Increasing GOP pushback on Trump’s actions – Several Republican senators and representatives have publicly criticized President Trump’s decisions, citing oversight responsibilities and constitutional limits on executive power. The trend reflects a shift from earlier acquiescence to a more assertive stance on key policy issues. [1]
Sen. Thom Tillis condemns Pentagon strikes – After the U.S. military carried out a second strike on a suspected drug‑trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, Tillis called the decision “horrible” and demanded accountability, framing it as an oversight duty of Congress. [1]
Opposition to tariffs and subsidy expiration – Senator Susan Collins warned that Trump’s tariffs would hurt American farmers, while Senator Josh Hawley warned of a “massive crisis” if Congress fails to renew enhanced health‑care subsidies before their November expiration. [2][3]
Criticism of Trump’s Russia‑Ukraine policy – Congressman Don Bacon has repeatedly described the administration’s approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “soft touch,” calling for clearer moral leadership. [4]
Resistance to filibuster repeal and Epstein file release – Republican senators have rejected Trump’s calls to eliminate the filibuster, and Trump’s refusal to release investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein has led to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, citing a “traitor” label from the president. [5][1]
Jeff Flake cites declining approval and election losses – Former Senator Jeff Flake notes that Trump’s falling approval ratings and Republican losses in off‑year elections are accelerating the shift toward greater congressional independence and willingness to confront the president. [1]
Who Said What
Sen. Thom Tillis (R‑NC) – “Somebody made a horrible decision… Somebody needs to be held accountable. This is our job.”
Sen. Susan Collins (R‑ME) – “Our lobsterman, our blueberry growers, our potato farmers will pay the price.”
Sen. Josh Hawley (R‑MO) – Warned of a “massive crisis” if Congress does not act on health‑care subsidies.
Congressman Don Bacon (R‑NE) – Criticized Trump’s “velvet glove, red carpet treatment for Putin” and “condescending, boorish behavior” toward Zelenskyy.
Sen. John Kennedy (R‑LA) – “You’d have to be smoking wizard weed to vote for that” regarding filibuster repeal.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R‑GA) – “He called me a traitor for standing with these women.”
Former Sen. Jeff Flake (R‑AZ) – Observed that Republicans are “more willing to say aloud what they long expressed behind closed doors.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R‑AK) – Urged Congress to “stand up for our powers under the Constitution.”
Sen. John Thune (R‑SD) – Stated that Congress still has a responsibility to “try to get an agenda done for the American people.”
Molly Reynolds (Brookings Institution) – Noted that Congress has historically ceded power to the executive and judicial branches, but that Trump’s actions have accelerated the trend.
Some Context
Filibuster – A procedural rule in the U.S. Senate that allows a minority of senators to delay or block legislation by extending debate, requiring a supermajority (usually 60 votes) to invoke cloture and end debate.
Tariffs – Taxes imposed on imported goods; Trump’s administration enacted several tariffs, notably on Canadian products, which some Republicans argued harmed American farmers.
Health‑care subsidies – Financial assistance provided under the Affordable Care Act to help individuals purchase insurance; the enhanced subsidies are set to expire in November unless Congress renews them.
Jeffrey Epstein files – Investigative documents related to the convicted sex offender’s alleged crimes; Trump’s refusal to release them has drawn criticism from some members of Congress.
Russia‑Ukraine negotiations – Diplomatic discussions concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; Trump’s perceived leniency toward Russia and criticism of Ukrainian leadership have been a point of contention for GOP lawmakers.
Seasonal retail hiring ~half a million: American retailers hire about 500,000 seasonal workers each holiday season, including cashiers, merchandisers, and Santa appearances [2][1].
Professional Santa demand cooling: Hire Santa founder Mitch Allen reports a 27 % year‑to‑date drop in inquiries for Santa bookings this season compared to last year, reflecting reduced demand for paid Santa appearances [3][1].
Seasonal hiring forecast lowest since 2009: Challenger, Gray & Christmas projected holiday retail hiring would fall to its lowest level since the 2009 recession, indicating a broader slowdown in seasonal labor demand [7][1].
Layoff spike amid seasonal slowdown: The same firm noted an alarming rise in companies announcing layoffs, including Amazon and UPS, during the holiday period, signaling broader labor market weakness [8][1].
Economic data gaps from shutdown: The longest U.S. government shutdown disrupted official economic statistics, delaying and canceling reports, which has made it difficult to assess current economic conditions [5][6][1].
Credit‑card debt at record high: Consumer credit‑card debt reached an all‑time high, a factor cited by Allen as contributing to consumers scaling back holiday spending and Santa bookings [10][1].
Who Said What
Mitch Allen, founder of Hire Santa: “We’re down almost 27 % year to date, compared with last year… Consumers are not reaching out to have Santa… They may still be having parties but they’re not having blowout parties with Santa.” Allen attributes the decline to high credit‑card debt and a broader slowdown in discretionary spending [3][1].
Andrew Challenger, senior vice president at Challenger, Gray & Christmas: “We haven’t seen a miraculous turnaround in the market for seasonal workers… The broader labor market seems to have only gotten worse… We have two signals, and both are not good for the labor market or seasonal hiring.” He cites layoffs at major firms as evidence of a weakening labor market [7][8][1].
