NPR News Now: November 25, 2024, 6AM EST
Hosted by Korva Coleman
1. President-Elect Donald Trump's Cabinet Nominations
Korva Coleman opens the episode with impactful news on President-elect Donald Trump's newly nominated Cabinet members. Over the past few days, Trump has officially appointed Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary, former Texas state lawmaker Scott Turner as Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Oregon Congresswoman Laurie Chavez de Riemer as Labor Secretary, and Wall Street investor Scott Besant as Treasury Secretary. These appointments join Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and others in forming the incoming administration's leadership team.
However, NPR's Amy Held highlights concerns regarding the transition process. She notes that Trump's picks are primarily loyal to him but lack substantial related experience. Furthermore, several nominees have faced accusations of sexual misconduct, raising eyebrows among critics.
Adding to the complications, important transition documents remain unsigned, including those that would disclose donor names. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota voices her concerns to ABC's This Week:
“Nominees, if they keep delaying on these background checks, we will have a delay in getting these Cabinet officials in.” [01:09]
In contrast, Republican Senator Bill Haggerty of Tennessee dismisses the urgency of FBI background checks, advocating for recess appointments to bypass the Senate confirmation process:
“I think everything should be on the table.” [01:27]
Despite these divergent views, the Republican-led Senate is poised to commence the confirmation process next year, as Amy Held reports. [01:29]
2. European Union Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon
Transitioning to international affairs, Korva Coleman reports that the European Union is urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon. EU Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Borrell emphasizes the need for peace:
“A ceasefire may be close between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.” [00:51]
An unnamed Israeli official adds that the Israeli government is exerting pressure on Hezbollah to accept the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire, which is currently pending final approval. Korva Coleman reveals that negotiations are nearing completion, with both sides addressing the final issues to secure an agreement. [01:49]
3. Menendez Brothers Seek Reduction of Life Sentences
In a significant legal development, Korva Coleman discusses the upcoming hearing in Los Angeles concerning the life without parole sentences of Eric and Lyle Menendez. The brothers were convicted for the brutal 1989 murders of their parents. Steve Futterman provides detailed coverage, noting that new evidence has surfaced supporting their claims of being sexually molested by their father, Jose Menendez.
Attorney Mark Garagos, representing the brothers, argues for sentence reduction. Meanwhile, Bill Haggerty comments on the legal possibilities:
“Under the current state of the law, they're eligible to have and the court has the discretion to recall the life without parole sentence.” [02:40]
The district attorney is in favor of reducing the sentence to 50 years to life, which, combined with over three decades already served, would make parole a possibility. However, the case faces uncertainty as the current DA is set to be replaced next month. The incoming DA has stated the need to review the case before making a final decision. [02:51]
4. UAE Arrests Suspects in Antisemitic Terror Attack
Korva Coleman brings attention to a serious incident in the United Arab Emirates, where officials have arrested three suspects linked to the killing of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi. The UAE authorities have identified the suspects as originating from Uzbekistan. The Israeli government has condemned the act, labeling it as antisemitic terrorism, underscoring the severity and motives behind the attack. [03:15]
5. Hollywood's Pre-Thanksgiving Box Office Surge
Shifting to entertainment, Korva Coleman reports on the latest box office figures. While the combined performance of "Gladiator 2" and "Wicked Part 1" (collectively dubbed "Glicked") did not reach the heights of blockbuster hits like "Barbenheimer," it nonetheless marked Hollywood's best pre-Thanksgiving weekend in 11 years.
Bob Mondello shares impressive numbers:
“Gladiator 2 took in a hefty $55 million this weekend in North America.” [03:49]
“And Wicked was, as its big song suggests, defying gravity with $114 million in the till. That is easily the biggest domestic opening ever for an adaptation of a Broadway musical, and enough to make this pre Thanksgiving weekend for all films, the best since 2013, proving that movies in cinemas can still be popular.” [03:56]
Internationally, "Wicked" has grossed $163 million, while "Gladiator 2," which opened in some markets ten days earlier, has accumulated $221 million worldwide. [04:21]
6. President Biden's Thanksgiving Turkey Pardons
Concluding the episode, Korva Coleman highlights a heartwarming tradition as President Biden prepares to pardon two turkeys at the White House. These turkeys will find a new home at an agricultural interpretive center in Minnesota. However, with WalletHub.com estimating that 46 million turkeys will be consumed this holiday, the pardoning ceremony brings a touch of compassion to the festivities. [04:35]
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