NPR News Now: December 5, 2024, 6PM EST
Host: Jack Speier
Producer: Katie Reardon, Joel Rose
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Federal Investigation into Memphis Police Department
[00:15] Jack Speier opens the episode with a report on a new federal investigation into the Memphis Police Department, highlighting excessive use of force and discriminatory practices.
[00:38] Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark elaborates on the findings:
“The violations our investigation uncovered stem from Memphis Police Department's deficient policies, supervision, training and accountability systems.”
— Kristen Clark [00:38]
The probe, initiated after the tragic beating death of Tyre Nichols in 2023, involved thorough documentation of illegal searches, unnecessary use of force, and policing disparities affecting Black residents. Memphis officials have pledged to implement changes but have declined to sign a consent decree. Clark warned that the Department of Justice may impose legally binding reforms if an agreement isn't reached.
Concerns Over Tulsi Gabbard’s Appointment as Director of National Intelligence
[01:23] A coalition of former diplomats and intelligence officials, including Wendy Sherman and Anthony Lake, have urged Senate lawmakers to conduct closed-door hearings regarding former Representative Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as the next Director of National Intelligence by President-elect Donald Trump.
[01:50] Joel Rose reports that the group is particularly "alarmed over the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 US intelligence agencies," citing her past meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 as a point of contention.
The officials argue that a full review of Gabbard’s interactions and qualifications is essential to ensure national security integrity.
Federal Judge Rejects Boeing's Plea Deal Over 737 Max Crashes
[02:01] In aviation news, a federal judge has dismissed Boeing's plea agreement related to the fatal crashes of two 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019, which resulted in 346 deaths.
[02:12] Judge Reed O'Connor stated:
“The court should play a big role in picking an independent monitor to oversee Boeing,”
— Reed O'Connor [02:12]
He criticized the Justice Department for factoring in diversity considerations during the selection process for the monitor. Boeing and the DOJ are now given 30 days to negotiate and update the court on further actions. This decision is seen as a victory for the families of the victims who deemed the initial deal too lenient.
Tsunami Warning for California Canceled After 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake
[02:51] A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Humboldt County, close to the Oregon border, prompting a tsunami warning for the California coast covering approximately 5.3 million people.
[02:58] Joel Rose updates that the warning has now been lifted. Initial reports indicate significant damage in the affected areas, and Wall Street responded with the Dow falling 248 points.
EPA Increases Civil Cases by 3% in 2024
[03:15] The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has handled over 1,800 civil cases this year, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.
[03:32] Joel Rose highlights the EPA’s enhanced enforcement and compliance efforts, which have resulted in the reduction of millions of pounds of pollutants that would otherwise harm communities.
Notable actions include:
- [03:39] The first-ever criminal charges against an individual accused of smuggling climate-changing coolants into the US.
- [03:44] A $2 billion fine imposed on engine manufacturer Cummins for using software to manipulate diesel emission tests.
These measures underscore the EPA’s commitment to environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
Pantone Unveils "Mocha Mousse" as 2025 Color of the Year
[03:49] Pantone has announced "mocha mousse" as the new Color of the Year for 2025, reflecting a trend towards earthy and natural tones.
[04:00] Lori Pressman, Pantone's Vice President, explained:
“It's for us taking the temperature, what's taking place in the world around us and how does that get expressed into the language of color.”
— Lori Pressman [04:07]
An unnamed expert added:
“We can see it very clearly in the beauty business with all this move towards authentic beauty and how we're eating the foods we're eating. We want foods that are real. We don't want foods with 80 million chemicals in them.”
— Unnamed Expert [04:15]
Designers and marketers in fashion and interiors are expected to incorporate mocha mousse into their products, aligning with the current preference for natural and authentic aesthetics.
NASA’s Artemis Mission Delayed to Spring 2026
[04:39] NASA has announced a delay in its Artemis mission, now scheduled for Spring 2026. The postponement is due to ongoing evaluations of the Orion spacecraft's heat shield performance under stress conditions observed during an initial mission two years ago.
[04:45] Joel Rose reports that engineers are meticulously assessing the heat shield to ensure the safety and success of future missions, delaying the timeline to address these critical issues.
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