NPR News Now: November 23, 2024, 4AM EST
Host: Dale Willman
Produced by: NPR
1. President-Elect Donald Trump's Nomination for CDC Director
Timestamp: [00:12]
Reporter: Ping Huang
President-elect Donald Trump has announced Dave Weldon as his nominee for the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon is an internal medicine doctor, army veteran, and former Republican congressman from Florida. Trump lauded Weldon on Truth Social, describing him as “a respected conservative leader on fiscal and social issues” who will “restore the CDC to its true purpose and work to end the chronic disease epidemic” (00:23).
Weldon served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2009, participating in several key committees, including Appropriations and Health and Human Services. He is known for advocating space research funding and introducing the Weldon Amendment, which protects anti-abortion healthcare workers and groups from discrimination. Notably, Weldon will be the first CDC director nominee to undergo the Senate confirmation process.
2. Trump’s Expanded Cabinet Nominations
Timestamp: [01:13]
Reporter: Dale Willman
In addition to his pick for the CDC, President-elect Trump has unveiled several other cabinet nominees:
- Scott Turner: Former NFL player and White House aide nominated to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Lori Chavez de Reimer: Oregon Republican Representative selected as Secretary of Labor.
- Scott Besant: Hedge fund manager nominated for Treasury Secretary.
- Russell Vogt: Proposed to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
These nominations indicate Trump's strategy to appoint individuals with diverse professional backgrounds to key governmental positions.
3. Adjournment of Donald Trump's Sentencing in New York
Timestamp: [01:53]
Reporter: Ximena Bustillo
New York Judge Juan Mershon has indefinitely adjourned the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump for his criminal hush money conviction related to actions in New York City. Following Trump's recent election victory, both the defense and prosecution have expressed interest in delaying the sentencing further. Trump's legal team argues that the incoming president should not be prosecuted, while prosecutors are prepared to contest the dismissal. Filings on this matter are expected by December (01:53).
4. EU’s Response to ICC Arrest Warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
Timestamp: [02:18]
Reporter: Terry Schultz
The European Union is navigating the implications of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As ICC members, EU countries are obligated to arrest indicted individuals upon entry into their territories. While nations like Belgium, France, and Italy have expressed willingness to comply, Germany has shown reluctance, stating it would be difficult to enforce the warrant. Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared his intent to invite Netanyahu to Budapest as a defiance of the ICC’s mandate. This situation marks the first time the ICC has indicted a leader of a Western ally for war crimes, challenging longstanding alliances and international legal norms (02:18).
5. Supreme Court to Hear Appeal on Government Subsidy Fund Legality
Timestamp: [03:06]
Reporter: Dale Willman
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal early next year concerning a lower court's decision that deemed the government fund for subsidies on phone and Internet services in schools, libraries, and rural areas unconstitutional. This fund, managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and financed by telecommunications providers, was challenged on the grounds that Congress overstepped its authority by empowering the FTC to administer it. The Supreme Court's decision will have significant implications for federal funding mechanisms and regulatory authority (03:06).
6. Passing of Alice Brock, Inspiration Behind “Alice’s Restaurant”
Timestamp: [03:45]
Reporter: Mandalit Albarco
Folk singer Arlo Guthrie has announced the death of his longtime friend Alice Brock, the muse behind his iconic 1967 anti-war anthem “Alice’s Restaurant.” Alice Brock was a school librarian and later a restaurateur, artist, and illustrator living in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The 18-minute ballad narrates Guthrie’s experiences, including being arrested for dumping Alice’s trash on Thanksgiving Day and narrowly avoiding the draft for the Vietnam War. The song evolved into an anti-war anthem, inspiring both a feature film and a cookbook, and bringing fame to both Guthrie and Brock (03:45).
Notable Quote from Arlo Guthrie:
“You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant.” (03:53)
7. Expansion of National Women’s Soccer Team and MLS Developments
Timestamp: [04:29]
Reporter: Dale Willman
WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark has joined Cincinnati’s bid to secure an expansion team for the national women’s soccer league. The league is expected to announce its 16th team by the end of the year, with FC Cincinnati leading the effort to claim the franchise. Meanwhile, the league's 15th team is slated to begin play in Boston in 2026. This expansion reflects the growing popularity and investment in women's soccer, aiming to broaden the league's footprint and provide more opportunities for athletes (04:29).
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Conclusion
The November 23, 2024 episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant political developments, legal proceedings involving President-elect Trump, international diplomatic challenges, Supreme Court activities, cultural news surrounding Arlo Guthrie, and advancements in women’s sports. Notably, Trump's cabinet nominations and the handling of Netanyahu's ICC arrest warrant highlight ongoing shifts in both domestic and international political landscapes. Additionally, the cultural impact of “Alice’s Restaurant” and the expansion of women's soccer underscore the diverse range of topics covered in this concise five-minute news update.