NPR News Now - NPR News: 11-18-2024 11PM EST

Episode Date: November 19, 2024

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This message comes from Indiana University. Indiana University is committed to moving the world forward, working to tackle some of society's biggest challenges, nine campuses, one purpose, creating tomorrow today. More at IU.edu. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Sheae Stevens. President Biden is requesting more than $98 billion in emergency funding from Congress. As NPR's Franco Ordonez reports, the money is needed to help address a series of natural disasters. The money is being directed to 16 different agencies, including the Agriculture Department and Housing and Urban Development, to help repair housing and rebuild infrastructure.

Since the last disaster package Congress passed two years ago, Shalonda Young, the director of Office of Management and Budget, says hurricanes Helene and Milton have torn through the southeast, killing hundreds of people. It is absolutely critical that these communities know that their government has not forgotten them. The biggest amount, about $40 billion, would be for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's

Disaster Relief Fund so that it has enough money to last through the coming year. Franco Ordonez, NPR News. President-elect Donald Trump has said he'll nominate someone to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. NPR's Corey Turner reports on how or whether that could be done. The U.S. Department of Education was created by an act of Congress and can only be abolished by an act of Congress. And that, experts across the political spectrum tell NPR is not likely because of the Senate filibuster. What's more likely, they say, is that a new Trump

education department could unwind many regulatory changes made by the Biden administration. For example, Title IX, the federal law that protects students from sex discrimination. The Biden administration interpreted the law to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity as well, a view the Trump administration does not share and will have the power to change. Corey Turner, NPR News. President-elect Trump has tapped former Congressman Sean Duffy to head the Department of Transportation. Duffy is the second Fox News contributor picked to serve in the Trump cabinet.

Spirit Airlines is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As NPR's Joel Rose reports, the announcement follows a prolonged financial loss and a failed merger attempt for the low-cost carrier. Joel Rose, NPR News Anchor Spirit Airlines says it's reached a deal with its bondholders to restructure its debts and continue operating during bankruptcy. The Florida-based carrier says it expects to continue flying as normal. Spirit is the seventh-largest airline in North America, though it has been shrinking its operations in an effort to cut costs. It's the first major U.S. airline to file for Chapter 11 in 13 years.

The company hasn't posted a full-year profit since 2019. It tried to merge with JetBlue Airways, but a federal judge blocked that deal in January. Spirit says it hopes to emerge from bankruptcy early next year. Joel Rose, NPR News. Wall Street Stocks closed mixed today with the Dow Jones industrials losing 55 points. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 111 points. This is NPR News. A spokesperson at the Southern California theme park Knott's Berry Farm says all stranded

passengers have been evacuated. Two were taken to hospital for evaluation. More than 20 riders were stranded in midair for over two hours today when the six-story high soul spin stopped. The malfunctioning ride is being blamed on a technical problem. Superstar singer Beyoncé will bring her own holiday gift to football fans. She plans to provide the halftime show during Netflix's Christmas Day livestream of the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.

NPR TV critic Eric Deggans says Beyoncé's appearance only raises the stakes for the streamer. When Netflix livestreamed a boxing match between YouTube star Jake Paul and former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson on Friday, they drew 60 million households and an avalanche of complaints over bad connections and disconnected service, which raises questions over how Netflix will handle live broadcasts of two NFL games on Christmas Day, especially now that one game includes a show by one of the world's biggest music stars.

Fans are also hopeful that another megastar, Taylor Swift, might show for the other Christmas Day game which features the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Kansas City Chiefs, with presumably Swift's boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. That could also increase viewers at a time when doubts remain about Netflix's capacity. Eric Deggans, NPR News. U.S. futures are flat in after-hours trading on Wall Street. On Asia-Pacific markets, shares are mostly higher but down a fraction in Shanghai. This is NPR News. Support for this podcast and the following message come from Dignity Memorial. When your celebration of life is prepaid today, your family is protected tomorrow.

Planning ahead is truly one of the best gifts you can give your family. For additional information, visit DignityMemorial.ca.