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At this time’s high tales
President Trump travels to Mount Pocono, Pa., at this time to debate his administration’s efforts to handle a high concern for voters: affordability. Yesterday on the White Home, the president previewed his speaking factors, stating, “Democrats triggered the affordability downside.” He additionally mentioned that his administration is working to repair it. Latest polls present voters blame the president’s insurance policies for prime costs.
President Trump participates in a roundtable dialogue with farmers within the Cupboard Room of the White Home on Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington, DC.
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Alex Wong/Getty Photos
🎧 The president will ramp up home journey to pitch his insurance policies to the American individuals late this yr into subsequent yr, a senior White Home official, unauthorized to talk publicly, tells NPR’s Tamara Keith. The official additionally mentioned that the president will stability discussing the administration’s perceived financial successes with acknowledging that extra work stays. It’s not but recognized if the president will pair his messaging with new insurance policies. In latest weeks, many officers have requested for persistence, saying it would take time for Trump’s insurance policies to have an effect on the economic system.➡️ Trump introduced a $12 billion bailout for farmers damage by his tariffs. The administration frames the fee as bridge cash till the president’s commerce offers repay, which acknowledges financial ache factors.
The Supreme Court docket’s conservative majority seems poised to grant Trump a major win after yesterday’s arguments. The case facilities on whether or not the president ought to have the authority to fireside members of unbiased businesses, such because the Federal Reserve and Federal Commerce Fee. At present, the legislation restricts the president’s skill to dismiss these members and solely permits him to fireside them for specified causes like malfeasance or neglect of responsibility.
🎧 The conservative justices seemed to be involved that the separation of powers has grow to be murky, NPR’s Andrea Hsu tells Up First. Either side of the argument agreed that unbiased businesses don’t solely perform as a part of the manager department as a result of their board members and commissioners additionally make guidelines and determine circumstances. The choices they make influence the American individuals. Solicitor Common D. John Sauer, who represents the Trump administration, argued that this lack of accountability to the president causes an issue. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that the administration’s request would destroy the construction of presidency and take away from Congress the idea that some businesses are higher off unbiased.
Indiana state senators will convene a particular session this week to vote on new political maps. These maps might assist Republicans seize all 9 of Indiana’s congressional seats. That is the most recent in an unprecedented wave of mid-cycle redistricting introduced on by the president’s calls for to spice up his celebration’s probabilities in subsequent yr’s midterms.
🎧 Indiana is very notable as a result of it isn’t recognized what might occur with the vote, NPR’s Sam Gringlas says. The state is presently represented by seven Republicans and two Democrats, which suggests if the brand new political maps cross, Republicans might wipe Democrats from the state’s delegation. Many Republican leaders within the state have heard from their constituents that they do not need the brand new map to cross. Leon Bates, who was outdoors of the state Capitol with lots of of individuals chanting, advised Gringlas {that a} new map would chop up his predominantly Black group.
Life recommendation

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The times are dwindling right down to get the very best vacation present in your family members. As you store, you have seemingly encountered engaging provides like “additional 20% off” or “final likelihood offers.” These are a few of the advertising and marketing strategies that retailers use to get you to spend extra, however are they really good offers? Life Package spoke with specialists to be taught extra about these techniques and supply tips about the best way to outsmart the gimmicks:
🛍️ Retailers typically use a way of urgency with phrases like “purchase now” to hurry shopping for choices. Keep in mind that corporations continuously produce merchandise, and also you may discover a higher deal.🛍️ When a price ticket shows an merchandise’s “unique worth,” focus as an alternative on the precise worth of the merchandise. Assess whether or not you assume the precise worth listed is an effective deal.🛍️ Retailers could hike costs earlier than busy seasons after which provide steep reductions. Get round this by doing a worth comparability and searching for historic pricing knowledge on-line.
For tips about the best way to keep away from advertising and marketing tips this vacation season, hearken to this episode of NPR’s Life Package. Subscribe to the Life Package publication for knowledgeable recommendation on love, cash, relationships and extra.
Image present

The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1575, by Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) is usually thought-about the world’s first atlas. The library has two copies.
Greta Rybus/for NPR
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Greta Rybus/for NPR
A bodily map provides a particular expertise {that a} cellphone or a automotive’s GPS can’t replicate. When unfold out, a map provides a strong sense of scale and site. It could trace on the pleasure of distant locations and serves as a reminder that we’re only a small a part of an enormous world with a wealthy historical past. College students can uncover this attitude on the Osher Map Library and Smith Middle for Cartographic Training, on the College of Southern Maine in Portland. On the heart, college students can discover maps and globes, together with fashionable ones and a few that date again lots of of years, sourced from all over the world. Take a peek contained in the library that brings these maps to life.
3 issues to know earlier than you go

A screenshot of what ICEBlock seems like for iPhone customers.
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