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Jack Speier
This message comes from Noom, using psychology and biology to build personal meal plans to fit your lifestyle, taking into account dietary restrictions, medical issues and other personal needs. Sign up for your trial today@noom.com live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Jack Speier. While President elect Donald Trump has been filling his cabinet with loyal supporters, one job seems to be a bit tougher to land on. A finalist for position of treasury secretary has been seen as a race between two candidates, Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick and billionaire investor Scott Besant over while both candidates have their supporters, Trump seems to like Besant. As NPR's Maria Aspin reports, he runs.
Maria Aspin
A hedge fund and he's been an economic adviser to the Trump campaign. And Trump has talked a lot about how smart he is and also about how good looking he is, which matters a lot to Trump. Besant has silver hair and glasses and he wears suits. He looks like a baker out of central casting.
Jack Speier
NPR's Maria Aspen Stolutnik has expressed more support for broad tariffs and co chairs Trump's transition operation. Of course, Trump could also go with someone else entirely. President elect Trump, meanwhile, has pegged a senior Republican to head the Federal Communications Commission. Trump naming longtime commission member and previous FCC general counsel Brendan Carr as his choice to run the fcc. Carr has been confirmed by the Senate three times. He commented critically about Kamala Harris pre Election Day appearance on Saturday Night Live. A new survey from the Pew Research center finds one in five Americans get their news from social media influencers. As NPR's Bobby Allen explains, the researchers say influencers have become a key alternative to traditional news outlets.
Bobby Allen
Pew found that among young people, the trend was especially pronounced for adults between 18 and 29. Nearly 40% turn to personalities on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to understand the world. These influencers tend not to have journalism training, but many have a mass audience that rival leading news outlets. Pew also found a clear ideological bent. On platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, the number of right leaning influencers exceeds left leaning ones. And the authors note that news influencers are more likely to be men than women. But across parties and gender, the survey found surging demand for influencers to deliver and explain the news. Bobby Allen, NPR News.
Jack Speier
For the first time this year, people can take a test at home to find out if they have the flu or COVID 19 more from NPR's Rob Stein.
Rob Stein
The Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to nine tests that people can buy at a drugstore or without a prescription to test themselves at home to see if they have Covid or the flu. Most of the tests work just like the home Covid tests people learned to use during the pandemic. But instead of just showing whether someone has Covid, the new tests can differentiate between Covid and the flu. The tests can even tell which kind of flu people have. That should help people decide with their doctors what precautions they should take and how to get treated. The tests cost about $15 each. Rob Stein, NPR News.
Jack Speier
A mix close on Wall Street. The dow was down 55 points. The Nasdaq was up 111 points today. You're listening to NPR. President Biden has joined other world leaders at the Group of 20 economic summit in Brazil. Biden also traveling over the weekend to Brazil's Amazon rainforest after the White House said the US has made a $50 million contribution to the Amazon Fund, the most significant international cooperation effort to save the RA. Brazil, meanwhile, has been pushing the G20 for concerted action to alleviate hunger amid the uncertainty over two wars and a new incoming administration. Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula d Silva in opening remarks at the summit talking about the need to address global food insecurity. Many Americans are struggling with how to speak to each other in these bitterly divided times. One pastor has answered that question by preaching the golden rule due unto others. NPR's Frank Langfoot is more from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Frank Langford
Pastor Chris Morgan leads Christ United Methodist Church, a politically divided congregation. Leading up to Election Day, he preached kindness, encouraging his flock to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Jack Speier
If we hold to that, then we can actually hopefully become an example for society instead of mirroring society.
Frank Langford
Some parishioners said the sermon series helped them talk to people they disagree with and remain calm doing so. Another parishioner, though, thought it brought election politics into the church, which he sees as a sanctuary from all that. Frank Langford, NPR News, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Jack Speier
Crude oil futures prices moved sharply higher today. Oil was up more than 3% amid concerns about possible escalation of the Russia Ukraine war. Oil rose more than $2 a barrel to settle at 69,16 a barrel. In New York, I'm Jack Speer, NPR News, in Washington.
Maria Aspin
This message comes from NPR sponsor Shopify, the global commerce platform that helps you sell and show up exactly the way you want to customize your online store to your style. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period@shopify.com NPR.
NPR News Now: November 19, 2024 – Comprehensive Summary
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: NPR (Jack Speier)
Overview: As President-elect Donald Trump assembles his administration, the selection of key cabinet positions becomes a focal point. One of the most anticipated appointments is the Secretary of the Treasury, a role critical to shaping the nation's economic policies.
Candidates in the Spotlight: The race for Treasury Secretary is primarily between Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, and billionaire investor Scott Besant. Both bring substantial financial expertise, but their backgrounds and Trump’s preferences highlight differing visions for the Treasury.
Trump's Preference: Trump appears to favor Scott Besant for the position. Maria Aspin reports that Besant, a hedge fund manager and economic adviser to Trump's campaign, is seen as aligning closely with the President-elect's economic strategies.
Notable Insight: “At the moment, it's a battle between two strong candidates, but Trump's affinity seems to lean towards Besant's vision and background,” Aspin explains [00:45].
Additional Considerations: Despite the ongoing competition, there remains the possibility that Trump may opt for an entirely different candidate to fill the Treasury role, keeping the selection process open until a definitive choice is made.
Appointment Announcement: President-elect Trump has selected Brendan Carr, a long-time FCC member and former general counsel, to head the Federal Communications Commission. Carr's extensive experience within the FCC framework is anticipated to guide the agency through its upcoming challenges.
Confirmation and Political Stance: Carr has been confirmed by the Senate three times, reflecting bipartisan support. However, his recent public criticism of Kamala Harris during her pre-Election Day appearance on "Saturday Night Live" underscores his active engagement in political discourse.
Quote: “Brendan Carr brings a wealth of experience to the FCC, and his proven track record will be invaluable as we navigate the future of communications policy,” Speier notes [01:03].
Pew Research Findings: A new survey by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in how Americans consume news. One in five Americans now rely on social media influencers for their news consumption, marking a notable trend away from traditional media outlets.
Demographic Insights: The trend is especially pronounced among younger adults aged 18 to 29, with nearly 40% in this group turning to platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to stay informed.
Ideological and Gender Trends: The survey indicates a predominance of right-leaning influencers on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. Additionally, news influencers are more likely to be men than women, reflecting an imbalance in the representation of voices in this emerging news ecosystem.
Demand for Influencers: Despite the lack of formal journalism training, influencers possess large audiences comparable to major news organizations. There is a growing demand across political and gender lines for these figures to deliver and explain news content.
Notable Quote: “News influencers are becoming key alternative sources, especially for younger demographics seeking content that resonates with their online experiences,” explains Bobby Allen [01:46].
FDA Approval: In a significant development for public health, the Food and Drug Administration has approved nine new at-home tests that allow individuals to simultaneously test for the flu and COVID-19 without a prescription.
Functionality and Cost: These tests operate similarly to the home COVID-19 tests used during the pandemic but offer the added capability of distinguishing between the two viruses, including identifying specific strains of the flu. Priced at approximately $15 each, they aim to provide timely and accurate results to guide medical decisions.
Healthcare Implications: The ability to differentiate between flu and COVID-19 infections can empower individuals and healthcare providers to implement appropriate precautions and treatment plans more effectively.
Quote: “These tests will help people make informed decisions in collaboration with their doctors, enhancing our ability to manage these illnesses,” states Rob Stein [02:29].
Summit Participation: President Biden is actively participating in the Group of 20 (G20) economic summit held in Brazil. The summit focuses on addressing global economic challenges, including food security and environmental sustainability.
Amazon Fund Contribution: Highlighting international cooperation, the United States has pledged a $50 million contribution to the Amazon Fund. This represents the most substantial collaborative effort to date aimed at preserving the Amazon rainforest and combating deforestation.
Brazil's Agenda: Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva emphasized the necessity of global action to alleviate hunger and address food insecurity. This call comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the anticipation of a new administration taking office in Brazil.
Quote: “Global food insecurity requires concerted action from all member nations,” Lula da Silva remarked during his opening remarks at the G20 [03:07].
Economic Indicators: Amid these international efforts, Wall Street exhibits a mixed performance with the Dow Jones Industrial Average slightly down by 55 points, while the Nasdaq Composite sees an increase of 111 points [03:07].
Local Initiative: Amid growing political divisions in the United States, local efforts to promote unity and understanding are gaining traction. In Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Pastor Chris Morgan of Christ United Methodist Church is leading his congregation through a sermon series focused on kindness and mutual respect.
Community Impact: Pastor Morgan encourages his members to adhere to the golden rule, fostering an environment where individuals can engage respectfully despite differing viewpoints. This approach aims to transform the congregation into a model of societal harmony rather than reflecting existing societal divisions.
Mixed Reactions: While many parishioners appreciate the emphasis on calm and respectful dialogue, some express concerns that politicizing the church environment may intrude upon its role as a sanctuary.
Notable Quotes: “If we hold to that, then we can actually hopefully become an example for society instead of mirroring society,” Pastor Morgan shared during a sermon [04:13].
“A sermon series helped some parishioners talk to people they disagree with and remain calm doing so,” reports Frank Langford [04:23].
Conversely, another parishioner felt the sermons introduced election politics into the church, challenging its sanctity [04:23].
Market Movements: Crude oil futures experienced a significant uptick, rising over 3% as traders respond to escalating concerns over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The price increase translates to more than $2 per barrel, with oil settling at $69.16 a barrel.
Economic Implications: The surge in oil prices reflects market anxiety over potential disruptions in supply chains and the broader impact of geopolitical instability on global energy markets.
Quote: “OPEC's decisions and geopolitical tensions continue to drive volatility in oil prices, reflecting the fragile state of global energy security,” Speier reports [04:38].
Conclusion: The November 19, 2024, episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive overview of pivotal national and international issues. From presidential cabinet appointments and emerging news consumption trends to public health advancements and global economic strategies, the episode encapsulates the dynamic landscape shaping today's world. Additionally, local narratives highlight the ongoing efforts to bridge political divides, underscoring the multifaceted nature of current societal challenges.
This summary provides an in-depth exploration of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now podcast episode released on November 19, 2024. Listeners can gain a thorough understanding of the day's most pressing news without tuning in directly.