NPR News Now - NPR News: 11-21-2024 12AM EST

Episode Date: November 21, 2024

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Starting point is 00:00:00 SHAY STEPHENS Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shay Stevens. Members of the House Ethics Committee cannot agree on whether to release a report on its investigation of former Congressman Matt Gaetz. The panel was investigating allegations that Gaetz was involved in illegal drug use and allegedly having sex with minors. His resignation from the House ended that probe. Gaetz stepped down last week after
Starting point is 00:00:25 being nominated to become U.S. Attorney General. Anti-poverty advocates are bracing for program cuts under the incoming Trump administration. As NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports, they fear the social safety net is a likely target. Trump's first administration proposed deep cuts to aid for food, rent, health care, and more, calling such programs ineffective. Congress pushed back, but this time, Peggy Bailey, with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, says there will be fewer moderate Republicans, and there's Project 2025, with a detailed conservative plan to shrink the safety net. This is all part of an agenda that is much more organized
Starting point is 00:01:06 than it was the first time. She and others also expect another push for tougher work requirements for those getting aid. Supporters say they help people become more self-sufficient. Critics say most who can work already do. Jennifer Lutten, NPR News, Washington. Speaker Mike Johnson has issued a declaration on bathroom use among members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Starting point is 00:01:28 Johnson says lawmakers and staff must use restrooms corresponding with their biological sex. New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls the move outrageous. What it inevitably results in are women and girls who are primed for assault because they want because people are going to want to check their private parts in suspecting who is trans and who is cis and who's doing what. Ocasio-Cortez, as says a pending bathroom bill, would allow members of Congress to bully women who, in her words, are not wearing a skirt or don't look woman enough.
Starting point is 00:02:03 In Israel, a thousand draft notices have been sent out to members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. NPR's Michael Levitt has more from Jerusalem. Israel's Supreme Court struck down the exemption earlier this year, but less than 10 percent reported for duty in the first round of draft notices sent this summer. In response, the ultra-Orthodox quickly staged demonstrations, blocking a major highway near Tel Aviv on Sunday. Military service has long been mandatory for Jewish citizens of Israel, with the exception
Starting point is 00:02:30 of the ultra-orthodox. Many see serving in the army as being in conflict with their ability to practice and study their faiths. Israeli lawmaker Boaz Bismuth told NPR that it's time for that perspective to change. There is no contradiction between being ultra-orthodox or being religious and serving in the army. There is no contradiction between the M16 and the Kipa on your head. The latest round of draft notices aims to recruit 7,000 ultra-orthodox Israelis. Michael Levitt reporting. This is NPR.
Starting point is 00:03:01 Ukraine, Royd's new service is reporting that Ukraine has fired long-range missiles supplied by Britain and France at targets inside Russia. The report comes days after Kyiv launched U.S. supplied long-range missiles. Earlier this week, President Biden revised his stance on Ukraine's effort to defend itself. Biden now says the U.S. will provide anti-personnel mines, weapons that have long been condemned by the international community. The U.S. has vetoed another U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate
Starting point is 00:03:33 unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. Ambassador Robin Wood says the proposal does not include a demand for the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas and other militants since October, 2023. An unconditional ceasefire with Hamas means this council accepts Hamas retaining power in Gaza. The United States will never accept this. The UN resolution also called for prisoner exchange and allowing civilians in Gaza more access to basic services.
Starting point is 00:04:04 Comcast has announced plans to spin off its cable networks, some digital assets, and parts of NBCUniversal. The move comes as cable customers turn to streaming for content. It also comes weeks after Comcast president Mike Kavanaugh said the company was exploring the creation of a new entity. Comcast says it plans to finalize the spin-off of its cable networks over the next year.
Starting point is 00:04:29 And Wall Street Stocks closed mix with the Dow Jones Industrials gaining 139 points. The NASDAQ lost 21 points. This is NPR News.

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