Linda McMahon, President Trump’s nominee for education secretary, is set to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today for questioning as they deliberate on advancing her nomination. McMahon, 76, previously served as the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment founded by her husband, Vince McMahon. She also headed the Small Business Association during Trump’s first term and led various pro-Trump political groups. Senators are expected to ask McMahon about her stance on key policy issues such as privatizing public education, supporting teacher pay raises, and cutting programs in low-income schools. It remains unclear whether McMahon backs Trump’s suggestion to eliminate the department overseeing 50 million students.
Concerns loom over McMahon’s tenure at WWE, with former employees, family members, and education officials questioning her suitability for a role overseeing student welfare and Title IX enforcement. Allegations in a lawsuit filed in October claim McMahon ignored child abuse by a WWE employee during her leadership. McMahon’s attorney has denied the accusations.
Elsewhere, seniors in a wealthy South Carolina community have fallen victim to cryptocurrency scams, with losses totaling $3.1 million in Beaufort County last year. The scams, including those involving bitcoin ATMs, have been reported across states like Colorado and Georgia. Police departments are cautioning residents about scammers impersonating officials and demanding payments for missing jury duty, highlighting the need for greater consumer protection with the rise of crypto kiosks.
In other news, NASA warns of a possible asteroid collision in 2032, although the probability remains low. An audio recording captures the final moments of the doomed Titan submersible, and Spanish-language rock band Maná receives its first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination. Actress Scarlett Johansson advocates for AI regulation.
Following the distribution of a fabricated viral video portraying a group of famous individuals protesting against rapper Ye, the demise of Duo the Owl, the iconic bright green mascot of Duolingo, has been confirmed by the company as part of a seemingly orchestrated marketing ploy. Despite the artificial nature of the video, a sense of mourning has permeated through various brands and organizations in response.
In a notable staff pick, it has been forewarned that Valentine’s chocolates are set to become pricier due to the impact of adverse weather conditions in vital cacao-producing regions of West Africa, resulting in diminished crop yields. This unfortunate development stands as yet another indicator of the challenges faced by global agriculture as a consequence of climate change, ultimately leading to increased costs for consumers. Renowned chocolatier Jacques Torres revealed in an interview with NBC News that he is compelled to elevate prices and incorporate additional filler ingredients, such as nuts and fruits, in an effort to counterbalance the escalating expenses associated with cocoa production.
Meanwhile, NBC Select aims to simplify online shopping while addressing common skincare concerns. The efficacy of red light therapy for issues like acne, redness, and skin texture is scrutinized through discussions with multiple dermatologists, who also recommend various masks and wands for optimal results. Additionally, with winter conditions often leading to chapped lips, NBC Select’s editorial team undertook a rigorous testing process involving over 50 lip balms to identify the most effective options for consumers.
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