NPR News Now - NPR News: 11-16-2024 9AM EST

Episode Date: November 16, 2024

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. President Biden is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today on the sidelines of a global summit in Lima, Peru. NPR's Asmahallid reports it's likely the last time these world leaders will meet before the next administration takes over in January. Biden has spent much of his presidency trying to manage competition and work with allies to counter China's influence. But China's influence around the world has been growing. In fact, China's president Xi arrived in Peru this week and inaugurated a huge new

Chinese funded port in the country in effort to extend its economic ties in Latin America. Biden is expected to discuss trade practices today, in addition to issues around fentanyl, AI, and climate. But one big question looming over the Biden-Xi talks is how the incoming president, Donald Trump, will navigate the relationship. During his campaign, Trump threatened hefty

additional tariffs on China. Asma Khalid, NPR News, Lima. President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine must rely on diplomacy to end the war with Russia. Speaking during a radio interview, Zelensky said Ukraine should only start negotiations with Moscow from a position of strength and with the United States under Donald Trump at its side. But he said Russian President Vladimir Putin was not interested in agreeing to adjust

peace. I think Putin doesn't want peace at all. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to sit down with any of the leaders at the same table. Because for him, this is the destruction of the political isolation that has been built since the beginning of the war. Sitting down to talk and not reaching an agreement, I would say, is to Putin's advantage. That's Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking through a BBC interpreter.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department this week. NPR's Selena Simmons-Duffin reports Kennedy's support for abortion access could make his Senate confirmation process difficult. Kennedy spent much of his career as an environmental activist and later promoted vaccine conspiracy theories. Some Republicans are concerned about his support for abortion access. Kennedy explained his view in May on a podcast with host Sage Steele.

I wouldn't leave it to the states. Right. I would. He would say completely, it's up to the woman. You know, I believe we should leave it to the woman. We shouldn't have government involved. Republicans are eager to curtail abortion access once they take power in Washington, and the Secretary of HHS is in an important position to further that goal. Kennedy needs to secure 51 votes in the Senate to be confirmed. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR News, Washington.

This is NPR. A massive fire ripped through a neonatal intensive care unit in northern India on Friday, killing ten newborns and injuring 16 others. Officials say the blaze spread quickly through the hospital. An investigation is underway. The National Women's Soccer League playoffs continue this weekend with a pair of semifinal matches. NPR's Becky Sullivan has this preview of the final contest for the best performing teams

this season. The four teams left were the best performing teams this season in the NWSL. On Saturday, the Washington Spirit, led by US Olympic star Trinity Rodman, will host Gotham FC, the defending champions. Then Sunday, the league's number one overall team, the Orlando Pride, will take on the

Kansas City Current. That match will star some of the world's most exciting players, including the Brazilian icon Marta, who plays with Orlando, and Kansas City's Malawian phenom, Timwa Chowenga, who led the NWSL in scoring this year. The winners will advance to a championship game later this month in Kansas City. It's been a historic year for the league, Total attendance topped two million fans for the first time. Becky Sullivan in PR News. Hundreds of hospitality workers remain off the job in Las Vegas

after contract negotiations broke down on Friday. The strike at Virgin Hotels marks the first open-ended work stoppage in more than 20 years for the Culinary Workers Union. It's the largest labor union in Nevada with about 60,000 members. Union employees are demanding a new five-year deal that includes better wages and benefits. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News in Washington.

Ira Glass This is Ira Glass with This American Life. Each week on our show, we choose a theme, tell different stories on that theme. All right, I'm just gonna stop right there. You're listening to an NPR podcast, chances are you know our show. So instead, I'm gonna tell you, we've just been on a run of really good shows lately.

Some big epic emotional stories, and some weird funny stuff too. Download us, This American Life.