Cory Stahle, senior economist at Indeed Hiring Lab: “What we’re seeing right now in seasonal hiring is kind of a microcosm of what we’re seeing in the broader labor market, which is that things are cooling down.” He notes that seasonal hiring trends mirror overall labor market cooling [1].
Some Context
Hire Santa – An agency founded in 2012 that supplies professional Santa Claus performers for malls, corporate events, and private parties across the United States and abroad.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas – A human‑resources consulting firm that publishes an annual seasonal hiring report and tracks layoffs and other labor‑market indicators.
NBER (National Bureau of Economic Research) – The organization that officially declares recessions in the United States; it defines a recession as a significant, widespread decline in economic activity lasting more than a few months.
Indeed Hiring Lab – A research arm of the job‑search website Indeed that analyzes large‑scale employment data to provide insights into labor‑market trends.
Loss leader – A marketing strategy in which a product or service is offered at a low or negative price to attract customers who will then purchase additional, higher‑margin items. In the Santa context, a free or low‑cost Santa appearance can draw shoppers to a store.
NPR Music compiled a 125‑song list from more than 60 writers and DJs across the NPR Music Network, covering a wide range of styles and scenes in 2025 [1].
The list is unranked and alphabetically ordered, allowing listeners to explore the songs without a prescribed hierarchy [1].
A distilled top‑25 subset is highlighted within the full list, giving quick access to the most frequently mentioned tracks [1].
Songs are available for streaming through NPR’s platform, with a dedicated link for listeners to add the playlist to their collection [2].
The article includes brief, genre‑specific descriptions for each highlighted track, often accompanied by a short quote from a reviewer or host [1].
The piece emphasizes NPR Music’s mission to broaden listeners’ exposure to artists that algorithms might overlook, encouraging discovery beyond mainstream playlists [1].
Who Said What
Anamaria Sayre (NPR) praised “Baile INoLVIDABLE” for its big‑band salsa energy and emotional depth [1].
Kyle Smith (WYEP) highlighted Justin Vernon’s “Everything Is Peaceful Love” as a standout indie‑soul track [1].
Jacob Ganz (NPR) described “Bitin’ List” as a humorously dark song with a unique lyric about a virus [1].
Stephen Thompson (NPR) noted Lucy Dacus’s “Ankles” for its haunting strings and introspective lyrics [1].
Amelia Mason (WBUR) called Dijon’s “Yamaha” a playful Prince‑inspired ode to desire [1].
Ann Powers (NPR) commended “Spangled” for its anthemic tribute to lost Southern buildings [1].
Some Context
NPR Music – The music division of National Public Radio that curates playlists, hosts shows like All Songs Considered, and promotes diverse artists.
All Songs Considered – NPR’s weekly podcast that features new music, interviews, and commentary from music journalists and artists.
Streaming link – The playlist can be added to personal collections via NPR’s streaming platform, allowing listeners to play the full 125‑song list.
Unranked list – Unlike traditional charts, the list presents songs alphabetically, avoiding a competitive ranking.
60 writers and DJs – Contributors come from various NPR stations, ensuring a broad geographic and stylistic representation.
$12B one‑time payments to farmers: The Trump administration announced a $12 billion program to provide direct financial assistance to farmers, primarily those growing soybeans and corn, as part of its response to tariff‑induced costs. [1]
Farm Bridge Assistance program: The initiative, named the Farm Bridge Assistance program, is intended to support farmers until the effects of Trump’s trade and tax policies take hold, according to the White House. [1]
Funding source is USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation: The payments will be financed through the Commodity Credit Corporation, a federal agency that has historically supplied farm subsidies. [1]
Tariff impact on input costs: Tariffs have increased the cost of farm inputs such as machinery and fertilizer, contributing to higher overall production expenses for row‑crop farmers. [3]
Administration’s justification: President Trump framed the aid as a response to high input prices and as a way to counter perceived failures of the previous administration, citing his popularity among farmers. [1]
Potential regulatory roll‑back: Trump also announced plans to remove environmental regulations on large farm machinery to lower operating costs, a move that could affect manufacturers impacted by tariffs. [1]
Who Said What
President Donald Trump: He said the program would use a portion of tariff revenue to provide economic assistance to farmers, emphasizing his support for the agricultural sector and his popularity among farmers. [1]
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly: She explained that the Farm Bridge Assistance program would help farmers bridge the gap between Biden’s policies and Trump’s trade deals, highlighting the administration’s commitment to the farm safety net. [1]
Some Context
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC): A federal agency that provides financial support to farmers through loans, insurance, and direct payments. [1]
Farm Bridge Assistance program: The Trump administration’s $12 billion one‑time payment initiative aimed at helping farmers offset costs caused by tariffs and other economic pressures. [1]
Tariff: A tax imposed on imported goods, which can raise the cost of foreign products and, in this context, increase the price of farm inputs. [3]
USDA: The United States Department of Agriculture, the federal department responsible for overseeing agriculture policy and programs. [1]
John Deere: A major American manufacturer of agricultural machinery, cited as estimating $600 million in tariff costs for 2025. [4]
Seed cells identified in late 2024 In late 2024, Brugge and colleagues identified specific cells in breast tissue that carry the genetic seeds of breast tumors; these seed cells were found to be common and present in healthy tissue across all examined samples. [1]
