President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Linda McMahon to head the U.S. Department of Education. McMahon, who previously led the U.S. Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, is widely recognized for transforming WWE into a significant global brand alongside her husband.
Despite not having a conventional background in education, McMahon’s nomination comes as a surprise. NPR’s Cory Turner notes that while she served on the Connecticut State Board of Education for a limited time, her main recent role was chairing the America First Policy Institute, an organization that advocates for school choice. There have been discussions around the potential for McMahon to close the Education Department, but experts indicate that this would be nearly impossible, as such a move requires congressional action.
In other news, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell faced intense questioning from Congress regarding allegations of slow disaster responses and perceived discrimination against hurricane victims based on political affiliations. Following accusations that a former FEMA supervisor instructed workers to avoid assisting homes with Trump campaign signs post-Hurricane Milton, Criswell asserted that this incident does not reflect a broader issue within the agency.
Additionally, social media platform X has seen a departure of at least 100,000 users since Trump’s election victory, leading many to shift to Bluesky in search of a more balanced platform. This change comes amid claims that the algorithm on X was manipulated to favor pro-Trump content.
As the holiday season draws near, efforts to bridge political divides are gaining attention. NPR reporters are highlighting stories of individuals who are finding ways to engage respectfully despite differing political views. Research in neuroscience and psychology suggests there are effective techniques for fostering constructive dialogues, making it possible for conversations to remain productive and respectful.
In entertainment, HBO’s new series “Dune: Prophecy,” featuring Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, explores themes of sisterhood and power in a futuristic setting that predates the original Dune narrative.
Looking ahead, the ongoing political landscape suggests that discussions may require more effort to navigate respectfully, but with research supporting the importance of constructive dialogue, there’s hope for improved communication and understanding among differing viewpoints.
Overall, the news reflects a mix of political developments and social dynamics that continue to shape the national conversation, with opportunities for constructive engagement and understanding on the horizon.