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

The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

President Trump Endorses Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth

Timestamp: [00:16 - 01:06]

President elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for his nominee, Pete Hegseth, for the position of Secretary of Defense during an interview with Kristen Welker on "Meet the Press."

• Trump praised Hegseth's qualifications, stating, “[00:39] Pete is doing well now. I mean, people were a little bit concerned.”

• Addressing controversy, Trump noted, “[01:06] Yeah, I've had a lot of senators call me up saying he's fantastic,” despite ongoing skepticism from some senators regarding allegations of heavy drinking and mistreatment of women against Hegseth.

Hegseth is scheduled for further meetings in the Senate next week as he seeks confirmation, with Trump expressing confidence that he will secure the necessary votes.

Trump Visits Paris; South Korean President Faces Impeachment Efforts

Timestamp: [01:11 - 01:37]

President Trump arrived in Paris to attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after the devastating fire. During his trip, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Simultaneously, in South Korea, efforts to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol have stalled:

• Impeachment Motion Fails: A motion to impeach was blocked as ruling party lawmakers boycotted the vote, preventing a quorum. Consequently, Yoon remains in office, though public opinion remains largely against him, with polls indicating that 70% of South Koreans believe he should be impeached.

Anthony Kuhn, NPR News

Intense Manhunt for United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Killer in New York City

Timestamp: [01:37 - 02:29]

The search for the assassin of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson continues into its fourth day. New York City police are meticulously combing through substantial evidence to identify and locate the shooter.

• Key Developments:

  • Surveillance Footage: The suspect was captured fleeing Central Park by bicycle.
  • Crucial Clue Found: Authorities recovered a backpack believed to belong to the shooter, currently under analysis.
  • Possible Escape Route: Sightings at a bus terminal suggest the gunman may have left New York City, though his current location, the murder weapon, and motive remain unknown.

• Authorities' Call to Action: The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Amy Held, NPR News

Arson Attack on Melbourne Synagogue Condemned as Antisemitic Act

Timestamp: [03:12 - 03:51]

In Melbourne, Australia, police are investigating an arson attack on a synagogue that occurred yesterday. Two masked individuals were observed spreading a liquid accelerant inside the synagogue early morning, resulting in extensive damage.

• Community Impact: The synagogue, established in the 1960s by Holocaust survivors, holds significant historical and cultural importance.

• Government Response: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the attack as an antisemitic assault on Australian values, emphasizing the nation's commitment to diversity and religious tolerance.

Pope Francis Appoints 21 New Cardinals from Diverse Backgrounds

Timestamp: [03:51 - 04:34]

Pope Francis has named 21 new cardinals, enhancing the global representation within the Catholic Church's leadership.

• Diverse Selection: The new cardinals hail from six different continents, including countries like Japan (with smaller Catholic populations) and nations such as Iran and Serbia, which have never previously had a cardinal.

• Global Representation: Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has prioritized appointing cardinals from outside the traditional power centers, resulting in over 90 countries being represented in the College of Cardinals.

• Voting Eligibility: The College currently comprises 253 members, with more than half eligible to vote for the next pope until they reach the age of 80.

Claire Djangrave, NPR News, Rome

Commemorating Pearl Harbor: Ceremony Honors 2,300 Fallen Servicemen

Timestamp: [04:34 - 04:56]

On December 7th, marking the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, a solemn ceremony was held at the historic military base in Hawaii.

• Remembrance Efforts: The Navy and the National Park Service organized the event to honor the over 2,300 servicemen who lost their lives during the assault that propelled the United States into World War II.

• Participant Tribute: Two survivors of the attack attended the ceremony, serving as living reminders of the event's profound impact on American history.

Nora Rahm, NPR News

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on December 7, 2024. For more detailed coverage, please refer to the full podcast transcript.