April 2025 NIH grant freeze In April 2025, Brugge's $7 million NIH grant for breast cancer research was frozen as part of a broader federal funding pause related to Harvard’s handling of antisemitism; seven of her 18 lab staff lost federal fellowships or salaries as a result. [1]
September 2025 funding restored; renewal ban In September 2025, NIH funding for the grant was restored, but a ban on applying for the next multiyear grants was later lifted by a federal judge; Brugge had already missed the renewal deadline, so her current funding ends in August. [1]
Private funding and two positions reinstated Brugge sought private funding from foundations and philanthropists and was able to reinstate two lab positions for at least a year; applicants remain wary due to ongoing funding uncertainty. [1]
Visa fees and hiring constraints Brugge stopped accepting non-U.S. applicants due to the Trump administration’s new $100,000 visa fee for foreign researchers; the fee has prompted legal challenges by higher education groups. [1]
Budget debates and cancer research impact White House proposals to cut NIH funding contrast with House and Senate plans to increase funding (to about $46.9B with added cancer funds); analysts warn the level of funding affects drug development and cancer progress, though the exact outcomes are disputed. [1]
Who Said What
Joan Brugge, Ph.D.: “I can't stop just because of these hardships that we're facing now... We all need to work hard to make a difference for cancer patients and their families. It affects everyone.” [1] Joan Brugge, Ph.D.: “I'm excited about what we're doing right now... I think we could make a difference, so I don't want to stop.” [1] Mark Fleury, American Cancer Society: “But we still have an incredible ways to go before we can say that we've changed the trajectory of cancer.” [1] Mark Fleury, American Cancer Society: “Reductions in research funding will have a direct impact on treatment options for patients.” [1] Pierre Azoulay, MIT: “We can't say, 'But for that grant, that [specific] drug would not have come into existence.'” [1]
Some Context
NIH: National Institutes of Health, the U.S. federal agency that funds most biomedical research. [1]
NCI: National Cancer Institute, the NIH institute that funded Brugge’s grant and oversees cancer-related research funding. [1]
H-1B visa fee: A new, substantial visa application fee for certain foreign researchers; tied to debates over international hiring in academia. [1]
Seed cells: A term used for early-stage cell populations identified as carrying genetic elements linked to tumor development. [1]
Breast cancer research funding landscape: Broad budget debates at the White House, House, and Senate levels influence grant availability, project timelines, and the careers of researchers in cancer labs. [1]
U.S. allergy prevalence More than 100 million Americans experience some allergy each year. The figure translates to about 1 in 3 adults and provides context for discussing treatments beyond over-the-counter medications. [1] It reflects seasonal, topical, or food-related allergies and underscores the scope of seeking long-term solutions.
Allergy shots as a long-term option Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, have been available for over a century and remain popular. They aim to lessen allergic reactions rather than just manage symptoms. Patients typically complete a course spanning several years. [1]
Immunotherapy explained in interview NPR host Regina G. Barber interviews Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo about how immunotherapy works and why guidelines to keep children from developing common food allergies have evolved. [1]
Closest thing to a cure The article describes allergy shots as the closest thing science has to a cure for allergies. However, they require ongoing injections over multiple years to achieve potential long-term benefits. [1]
Food allergy guidelines discussed The episode describes changes to guidelines intended to keep children from developing common food allergies. The changes reflect evolving medical recommendations. [1]
Production credits The NPR Short Wave episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and edited by Rebecca Ramirez, with Tyler Jones checking the facts and Kwesi Lee serving as the audio engineer. [1]
Who Said What
No direct quotes were included in the article.
Some Context
Immunotherapy: A treatment approach that trains the immune system to be less reactive to allergens, typically delivered via injections over several years; often described as reducing reactions rather than simply treating symptoms.
Allergy shots: The practical delivery method of immunotherapy, involving regular injections over an extended period.
Short Wave: NPR’s science podcast series that explores topics like immunology and health.
Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo: An allergist who appears in the episode to discuss how immunotherapy works and evolving guidelines.
Food allergy guidelines: Updated medical recommendations aimed at preventing the development of food allergies in children.
Museum founded in 1995 by Arlene and George Wagner – The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum opened in 1995 after Arlene Wagner and her late husband amassed a large collection; the museum remains in Leavenworth, Washington [1].
Largest U.S. nutcracker collection, 9,103 pieces – In September 2021 the museum was awarded a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of nutcrackers with 9,103 unique devices, a title it held briefly before being surpassed by a Lithuanian collector [1][2].
Artifacts span 50 countries and two millennia – Wagner’s collection includes more than 9,000 nutcrackers from 50 nations, ranging from a 200‑B.C.–200‑A.D. bronze tool to 20th‑century lever‑style pieces, illustrating the historical breadth of the craft [1].
Collection began in 1976 during a ballet production – Wagner first acquired nutcrackers in 1976 while directing a production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker in Renton, Washington, which sparked her lifelong hobby [1].
Museum is a major tourist draw in Bavarian‑styled Leavenworth – The two‑story museum, located in the town’s German‑themed district, attracts visitors who also explore local shops, a beer garden, and the town’s Christmas displays [1].
