In an extraordinary marine biology discovery, scientists in New Zealand have found a dead specimen of a spade-toothed whale on the shores of South Island. This marks only the seventh recorded instance of such a whale and the first time one has been found deceased. Prior to this, spade-toothed whales have never been observed alive, leaving much about these elusive creatures unknown.

Researchers hope that the analysis of this specimen will shed light on the behavior, biology, and ecology of spade-toothed whales, contributing valuable knowledge to marine science.

NPR News Now continues to provide timely and comprehensive coverage of the events shaping our world. Stay informed with NPR for the latest updates.