NPR News Now: November 23, 2024 | 8 PM EST

Your comprehensive summary of the latest news highlights from NPR News Now.

1. President Elect Donald Trump's Key Cabinet Nominations

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [00:18]

In the wake of his election, President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled several critical cabinet nominations aimed at steering the nation's economic and administrative strategies.

• Scott Besson has been nominated as the next Treasury Secretary. Besson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has been a pivotal economic advisor to Trump during his campaign.

• Russell Vogt is set to take the helm as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vogt previously served in this role during Trump's first term and was instrumental in developing Project 2025, a cornerstone conservative policy framework.

• Congresswoman Lori Chavez, Dreamer of Oregon, has been nominated for Secretary of Labor, highlighting Trump's focus on labor and job-related issues within his administration.

These nominations are pending confirmation by the Senate and represent Trump's commitment to reshaping the economic landscape in alignment with his administration's priorities.

2. Changes in the Attorney General Nomination

Host: Greg Allen
Timestamp: [01:16]

Amidst controversy, former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his candidacy for Attorney General, following allegations of inappropriate behavior, including claims of sexual misconduct with a minor and illegal drug use—charges which Gaetz has firmly denied.

Greg Allen reports:

"President Trump quickly pivoted to another Floridian, former state attorney general and longtime loyalist Pam Bondi."

Pam Bondi, a 59-year-old figure known for her staunch conservative stance, has been a steadfast supporter of Trump. She played a significant role in Trump's legal battles, including his first impeachment, and has been a regular commentator on Fox News defending Trump's positions.

3. Legal Proceedings Against Donald Trump Postponed

Host: Windsor Johnson
Timestamp: [01:56]

In a significant development, a judge in New York has indefinitely postponed the sentencing of Donald Trump in his criminal hush money case. Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Windsor Johnson details:

"The sentencing hearing was scheduled to be held next week as Trump's attorneys continue their push to dismiss the case altogether. The judge has also given Trump's legal team until December 2nd to file a motion to throw out the conviction, but the Manhattan district attorney's office says it will oppose the request."

Trump's legal team is actively seeking to overturn the conviction, but the opposition from the district attorney's office suggests a prolonged legal battle ahead.

4. Diverging Consumer Sentiments on the Economy

Host: Scott Horsley
Timestamp: [02:24]

A recent University of Michigan survey reveals a nuanced picture of American economic sentiment, showing overall slight improvement for the fourth consecutive month in November. However, significant partisan disparities emerge:

• Republicans exhibit increased optimism regarding future economic prospects, a shift attributed to Trump's election.

• Democrats, conversely, express diminished hope about the economic outlook.

Scott Horsley explains:

"That's a mirror image of what happened four years ago when Democrats' outlook soared and Republicans soured following the election of Joe Biden. Survey director Joanne Hsu notes there's still substantial uncertainty over how Trump's economic agenda will be implemented. She expects consumers to recalibrate their expectations in the coming months."

This divergence underscores the deep political divides influencing public perception of economic health and future policymaking.

5. Kendrick Lamar Releases Surprise Album

Host: Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Timestamp: [03:12]

Rapper Kendrick Lamar continues to make waves in the music industry with the surprise release of his sixth album, GNX. This unexpected drop follows a stellar year for Lamar, marked by several achievements:

• Unofficial victory in an ongoing rap battle with Drake.
• His diss track "Not Like Us" topped the Billboard Hot 100 twice.
• Headlining next year's Super Bowl halftime show.
• Garnering over half a dozen Grammy nominations earlier in the month.

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento elaborates:

"The new album follows two highly acclaimed records from Lamar, 2022's 'Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers' and 2017's 'DAMN.', which won a Pulitzer Prize for Music. GNX features performances from SZA and Data Barrera, with production from Jack Antonoff and Kamasi Washington."

Lamar's continued innovation and surprise releases solidify his position as a leading figure in contemporary music.

6. Texas Education Board Approves Bible-Infused Curriculum

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [04:14]

In a move reflecting ideological shifts within education, the Texas Education Board has approved the integration of Bible-infused teachings into elementary school curricula. This decision aligns Texas with other Republican-led states advocating for a heightened emphasis on religious education in classrooms.

Key Points:

• The religious-based curriculum is optional for schools.
• Additional funding is available to institutions that choose to adopt the curriculum.

Controversy: Parents opposing the initiative argue that such lessons may alienate students from diverse faith backgrounds, raising concerns about inclusivity and the separation of church and state in public education.

This policy shift ignites debate over the role of religion in early education and its impact on a pluralistic society.

7. Crude Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Host: Jack Speier
Timestamp: [04:14]

Global oil markets are experiencing upward pressure as tensions escalate between Russia and other nations, contributing to an increase in crude oil futures prices. Currently, crude oil prices have risen by $1.14 per barrel, reaching $71.24 per barrel.

Factors Influencing the Rise:

• Geopolitical instability affecting major oil-producing regions.
• Concerns over supply disruptions due to heightened international conflicts.

This surge in oil prices has broader implications for the global economy, affecting everything from transportation costs to energy policies.

Stay informed with NPR News Now for the latest updates delivered to you every hour.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Allen on Pam Bondi:
  "[01:16] She was on his legal team in his first impeachment. She backed him after the 2020 election in claiming, incorrectly, that there was widespread fraud that cost him the election."

• Scott Horsley on Consumer Sentiment:
  "[02:24] Republicans are much more upbeat about future economic prospects now following the election of Donald Trump, while Democrats are considerably less hopeful about what lies ahead."

For more detailed coverage, consider listening to the full episode of NPR News Now.