Wagner continues to curate and expand the collection – After her husband’s death in 2011, Wagner has worked about four hours daily, training assistant Michelle McMullen, and recently added a hand‑carved replica of herself, the “Nutcracker Lady” figurine [1].
Who Said What
Arlene Wagner – “I had no idea it would turn into this” and “The key to living a long life is to stay busy,” reflecting her surprise at the museum’s growth and her philosophy of staying active [1].
Linda Krueger – “I’m German,” expressing her personal connection to nutcrackers and the cultural heritage they represent [1].
Some Context
Nutcracker Lady – A hand‑carved figurine modeled after Arlene Wagner, created by German artisans and displayed in the museum’s gift shop [1].
Guinness World Record – An international organization that verifies and publishes world records; the museum held the record for largest nutcracker collection in 2021 [2].
Bavarian‑styled town – Leavenworth, Washington, has adopted German architecture and décor to create a themed tourist destination, influencing the museum’s ambiance [1].
Steinbach – A German company that produces 30,000–40,000 nutcrackers annually, many of which are sold in the U.S.; the company’s history contextualizes the popularity of nutcrackers in America [3].
George Balanchine – A choreographer who staged The Nutcracker ballet in 1954, helping cement the story’s association with Christmas in the U.S. [5]
Population jump from 80 to 130 sightings – State data show black bear sightings in Texas increased from nearly 80 in 2020 to at least 130 in 2025, indicating a rebound in the region’s bear numbers. [1]
Researcher Matt Hewitt captures and collars bears – Hewitt, a Borderlands Research Institute scientist, leads a program that traps and tags bears in Far West Texas to estimate population size, asserting that the actual number is higher than public estimates. [3]
Alpine residents take preventive measures – Pam and Ken Clouse have removed attractants from their property, electrified fences, and installed deterrents, yet bears continue to enter yards, prompting calls for additional control strategies. [1]
Other states use bear‑resistant infrastructure – In Montana and Colorado, communities mitigate conflicts by installing bear‑resistant dumpsters, alarm systems, and sprinklers, a practice that Texas officials are considering. [10][11]
Strong olfactory sense drives bear foraging – Former Big Bend National Park biologist Raymond Skiles notes that bears can detect food scents far better than humans, making food removal critical to reducing encounters. [1]
Carrying capacity drives northward movement – Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Krysta Demere explains that when local resources become scarce, bears move northward, and that future generations in Alpine will grow up in a “bear country.” [1]
Who Said What
Pam Clouse (Alpine resident) – “I don’t mind the bears coming back, we don’t want them wiped out, that’s for sure.” She also estimates bears at about 4,500 pounds.
Ken Clouse (Alpine resident) – “I’m not promoting a hunting season for the black bears, but there’s got to be some type of control.”
Matt Hewitt (Borderlands Research Institute researcher) – “There’s more than people realize.”
Raymond Skiles (former Big Bend National Park biologist) – “They have a great sense of smell, much better than our own.”
Krysta Demere (Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist) – “When you’re over carrying capacity, there’s not enough resources… So they begin to move out and search for new food sources.”
Some Context
Borderlands Research Institute – A research organization affiliated with Sul Ross State University that studies wildlife in the Trans‑Pecos region, including black bear population monitoring.
Carrying capacity – The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustain without degrading resources.
Bear‑resistant dumpsters – Trash containers designed to prevent bears from accessing food, reducing human‑bear conflicts.
Big Bend National Park – A U.S. national park in West Texas where black bears returned in the late 1980s and where management practices have been developed to coexist with bears.
Trans‑Pecos region – The remote, desert‑mountain area of Far West Texas that serves as the primary habitat for the state’s black bears.
Deluxe edition of Super Pedestrian DiRusso recently released a deluxe edition of her album 'Super Pedestrian' featuring bonus tracks, signaling renewed momentum around her music and live appearances. [1]
First Tiny Desk concert DiRusso unveiled her first Tiny Desk concert, delivering a five-song performance with her band that preserves the intimate vibe of the series while echoing her live show’s energy. [1]
Stage and visuals in Tiny Desk The Tiny Desk set included clever costuming, synchronized dance moves, and a few behind-the-back guitar riffs, aiming to replicate her stage show within the Tiny Desk format. [1]
Stage patter adjusted DiRusso says she modified her usual onstage bit describing the plot of School of Rock during rehearsal, because it read as insincere or off-putting. [1]
Album context NPR describes 'Super Pedestrian' as funny, charismatic, bittersweet pop-rock about doomed Gen-Z romance and the distractions of movies, sports, and other diversions. [1]
Future outlook The piece frames the deluxe edition and Tiny Desk debut as part of a trajectory toward a 2026 summer soundtrack. [1]
Who Said What
Annie DiRusso, singer-songwriter: “Usually, when I play shows, I do this whole bit where I tell the plot of School of Rock like it's my life, and then I introduce every member of the band as 'Annie DiRusso.' But when I tried that [in rehearsal], just talking, I just seemed like the biggest a** ever.” [1]
Some Context
Tiny Desk Concert: NPR’s intimate, desk-based performance series that features artists in a stripped-down or creatively arranged setting; this piece highlights DiRusso’s five-song Tiny Desk debut. [1]
Deluxe edition: A reissue of an album that adds bonus tracks and often new packaging or presentation; DiRusso’s project receives one ahead of further touring or promotion. [1]
Super Pedestrian: Annie DiRusso’s album described in the article as a collection of funny, charismatic, bittersweet pop-rock songs about Gen-Z life and distractions. [1]
Gen-Z: The generation referenced in the article’s description of the album’s themes, including romance and contemporary distractions. [1]
Song-of-the-summer sweepstakes: NPR’s 2025 discussion about whether there was a definitive “song of the summer,” context that frames how DiRusso’s music was received that year. [1]
Civil, mature approach with in-laws — Nemzoff, a women's studies scholar and author, says maintaining civility with in-laws can yield support from a larger family; she cites her 2011 house fire where her in-laws helped with insurance and housing and urges calling on one’s most mature self and embracing imperfection. [1]
Unsolicited in-law feedback is common — Seager DeGeare notes that feedback from a partner’s family often predates your arrival and can feel intrusive, even when well-intentioned; couples should balance keeping peace with setting boundaries. [1]
Three-step response to criticism — Seager DeGeare recommends saying thank you, staying open to ideas, and seeking compromise, applying to situations like holiday plans or unannounced visits. [1]
Set boundaries for visits — DeGeare suggests politely communicating limits on unannounced visits, such as asking for a text before someone drops by, to protect family harmony. [1]
Plan holidays with partner — The guidance encourages coordinated scheduling with both families and, if needed, changing traditions to avoid burnout, with a clear explanation to involved relatives. [1]
Agree to disagree on politics — Thomas advises deciding in advance to keep hot-button political topics off the table and, if raised, setting a boundary to avoid disputes. [1]
Who Said What
Ruth Nemzoff, women's studies scholar and author: “The secret, says Nemzoff, is to call 'upon your most mature self' when dealing with your in-laws — 'and embrace the imperfect because life is imperfect.'” [1]
Moraya Seager DeGeare, therapist: “Just say 'thank you.' You don't have to take the advice, but you don't have to be rude about it either.” [1]
Moraya Seager DeGeare, therapist: “Be open minded about what they have to say.” [1]
R. Eric Thomas, writer: “Decide with your partner ahead of time to keep hot-button political topics off the table at family get-togethers.” [1]
Some Context
Dear Prudence: a Slate advice column that answers readers’ questions about personal and family relationships. [1]
Life Kit: NPR program that provides practical, research-based guidance on everyday life topics. [1]
Moraya Seager DeGeare: a therapist who specializes in counseling mixed-race and LGBTQ couples. [1]
Ruth Nemzoff: author of Don’t Roll Your Eyes: Making In-Laws into Family and a noted commentator on cross-family relationships. [1]
R. Eric Thomas: writer who contributes to Slate’s Dear Prudence column and offers relationship-advice perspectives. [1]
NPR Life Kit feature: The NPR Life Kit segment, published August 28, 2022, presents four mobility movements by Vinh Pham to prevent and relieve desk-related chronic pain; the routine takes about 15 minutes daily and aims to improve range of motion and reduce pain over time; Pham is a Los Angeles–based physical therapist and founder of Myodetox, and the piece references his book Sit Up Straight. [1]
Target areas addressed: The movements focus on the neck, shoulders, spine, and lower back to relieve stress from mid-back rounding due to prolonged sitting and to improve spinal flexibility. [1]
The four movements named: The routine includes 3D T-spine rotation, flossing your spine, Split Stance Hip Reach, and Big Toe Extension, each targeting mobility and nervous system comfort to reduce discomfort. [1]
Time and routine guidance: Pham recommends performing these exercises daily, about 15 minutes total, as part of a hygiene-like daily routine to help prevent pain and injury. [1]
Research-backed benefits: An expert cited in the piece notes there is research supporting that adding exercise can decrease chronic pain and that front-to-back body balance is beneficial over time. [1]
Medical safety guidance: Pregnant individuals or those experiencing severe chronic pain should consult a doctor before starting these movements. [1]
Who Said What
Christipher Bise, University of Pittsburgh: “There's [research to support] the decrease in the incidence of chronic pain with the addition of exercise,” says Bise, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences who researches lower back pain and is not affiliated with Pham's book. [1]
Some Context
Vinh Pham: Los Angeles–based physical therapist, founder of Myodetox, and author of Sit Up Straight, cited as the proponent behind the four movements. [1]
3D T-spine rotation: Mobility drill focusing on thoracic spine rotation to counter mid-back stiffness from prolonged sitting; performed with arms raised and torso rotated to each side. [1]
Flossing the spine: Spinal nerve flossing technique that stretches the spine and nerves to reduce irritation and improve range of motion; involves moving the upper body and lengthening the spine. [1]
Split Stance Hip Reach: A hip and hamstring–nerve mobilization exercise using a staggered stance and trunk rotation to protect the lower back. [1]
Big Toe Extension: Toe-mobility exercise with the big toe pressed against a wall and a controlled rocking motion to support gait and reduce plantar fascia strain. [1]
Yearly social-budget planning Identify milestone events for the year and estimate costs using past spending as a baseline; The Knot data shows average wedding guest cost about $580 and being a bridesmaid about $1,900 to help anchor expectations. [1]
Research costs ahead of time Look up travel, lodging, gifts, and attire for upcoming events; For example, a Los Angeles wedding trip might cost around $1,000 for airline tickets for two, $200 for a rental car, $100 for a gift, $200 for outfits, and $400 for a three-night hotel, not counting meals. [1]
Identify cost-cutting options If estimates are high, consider skipping a new suit or crashing on a friend's couch to reduce housing costs; The article notes adjusting travel and activities to fit the budget and reallocating funds as needed. [1]
Decline invitations promptly and graciously Notify the host as soon as possible so they can adjust guest lists; Pair your regret with sincere thanks to acknowledge the invitation and maintain goodwill. [1]
Offer non-attendance involvement If you can’t attend, offer time or planning help, or send a modest gift; Gifts don’t have to equal the cost of attendance and can help preserve relationships. [1]
Discuss finances openly with loved ones Be transparent about budget constraints; Open conversations about money can reduce shame and garner more support for budgeting goals. [1]
Who Said What
Jasmine Ramirez Ibeabuchi, By Any Means Coaching: “Money is emotional.” [1] She adds that if your sister is getting married, I’m doubtful you’re not going to do what you need [financially] to get there.
Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette: “Let that person know as soon as possible.” People may have a second- or third-round invite list and are waiting for RSVPs to come in to see whom else they may potentially have room for. [1]
Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette: “When you offer your note with regrets, make sure to express genuine thanks.” “Just saying how grateful you were to be invited is a nice way to start.” [1]
Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette: “Even if you’re not attending the event in person, consider sending a gift — especially for a wedding.” [1]
Chidozie Ibeabuchi, By Any Means Coaching: “Invitations are negotiable.” If you know you can’t afford to go to every wedding event, talk to the groom or bride about which one the couple would most like you to attend. [1]
Some Context
The Knot: A wedding planning and cost-information site that provides averages on guest costs and bridesmaid expenses used as budgeting references in the article. [1]
By Any Means Coaching: A financial-literacy organization focused on people of color, co-founded by Jasmine Ramirez Ibeabuchi and Chidozie Ibeabuchi. [1]
Beaumont Etiquette: A etiquette consultancy that advises on social behavior, invitations, and hosting norms. [1]
Life Kit (NPR): NPR’s personal-finance and life-skills program that produced the original budgeting guidance in this article. [1]
Traditions can unite and test family bonds: Traditions help pass down cultural values and foster unity, while conflicts, loss, or distance can challenge whether an old ritual still makes sense; NPR Life Kit gathers guidance from a psychologist, a chef, and a spiritual educator on when to opt out and how to reinvent meaningful practices; the discussion emphasizes mindful communication when distancing from a tradition, rather than abrupt withdrawal [1].
Opt out when it feels like obligation: If you’re the only one who cares about maintaining a tradition and it becomes burdensome, you may decide to let it go; the guidance suggests honoring the person or memory in other ways and proposing new forms of participation (e.g., rethinking mom's casserole for Thanksgiving to reduce prep); explanations to loved ones help prevent hurt or confusion [1].
Lack of support or respect may justify withdrawing: Diep Tran describes discomfort as the only openly queer member at family gatherings, prompting therapy and eventual stepping back from events; they later founded the Banh Chung Collective to foster belonging with chosen family during Lunar New Year [1].
Overwhelm and resource constraints can lead to skipping: If travel costs, time, or energy are excessive—such as caring for a newborn or travel concerns—it’s acceptable to delay or skip a holiday gathering and propose a future plan; clear communication about alternatives is encouraged [1].
Create new traditions that address missing elements: Ehime Ora suggests identifying what was lacking in childhood (e.g., cultural connection, extended-family time) and building new rituals around those needs, such as joining a regular creative class to foster community [1].
Align traditions with personal values and avoid perfection: Andrea Bonior recommends choosing practices that express core beliefs (gratitude, helping others) and allowing culture to grow through adaptation rather than exact replication; examples include volunteering or adapting a heritage dish with friends [1].
Who Said What
Andrea Bonior, Psychologist: “If it feels like an obligation. If you find that you're the only one who cares about keeping up a tradition and it starts to feel like a drag, let it go,” she says, adding, “There's a lot of prep work [involved in making this casserole] and I wonder if we could introduce something new.” [1]
Diep Tran, Cookbook author and chef: “I would go to their therapist after these events and ‘spend the next month trying to unpack what happened’,” she explains, noting that she later stopped attending family Lunar New Year parties and helped create a new community-based tradition. [1]
Ehime Ora, Spiritual educator: “What did you not have enough of? A cultural connection? Time spent with extended family? These questions can ‘hint to creating newer, better traditions for yourself.’” [1]
Some Context
Banh Chung Collective — a community of chosen family and friends organized by Diep Tran to celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year beyond the immediate family; represents an instance of reinventing a traditional celebration to fit personal identity and community needs.
Banh Chung — a Vietnamese rice cake with mung beans and pork, traditionally prepared for Lunar New Year; referenced in Tran’s personal history and as part of new communal practices.
