NPR News Now: December 3, 2024, 5 PM EST

Hosted by NPR

South Korea's Political Turmoil: President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Parliamentary Opposition

In the latest developments from Seoul, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol finds himself in a precarious political position. After a fleeting overnight imposition, it appears that President Yoon attempted to enforce martial law—a move unexpected after the South Korean parliament voted down his declaration.

Anthony Kuhn reports, “[Yoon Suk Yeol] has had a very tough time getting his policies through the opposition-controlled parliament. And it's also true that the opposition is generally in favor of engaging diplomatically with North Korea” (00:52). Despite President Yoon's assertions, he has not provided substantial evidence to support claims that the opposition is attempting to undermine democracy or that North Korea is directly involved in these internal conflicts.

The announcement has sparked significant public unrest. Jack Speier elaborates, “There have been mostly peaceful protests in the streets against the declaration of martial law, along with calls for UN's impeachment” (01:14). Demonstrators criticize the president's actions as undemocratic, leading to heightened tensions between the executive branch and the opposition.

Biden Administration's Proposed Changes to Wage Program for Workers with Disabilities

The Biden administration is considering phasing out a longstanding program that permits employers to pay certain workers with disabilities below the federal minimum wage. Andrea Hsu delves into the intricacies of this proposed rule, stating, “Since the Depression, employers have been able to apply for certificates that allow them to pay some workers with disabilities much lower wages based on their productivity” (01:36).

Supporters of the program argue that it creates valuable employment opportunities for individuals who might otherwise face significant barriers to workforce participation. However, Hsu points out that Labor Department officials highlight the progress made in this area: “Employment opportunities for people with disabilities have grown dramatically and that many of the workers earning subminimum wages should be moved into jobs that pay full wages” (01:36).

The proposed rule is currently open for public comment and is expected to encounter legal challenges. Additionally, there is speculation that the incoming Trump administration may withdraw the rule altogether, adding another layer of uncertainty to its future.

Record-High Thanksgiving Air Travel

Thanksgiving travel this year set new records, with airport security checkpoints experiencing a significant uptick in passenger numbers. Joel Rose reports, “More than 18 million people passed through security checkpoints during the Thanksgiving travel period that ended Monday” (02:17). This marks a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) noted a particularly busy Sunday, screening nearly 3.1 million travelers in a single day—a new record surpassing the July peak. Despite the surge in passenger volume, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains that on-time performance remained robust, with only 1.4% of flights delayed and a mere 0.3% canceled (02:27).

However, the increase in air travel did lead to congestion on the roads surrounding major airports, notably in Dallas and Washington, D.C., where traffic jams caused delays and frustration among travelers.

Wall Street Steady Amidst Tech and Market Shifts

The financial markets experienced a mostly quiet trading day. Jack Speier provides an overview, stating, “Mostly quiet trading day on Wall street with blue chip again losing ground even as the Nasdaq and the broad market hit new highs” (03:03). Specifically, the NASDAQ rose by 76 points, while the S&P 500 saw a modest gain of 2 points.

In contrast to the calm on the stock market front, geopolitical tensions are simmering. China has announced it is shutting down U.S. access to key raw materials essential for producing semiconductors, batteries, and components used in the space and defense industries. This action is viewed as retaliatory against recent U.S. trade restrictions aimed at curbing China's technological advancements.

China's Commerce Ministry further cautioned its companies against purchasing American-made chips and expanded the roster of Chinese firms subject to export controls. This escalation reflects the ongoing trade tensions and strategic competition between the two economic giants.

Climate Models Underestimate Intensity of Heat Waves in Certain Regions

A new study highlights significant shortcomings in climate models, particularly concerning the prediction of heat wave intensities in specific global hotspots. Alejandro Burunda explains, “In 2021, the Pacific Northwest baked under a record-breaking heat dome that killed hundreds of people. It was so intense, people didn't believe the weather forecasts” (03:51).

The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that climate models frequently underestimate the severity of heat waves in regions like northern Europe and southern Australia. These areas are experiencing more extreme temperatures than models have projected, suggesting a critical gap in our understanding and predictive capabilities regarding climate change.

The study’s authors emphasize that this underestimation poses significant risks, as communities may not be fully prepared for the intense heat events that are becoming increasingly common. Addressing these discrepancies is vital for improving climate resilience and safeguarding vulnerable populations against extreme weather conditions.

Enron Reimagined: A Controversial New Company Emerges

A startling development in the corporate world sees the emergence of a company bearing the name "Enron," notorious for its collapse in 2001 due to one of the most egregious cases of corporate fraud and greed. Jack Speier reports, “Now what seems to be an elaborate joke, a company calling itself Enron is out with a video portraying itself as a company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis” (04:30).

This new entity's portrayal sharply contrasts with the legacy of corruption associated with the original Enron. Former employees who suffered losses during the 2001 downfall have expressed their disapproval, viewing the new company's branding as an offensive nod to that dark chapter in corporate history.

The intentions behind adopting the "Enron" name remain unclear, raising questions about the company's legitimacy and long-term objectives. As this story develops, it underscores the importance of corporate accountability and the enduring impact of past corporate malfeasance on present-day business practices.

This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on December 3, 2024, at 5 PM EST. For more detailed coverage, please listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform.