NPR News Now: November 19, 2024, 10 PM EST
Released on November 20, 2024
1. President-Elect Donald Trump's Cabinet Nominations
Host: Jack Speer
President-elect Donald Trump is shaping his administration with key nominations that reflect his campaign promises and policy priorities.
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Linda McMahon for Education Secretary
Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, the co-founder and CEO of WWE, to serve as the Secretary of Education. During his campaign, Trump threatened to abolish the Department of Education, but appointing McMahon suggests a pivot to advocating for school choice. McMahon previously led the Small Business Administration (SBA) under Trump's first administration. Speer notes, "McMahon is a tireless advocate of school choice" (00:18).
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"Trump citing McMahon... as a tireless advocate of school choice." — Jack Speer (00:18)
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Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary
Billionaire Wall Street financier Howard Lutnick has been nominated to head the Commerce Department. Lutnick supports proposed tariffs and was also considered for the Treasury Department position, which remains open.
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"Trump also nominated billionaire Wall street financier Howard Lutnick to head the Commerce Department." — Jack Speer (00:18)
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Dr. Mehmet Oz for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Dr. Mehmet Oz, known for his daytime TV show, is set to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Despite his popularity, Oz has faced criticism for promoting unproven therapies and weight loss products. If confirmed, he will oversee an agency with an annual budget of approximately $1.5 trillion, surpassing the Department of Defense.
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"He built his fame and fortune by promoting alternative therapies like unproven diet products, cleanses and detoxes." — Selena Simmons Duffin (01:19)
2. Controversial Education Curriculum in Texas
Host: Jack Speer | Reporter: Bill Ziebel
The Texas State Board of Education is advancing a contentious curriculum proposal from Bluebonnet Learning, which integrates Bible stories into elementary education.
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Curriculum Details
The proposed curriculum aims to develop a broad range of student skills, incorporating moral lessons such as the Golden Rule. However, critics argue that the focus disproportionately favors Christianity.
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"Not only is it taught in such a way that it's going to promote some religions over others, but in many cases it even just gets the basic facts wrong." — Mark Chancey, Religious Studies Professor (02:26)
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Upcoming Vote
The final vote is scheduled for Friday, determining the curriculum's approval.
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"The Texas State Board of Education is scheduled to take a final vote on Friday." — Bill Ziebel (02:38)
3. California's Minimum Wage Measure Rejected by Voters
Host: Jack Speer
California voters have decisively rejected a ballot measure to increase the state's minimum wage to $18 per hour—the highest minimum wage proposal in the nation.
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Proponents' Arguments
Supporters contended that the increase would enable millions of workers to better support their families.
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Opponents' Concerns
Opponents argued that the measure would escalate costs, lead to higher taxes, and force businesses to reduce their workforce. Despite the rejection, California's current minimum wage remains among the highest in the U.S. at $16 per hour.
Market Impact
Following the vote, Wall Street experienced mixed reactions with the Dow closing down by 120 points, while the NASDAQ rose by 195 points.
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"California's current minimum wage for most workers is still among the highest in the US at $16 an hour." — Jack Speer (02:43)
4. Global Climate Initiatives: Biden vs. Trump
Host: Jack Speer
At the conclusion of his final G20 meeting in Brazil, President Joe Biden made a fervent appeal to global leaders to combat climate change. He specifically called for the denunciation of a $325 million contribution aimed at helping developing nations transition away from fossil fuels.
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Biden's Stance
Biden emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to address climate change, contrasting sharply with President-elect Trump's dismissal of the climate crisis as a "hoax."
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"President Joe Biden made an urgent appeal to his fellow world leaders to work to curb climate change by denouncing a $325 million contribution..." — Jack Speer (03:57)
5. Broadway's First Big Flop of the Season: Tammy Faye
Host: Jack Speer | Reporter: Geoff London
The newly debuted Broadway musical "Tammy Faye," featuring music by Elton John and lyrics by Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, is set to close in December after only 29 performances.
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Production Challenges
Despite rave reviews in London's West End and receiving an Olivier Award, the show struggled to attract audiences on Broadway. It grossed less than $400,000 in ticket sales, a stark contrast to hits like "Hamilton," which brought in approximately $1.6 million for a similar-sized theater.
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"With music by Elton John and lyrics by Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, the show was greeted across the board with painting from the critics and struggled to find an audience." — Geoff London (04:14)
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Financial Impact
The production faced significant financial losses, with investments of up to $25 million evaporating.
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"Tammy Faye will close after only 29 performances, losing its entire investment." — Geoff London (03:57)
The final performance is scheduled for Sunday, December 8th.
6. Crude Oil Prices on the Rise
Host: Jack Speer
Crude oil futures saw an uptick today, increasing by 23 cents per barrel to settle at $69.39 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
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"Crude oil futures prices moved higher today. Oil up 23 cents a barrel to settle at $69.39 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange." — Jack Speer (04:43)
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