Overview of NPR News Now
NPR’s November 11 news update covers a House vote blocking impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. boycott of a United Nations human rights review, rising inflation and interest rate concerns, and leadership contests in Congress. It also reports on how Washington farms reuse leftover pumpkins after Halloween.
Key U.S. Political News
- House Republicans voted 211–204 to block impeachment charges against Hegseth from being considered. At his first Pentagon press conference in six months, Hegseth presented himself as a protector of President Trump and U.S. troops.
- House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats would discuss impeaching Hegseth if they take control of Congress in January.
- Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer faces opposition to keeping his leadership role. Bernie Sanders and Senator Alyssa Slotkin oppose his candidacy, while some incoming Democrats have not committed to supporting him.
- Senate Republicans chose to keep John Thune as their leader. House Republicans chose Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.
U.S. Boycotts U.N. Human Rights Review
The United States skipped a United Nations review of its human rights record for the second consecutive year, making it the only country to do so. U.S. advocacy groups brought allegations involving the treatment of migrants and protesters. UN diplomats had also planned to raise questions about the death penalty, abortion restrictions, and lethal attacks on boats in the Caribbean. The Trump administration called the review biased; the UN must now decide how to respond to the U.S. absence.
Inflation Raises Rate Concerns
Consumer prices rose 0.4% in October, more than forecasters expected. Higher rents accounted for about a third of the increase, and grocery costs also rose sharply. Prices are climbing faster than average wages.
Investors anticipate that the Federal Reserve will raise its benchmark interest rate next month. Fed Governor Chris Waller said a half-point increase could be warranted, while rising Treasury yields may put further upward pressure on mortgage rates. Asian shares advanced after U.S. stocks fell.
Leftover Pumpkins Feed Wildlife and Soil
At Double R Farms in Puyallup, Washington, leftover pumpkins are left in the fields after the farm’s Halloween patch closes. Geese and crows feed on them; the remaining crop decomposes and returns nutrients to the soil for next year’s harvest.