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PBS NewsHour – November 20, 2024 (06:32)
President-elect Trump’s pick of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education is already raising alarm bells among critics who feel the role should go to someone with more experience in education. But it has also been met with praise by supporters of parental rights and school choice. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Jon Valant of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution.
PBS News Hour full episode, Nov. 21, 2024
Thursday on the News Hour, Matt Gaetz drops his bid to serve as Trump’s attorney general after failing to quell concerns about sex trafficking allegations. The International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, its former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief for crimes committed in Gaza. Plus, Sen. Sherrod Brown discusses the future of the Democratic Party.
TODAY’S SEGMENTS:
Gaetz ends AG bid amid sex trafficking allegations 
• Gaetz ends attorney general bid amid …
World’s top war crimes court issues warrants for Netanyahu • War crimes court issues warrants for …
News Wrap: Russia tests new missile to attack Ukraine • How Trump’s team is defying the norms…
Sen. Brown says Democrats must focus on workers to win • ‘Whose side are you on?’ Sen. Brown s…
Trump team defies norms of presidential transfers of power • How Trump’s team is defying the norms…
Feds push Google to sell Chrome to break search monopoly • Feds push Google to sell Chrome brows…
Osprey crash victims’ families question its safety • Osprey aircraft back in service as fa…
US onAir Curators – November 21, 2024
Did Trump’s Senate Recess Scheme Just Implode Along with Matt Gaetz’s AG Bid?
MeidasTouch Network
Donald Trump’s plans to circumvent Senate confirmations through a controversial recess strategy have hit a major roadblock, with his first test case—the nomination of Matt Gaetz for acting Attorney General—falling apart under bipartisan resistance. As reported by Legal AF’s Michael Popok, this defeat may mark the death knell for Trump’s ambitions to install controversial appointees via unconstitutional maneuvers.
By one estimate, investing $3.5 billion in making the two-thirds of U.S. homes not currently up to code more resilient to storms could save insurers as much as $37 billion by 2030.
In the end, if affordability and relevance of insurance continue to degrade, real estate prices will start to decline in exposed locations. This will be the most tangible sign that climate change is driving an insurability crisis that disrupts wider financial stability.
Americans agree more than they might think − not knowing this jeopardizes the nation’s shared values
Sharing common ground on key issues
Despite the prevailing narrative of polarization, Americans frequently agree on essential issues.
For instance, there is widespread support for high-quality health care that is accessible to all and for stronger gun-control regulations. Remarkably, many Americans advocate for both the right to bear arms and additional restrictions on firearms.
There is strong support for fundamental democratic principles, including equal protection under the law, voting rights, religious freedoms, freedom of assembly and speech, and a free press.
On critical issues such as climate change, a majority of citizens acknowledge the reality of human-caused climate change and endorse the development of renewable energy. Similarly, support for women’s reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion, is widespread.
Despite the existence of so much common ground, Americans see the nation as polarized. Shared values and concerns matter little if constant exposure to disinformation makes it nearly impossible for half the population to sort fact from fiction.
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For “innovation” mavens, the root of the concern is the vast support the federal government provides for critical American R&D. Musk has promised a massive cut to the federal government — and the “discretionary” budget that could be on the chopping block is exactly the money that funds agencies like the National Institutes for Health or the Small Business Administration (through its Small Business Innovation Research program) for key public-private partnerships.
The experts surveyed by DFD largely agreed that the success of the commission will depend on turning the corner from “where to cut” to “how to build,” giving a slimmed-down bureaucracy clear guidelines and permissions to carrying out its goals.
Associated Press, – November 19, 2024
Linda McMahon has been a constant presence in Donald Trump’s tumultuous orbit, serving in his first administration and supporting his presidential campaigns.
Linda McMahon stepped down from her position as WWE’s chief executive to enter politics. She ran twice for a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut, but lost in 2010 to Richard Blumenthal and in 2012 to Chris Murphy.
Shifting gears, she focused on providing financial support to candidates. McMahon provided $6 million to help Trump’s candidacy after he secured the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
Educators are appalled—but not surprised—that Donald Trump has nominated another grossly unqualified candidate to run the U.S. Department of Education.
Top Three Reasons Linda McMahon Should Not Be Secretary of Education
- Donald Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, is unqualified and has an agenda to privatize public education—much like Betsy DeVos before her.
- McMahon intends to expand voucher programs, which rob our public schools of resources and particularly hurt our most vulnerable students.
- Educators believe that students deserve better and are organizing to oppose the Trump-McMahon agenda.
Education is a fundamental human right that empowers individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to society. It’s the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values that enable us to understand the world, make informed decisions, and lead fulfilling lives. The U.S. is governed by federal, state, and local education policy. Education is compulsory for all children, but the age at which one can discontinue schooling varies by state and is from 14 to 18 years old. Free public education is typically provided from Kindergarten (ages 5 and 6) to 12th Grade (ages 17 and 18)
- There are many issues related to Education that Congress is looking to address with legislation. In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues and potential solutions, party positions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant committees, chairs, & caucuses; departments & agencies; and the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.
- The Education category has related posts and three posts on issues of particular focus: Apprenticeships, STEM Learning, and AI in Education.
To participate in ongoing forums, ask the post’s curators questions, and make suggestions, scroll to the ‘Discuss’ section at the bottom of each post or select the “comment” icon.
OnAir Post: Education
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