NPR News Now: November 26, 2024, 11 PM EST
Hosted by Giles Snyder and Eleanor Beardsley
Middle East Ceasefire Brokered by U.S. and France
Eleanor Beardsley reports on the recent ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has been in effect for a few hours without any reported violations [00:21]. The agreement was brokered by the United States and France [00:31].
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the deal, emphasizing its significance for peace in the region. In a social media video, Macron stated, “Israeli and Lebanese citizens would finally have a measure of peace, but the ceasefire is fragile and war is still punishing Gaza” [00:42]. He highlighted the ongoing challenges, including the situation in Gaza and the captivity of hostages, and reiterated that a durable peace in the Middle East requires a two-state solution, aligning with President Biden’s stance.
French analysts view the ceasefire as a strategic victory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allowing him to decouple the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon while continuing military operations in Gaza [00:42].
The ceasefire agreement entails an initial two-month halt to fighting. It requires Hezbollah to cease its armed presence in southern Lebanon, and Israeli troops must withdraw to their side of the border [01:18].
President-Elect Trump Appoints Key Members to Economic Team
Eleanor Beardsley shares that President-Elect Donald Trump has named two veterans from his first White House term to his economic team [01:29]. Scott Horsley details the appointments:
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Kevin Hassett has been selected to lead the National Economic Council. Hassett previously led the President's Council of Economic Advisers during Trump’s first two years and played a pivotal role in advocating for the 2017 tax cuts. He briefly returned as a senior advisor during the pandemic [01:37].
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Jamison Greer is nominated to serve as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Trade Office. Greer, who was Chief of Staff during Trump's first term, is expected to implement Trump’s aggressive trade policies. This nomination follows Trump's recent call for steep tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China [01:37].
Additionally, Trump has chosen Dr. J. Bhattacharya as the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya, known for her outspoken criticism of government COVID policies during the pandemic, will take on this significant role [02:18].
Sharp Decline in New Home Sales Amid Hurricanes and High Mortgage Rates
Eleanor Beardsley reports a significant drop in new home sales last month [02:29]. Laurel Wamsley provides deeper insights:
Sales of new single-family homes decreased by more than 9% compared to the previous year and dropped over 17% from the prior month, according to October data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development [02:38]. This slump is attributed to the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the South, coupled with high mortgage rates that have reduced affordability.
Despite these challenges, many large home builders are offering buyer incentives to mitigate costs. The median sales price for new houses last month was approximately $437,000. Economists anticipate a slight decline in mortgage rates over the next year, which may help stabilize the housing market [02:38].
Australia's Proposed Ban on Social Media for Minors Advances to Senate
Eleanor Beardsley covers Australia's legislative move to prohibit children under 16 years old from using social media platforms [03:18]. A bill introduced last week has successfully passed the House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate [03:23].
The center-left government, led by the Prime Minister, aims to secure the bill's passage by the end of the parliamentary year [03:23]. If enacted, social media companies will have one year to establish and implement age restrictions before penalties are enforced [03:37].
'Demure' Named Dictionary.com's Word of the Year Influenced by TikTok Trends
Eleanor Beardsley introduces the linguistic spotlight on Dictionary.com's word of the year: “demure” [03:44]. Elizabeth Blair explains the phenomenon:
The term “demure,” meaning reserved, quiet, or modest, saw a dramatic surge in usage—nearly a 1,200% increase—primarily due to TikToker Jules LeBron’s catchphrase, “Very demure, very mindful” [03:49]. Jules LeBron, originally a grocery store clerk from Chicago, gained popularity by sharing fashion and makeup tips on TikTok, thereby catapulting “demure” into mainstream digital media [03:54].
Dictionary.com's lexicographers analyze data from headlines, social media trends, and search engine results to determine the word of the year. They describe this selection as a “linguistic time capsule,” reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of the year [04:13].
Financial Markets Reach Record Highs Amid Mixed Global Trends
Eleanor Beardsley updates on the global financial markets, noting a mixed performance in Asia [04:41]. Meanwhile, Giles Snyder reports that Wall Street achieved record highs:
- The S&P 500 climbed by 0.6%, surpassing the record it set a few weeks prior [04:44].
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, also reaching new highs [04:44].
These gains reflect investor optimism despite varying economic indicators across different regions [04:44].
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