Apple News Today Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Could Trump Actually Get Rid of the Education Department?
Host: Sumita Basu
Release Date: November 18, 2024

I. U.S. Policy Shift on Ukraine's Use of U.S.-Made Weapons

Overview:
In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to utilize U.S.-made weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory. This decision marks the first time Ukraine has been permitted to deploy such advanced weaponry, specifically the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), in its conflict against Russia.

Key Points:

• Policy Change: The approval allows Ukraine to target Russian ammunition depots and logistical centers, potentially altering the dynamics of the ongoing war.
• Strategic Response: This move is a direct response to North Korean ground troops joining the Russian offensive, escalating international concerns about the conflict's expansion.

Notable Quotes:

• Retired Air Force Colonel Cedric Layton ([01:28]):
  “It's one of the most lethal weapons that the US has in its arsenal. And if the Ukrainians can use it the same way that the US would use it in a similar situation, then it could very much change the way in which the war is being fought right now.”

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ([02:07]):
  “Today, there's a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for respective actions. But strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. Missiles will speak for themselves.”

Political Reactions:

• Democratic Support:
  Congressman Jake Auchincloss ([03:30]) emphasized the need for NATO to demonstrate strength, stating, “NATO can't flinch every time Putin flexes. He's an autocrat. Autocrats respect strength.”

• Republican Criticism:
  Former President Donald Trump has signaled opposition to continued military aid to Ukraine, advocating for an end to the war and reduction of U.S. involvement.

II. The Future of the U.S. Department of Education Under Trump

Overview:
A central topic of the episode explores former President Donald Trump's repeated promises to eliminate the federal Department of Education (DOE), aiming to return education control to the states and reduce federal involvement.

Key Points:

• Current Role of DOE:
  Laura Meckler, a national education reporter for The Washington Post, outlines the DOE's responsibilities:

  • Nation's Report Card: Assessments ensuring schools meet educational standards.
  • Student Loan Oversight: Management of a $1.6 trillion student loan program.
  • Grant Administration:
    • Title 1: $18.4 billion allocated to high-poverty schools.
    • Special Education Grants: $15.5 billion for schools serving students with disabilities.
  • Civil Rights Enforcement: Ensuring non-discrimination based on race, sex, and other factors.

• Political Feasibility:
  Eliminating the DOE would require congressional support, which appears unlikely given the current Senate composition. Trump's proposals include either dissolving the agency or redistributing its functions to other departments, as detailed in Project 2025.

Notable Quotes:

• Laura Meckler ([05:31]):
  “The Education Department runs what's called the nation's report card, an assessment that helps schools make sure they're staying on track and kids are learning what they should be.”

• Sumita Basu ([06:59]):
  “Republicans have argued for years that the department is unnecessary and ineffective, and the bottom line here is eliminating it is a real long shot.”

Public Response:

• Voter Sentiment:
  An AP survey revealed that over half of respondents, including the majority of Trump supporters, believe that support for transgender rights has gone too far in America. This sentiment contributes to the DOE becoming a symbolic battleground for cultural and educational debates.

• Impact on Students:
  Since Trump's election, crisis hotlines have seen increased calls from transgender youth fearing changes to their legal protections and access to facilities aligning with their gender identity.

III. Implications of RFK Jr.'s Appointment to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Overview:
The episode delves into the potential consequences of appointing RFK Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, drawing parallels with Florida's current Surgeon General Joseph Latapo.

Key Points:

• Florida Case Study:

  • Joseph Latapo's Policies:

    • Mishandled the measles outbreak by sending inadequate guidance to parents, prioritizing personal choice over public health recommendations.
    • Advised against COVID-19 vaccinations, leading to a significant drop in vaccination rates.

  • Health Professionals' Response:

    • Pediatricians, like Lisa Gwynn, have had to dedicate more time to counteracting misinformation about vaccines, adversely affecting patient care.

• National Concerns:

  • With vaccination rates already declining, leadership under a vaccine skeptic could exacerbate public health challenges, risking increased preventable disease outbreaks.

Notable Quotes:

• University of Florida Pediatrics Professor Jeffrey Goldhagen ([08:40]):
  “He sent a letter to parents basically saying, if you want to keep your kids home, you can keep your kids home. If you want to send them to school, you can send them to school. It violated every, every premise of how measles should be addressed.”

• Pediatrician Lisa Gwynn ([09:35]):
  “One of our primary roles as pediatricians is keeping children safe, and the most effective way to keep children safe from preventable, communicable diseases is vaccines.”

Political Support:

• Republican Backing:
  Many Republican senators have expressed support for RFK Jr.'s nomination, highlighting a partisan divide on public health strategies and vaccine policies.

IV. Additional Highlights from the Episode

**1. President Biden's Historic Visit to the Amazon:

• Environmental Commitment:
  President Biden became the first sitting U.S. President to visit the Amazon rainforest, meeting with local leaders and indigenous groups to bolster efforts against deforestation.
• Financial Pledge:
  Announced an additional $50 million commitment to help Brazil achieve its goal of halting Amazon deforestation by 2030.
• Quote from Zelensky ([11:01]):
  “Folks, we don't have to choose between the environment and the economy. We can do both. We've proven it.”

**2. U.S. Election Recounts and Polling Dynamics:

• Pennsylvania Recount:
  The race between Senator Bob Casey and his Republican challenger Dave McCormick is under scrutiny due to contested mail-in ballots missing required dates.
• Pollster Changes:
  Ann Selzer, a respected political pollster, has ended her polling operation, citing unexpected election outcomes that contradicted her data-driven predictions.

**3. Polar Night in Utqiavik, Alaska:

• Unique Natural Phenomenon:
  Residents of Utqiavik will experience 64 days without sunrise, highlighting the extreme conditions of the Arctic region.

Conclusion

In this episode of "Apple News Today," Sumita Basu navigates through a complex landscape of U.S. political maneuvers affecting both international conflicts and domestic policies. From Biden's strategic shifts in the Ukraine war to Trump's controversial plans to dismantle the Department of Education and the potential repercussions of appointing vaccine skeptics to national health leadership, the episode underscores the profound impact of political decisions on national and global scales. Additionally, broader news highlights provide context to ongoing environmental efforts, electoral challenges, and unique natural events, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of current affairs.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the "Apple News Today" podcast episode released on November 18, 2024.