NPR News Now: November 20, 2024, 9 PM EST Summary
NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news, covering political developments, economic updates, environmental events, and significant corporate announcements. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode released on November 21, 2024.
1. The Pursuit for President Trump's Treasury Secretary
Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Maria Aspin
Timestamp: [00:20 - 01:18]
As President Elect Donald Trump prepares to finalize his cabinet, the search for a new Treasury Secretary has become particularly competitive and contentious. The role is pivotal in shaping the nation's economic policies, including the promised tax cuts and tariffs central to Trump's campaign.
Maria Aspin reports that the competition has grown intense, with notable names such as billionaire investors Mark Rowan and Scott Besant, and former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh emerging as frontrunners. Initially, billionaire CEO Howard Lutnick received support from influential figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. However, Lutnick has since been nominated for the Commerce Secretary position, narrowing the Treasury race.
Quote:
"The next treasury secretary will be responsible for helping shape the nation's economy," – Maria Aspin [00:34]
2. Los Angeles Passes Sanctuary City Ordinance
Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Jasmine Garst
Timestamp: [01:18 - 01:26]
In a decisive move, Los Angeles has unanimously passed a sanctuary city ordinance aimed at protecting immigrants in anticipation of the incoming Trump administration. This ordinance seeks to shield the city's 1.3 million immigrant residents from potential mass deportations.
Jasmine Garst highlights that while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates at the federal level, it heavily depends on state and local cooperation. The new policy explicitly prohibits the use of city resources and personnel in federal immigration enforcement, aligning Los Angeles with about a dozen other states implementing similar protections.
Quote:
"The ordinance comes in response to incoming President Donald Trump's promises of mass deportations," – Jasmine Garst [01:26]
3. Bomb Cyclone Impacts Umatilla Indian Reservation
Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Anna King
Timestamp: [02:17 - 02:52]
A severe weather event, described as a "bomb cyclone," swept through the northwest, significantly affecting the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon. Winds reached speeds of 85 miles per hour, causing extensive disruptions.
Anna King reports firsthand accounts from residents like Gisele Halfmoon, who took shelter with her mother to avoid the intense winds. The strong gusts not only posed immediate dangers but also led to property damage and posed challenges for emergency response crews, who are currently assessing the situation.
Quote:
"It got pretty intense a few times with some of the more major gusts you could hear things kind of toppling," – Gisele Halfmoon [02:43]
4. Wall Street Closes Mixed Amid Target's Significant Decline
Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [03:02]
The stock market experienced a mixed close on Wall Street, with certain sectors facing notable declines. Among the affected, shares of Target, the big-box retailer, plunged by 20% following weaker-than-expected earnings reports. Despite this downturn, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an uptick of 139 points by the end of the trading session.
5. Senate May Review Trump's Cabinet Picks Without FBI Background Checks
Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [03:02 - 04:02]
As Senate lawmakers gear up to evaluate President Elect Trump's cabinet nominations, concerns arise over the absence of traditional FBI background checks. The Trump transition team has yet to finalize agreements with the White House and the Justice Department necessary for the FBI to conduct thorough screenings of the administration's nominees.
This unprecedented approach could expedite the confirmation process but may also leave potential red flags undiscovered, complicating Senate approvals.
6. Colorado River Management Faces Critical Decisions
Host: Jack Speier
Reporter: Alex Heger
Timestamp: [04:02 - 04:29]
With existing management rules for the Colorado River set to expire in 2020, federal officials have introduced new options aimed at addressing the river's sustainability amid shrinking water levels. Six members of Station KUNC, including Alex Heger, report on the fragmented stance among the seven Western states dependent on the river.
The states are divided on which regions should bear the brunt of water cutbacks, leading to the proposal of two separate management plans. The federal administration advocates for a unified approach, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a consensus.
Quote:
"We can either remain stuck at an impasse or we can secure a future for future generations that promises the stability and sustainability of one of our greatest natural resources," – Ali Zaidi [04:17]
Despite initial cooperation under the Biden administration, state leaders remain optimistic that the incoming Trump administration will not hinder progress, believing that negotiations will continue unabated.
7. Ford to Cut 4,000 Jobs in Europe by 2027
Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [04:41]
Automaker Ford has announced a significant reduction in its European workforce, planning to eliminate 4,000 jobs in the UK and across Europe by the end of 2027. The decision is attributed to economic challenges and the strategic shift towards electric vehicle (EV) production. This move reflects broader industry trends as automakers transition to more sustainable and technologically advanced vehicle offerings.
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