Tet / Lunar New Year — the Vietnamese New Year festival during which families typically gather and share traditional foods; used in the article as a backdrop for discussions about evolving customs.
Boundary setting in family relationships — the concept described by the Life Kit guidance as a way to maintain healthy connections while adjusting or leaving traditions that no longer serve someone’s well-being.
Life Kit — NPR’s podcast series that provides practical advice on everyday life topics, including relationships, traditions, and boundaries, as referenced in the article. [1]
Nobel ceremony planned in Oslo Machado plans to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Wednesday; the Nobel Institute confirms her participation, while a Tuesday Oslo press conference was postponed and arrival details were not announced. [1]
Elections described as sham She states Venezuelan elections are a sham that will never remove President Nicolás Maduro, signaling a shift away from peaceful strategies previously associated with achieving change. [1]
Support for U.S. action She backs U.S. military actions against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and has urged American troops to help remove Maduro, linking security actions to political change. [1]
Nobel recognition and debate The Nobel Prize committee awarded her in October 2025 for “her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” a choice that some analysts view as controversial. [1]
Campaign history and González Machado helped lead a campaign that backed Edmundo González, whom opposition tallies said defeated Maduro by more than 2-to-1; González later fled to Spain after a crackdown. [1]
Current status for ceremony Machado remains in Venezuela; the Oslo press conference was postponed, arrival details are unclear, and her family and several presidents are already in Oslo. [1]
Who Said What
David Smilde, Venezuela expert at Tulane University: “Most people interpret the Nobel Peace Prize as (going to) someone who works through peaceful means, and that doesn't fit her very well.” [1]
Ana María Ramos, nutritionist and Venezuelan exile in Bogotá: “She is our Iron Lady.” [1]
Daniel Navarro, Venezuelan exile and organizer of pro-Machado march: “We played by the democratic rules and we won the election.” [1]
Vladimir Villegas, Caracas radio host: “Venezuela has two extremes: Maduro and María Corina.” [1]
Henrique Capriles, opposition lawmaker: “Both are in an all-or-nothing fight.” [1]
Ana Karina García, Venezuelan activist in Colombia: “We don't have any other option in this moment in our country. We need to recuperate liberty in Venezuela.” [1]
Some Context
María Corina Machado: Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2025); long‑time critic of Nicolás Maduro’s government. [1]
Nicolás Maduro: President of Venezuela since 2013; accuses opponents of undermining state institutions. [1]
Edmundo González: Retired diplomat chosen by the opposition as a substitute candidate in the campaign after Machado was barred from running; tallies suggested he defeated Maduro in the election. [1]
Nobel Peace Prize (2025): Prestigious international award recognizing efforts toward peace and democracy, awarded to Machado in October 2025 per the main article. [1]
Gunboat diplomacy: Term used to describe coercive use of naval power or military threats to influence political outcomes; referenced in discussions of U.S. actions and Machado’s stance. [1]
Supreme Court votes 6‑3 to uphold Trump’s firing – On Monday, the Court allowed the Trump administration’s removal of FTC commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter to stand pending further review, a decision that could broaden presidential authority over independent agencies [1].
Slaughter was appointed in 2018, removed in 2024 – Trump appointed Slaughter to a Democratic seat on the FTC in 2018; she was dismissed by the White House in March 2024 without a stated cause, prompting her lawsuit and a lower‑court order to reinstate her [1].
Emergency order keeps Slaughter out of office – The Court issued an emergency order in September 2024 that temporarily removed Slaughter from her commission seat while the merits of her case are considered, a move upheld by a 6‑3 split [2].
Humphrey’s Executor precedent limits presidential removal – The 1935 Supreme Court decision in Humphrey’s Executor held that presidents cannot remove independent‑agency members without cause, a precedent the Court is now questioning [3][4].
Trump has fired Democratic members of other agencies – Since January 2025, Trump has removed officials from the EEOC, MSPB, and CPSC, citing expanded executive power over independent agencies [5][6][7].
Court’s earlier rulings favor single‑director agencies – In 2019 the Court permitted Trump to fire the CFPB director because the agency is run by a single director rather than a multimember board, a rationale the Court has applied to other cases [8][9].
Who Said What
Justice Sonia Sotomayor – Criticized the administration’s argument, saying the move would “destroy the structure of government” and strip Congress of its oversight over independent agencies [1].
Justice Samuel Alito – Asked Solicitor General D. John Sauer to address Sotomayor’s claim, prompting Sauer’s reassurance that “the sky will not fall” and that accountability would prevail [1].
Solicitor General D. John Sauer – Responded to Alito’s question, asserting that the government would move toward accountability to the people [1].
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter – Stated that independence of multimember agencies is essential for decisions based on merits and protecting American interests [1].
James M. Burnham – Argued that no agency is truly independent, claiming removal protections are unconstitutional from the start [1].
Some Context
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – A bipartisan, independent agency established in 1914 that regulates competition and consumer protection; its five commissioners can be removed only for cause.
Humphrey’s Executor – A 1935 Supreme Court case that set the precedent limiting presidential removal of independent‑agency members without cause.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – An independent agency headed by a single director; the Court has ruled that the president may remove its director without cause.
Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) – A federal board that oversees federal employment; Trump has removed its members, citing executive authority.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – A federal agency that enforces civil rights laws; Trump has fired its Democratic members, challenging the Humphrey’s Executor precedent.
Album “Love & Fear” released Dec 5 – The Zac Brown Band dropped the new album on December 5, the same day the group performed its first concert at The Sphere, a large performance venue in Las Vegas. [1]
Brown’s early life marked by mental illness – Brown said both his mother and stepfather suffered from mental illness and that he grew up in and out of battered‑women shelters, a chaotic environment that shaped his later music. [1]
Left home and began performing at 14 – He left home at a young age, playing coffeehouse gigs by fourteen and touring professionally by seventeen, experiences that helped him develop resilience and a sense of purpose. [1]
Music as a coping mechanism – Brown explained that the confusion and need to protect his mother drove him toward music, which became a way to make sense of his surroundings and to channel empathy into his art. [1]
Choir background informs vocal arrangements – A self‑described “choir nerd,” Brown incorporated a 20‑piece choir on the album, especially on the track “Animal,” to create elaborate harmonies that he says bring visceral emotion. [1]
Songs reflect personal history – Tracks such as “Butterfly,” a duet with Dolly Parton, and others draw directly from his dark childhood experiences, illustrating how personal narrative shapes the album’s tone. [1]
Who Said What
Zac Brown – “I grew up in a really crazy environment, in and out of battered women’s shelters… that drove me into music.” He also said, “It gave me my resilience… the level of empathy that I am able to hold… can be kind of crippling in a way, but I think it really serves me well as an artist.” [1]
Zac Brown – “I grew up as a choir nerd… The vocal arrangement for me is always my favorite part.” He added, “When you can wrap the right story with the right melody with the right harmony… that’s how you get that visceral feeling.” [1]
Some Context
The Sphere – A massive, dome‑shaped entertainment venue in Las Vegas where the Zac Brown Band performed its first concert of the tour on the album’s release day.
Battered‑women shelters – Facilities that provide temporary housing and support for women escaping domestic violence; Brown’s family moved in and out of such shelters during his childhood.
Morning Edition – A long‑running NPR radio program that interviewed Brown about his background and the new album.
Choir nerd – A colloquial term Brown uses to describe his passion for choral music and complex vocal harmonies.
20‑piece choir – The large vocal ensemble that Brown collaborated with on the album, notably on the track “Animal,” to create layered harmonies.
Sen. Bill Cassidy proposes HSA funding – Cassidy said at a hearing that Americans without employer insurance should receive cash in a health savings account paired with a high‑deductible plan, aiming to lower costs and empower patients. [4]
Trump supports direct cash to people – In a Truth Social post last month, Trump stated he would only support healthcare that sends money directly back to people. [5]
High‑deductible plans are widespread – Over the past two decades, high‑deductible health plans have become common, with the average single‑worker deductible rising from $300 in 2006 to about $1,700 in 2025. [2], [7]
Medical debt remains high – A 2022 survey found about 100 million Americans carry health‑care debt, most of whom are insured. [9]
High deductibles can worsen outcomes – A study of over 8,000 cancer patients found those with high‑deductible insurance were more likely to die than similar patients without such coverage. [11]
Shopping for care is difficult – Only about 7 % of health‑care spending is for services that can realistically be shopped for, making high‑deductible plans less effective at controlling costs. [10]
Who Said What
Sen. Bill Cassidy – “A patient makes the decision… It empowers the patient to lower the cost.” [4]
Donald Trump – “The only healthcare I will support or approve is sending the money directly back to the people.” [5]
Shawn Gremminger – “The notion was that if a consumer has ‘skin in the game,’ they will be more likely to seek higher‑quality, lower‑cost care… The unfortunate reality is that largely has not been the case.” [6]
Fumiko Chino – “You’re not going to be able to actually do that effectively… and certainly not within the time frame that you would need to when facing a cancer diagnosis.” [12]
Sarah Monroe – “It’s impossible to pay medical bills.” [1]
Some Context
Health Savings Account (HSA) – A tax‑free account that individuals in high‑deductible plans can fund to pay eligible medical expenses.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) – Federal law that provides subsidies for health insurance purchased on state marketplaces.
High‑deductible health plan (HDHP) – Insurance with a deductible that can exceed $7,000 for individuals, often paired with an HSA.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – A managed‑care plan that limits care to a network of providers.
Medical debt – Unpaid bills for health‑care services that remain after insurance coverage.
Alina Habba resigns as New Jersey U.S. attorney – On Monday, 8 Dec 2025, former Trump lawyer Habba announced her resignation from the top federal prosecutor role in New Jersey, citing the need to protect the office’s stability and integrity; she will remain as senior advisor to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys. [1]
Court ruled her appointment unlawful – A three‑judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit last week unanimously determined that Habba had been unlawfully serving as U.S. attorney, disqualifying her from supervising cases. [1]
Prior legal challenges over her status – The appeals decision follows a series of court rulings that U.S. attorneys in Nevada, California and Virginia were not appointed legally, and the New Jersey case had stalled federal proceedings. [1]
Habba’s appointment history – Trump appointed Habba as acting U.S. attorney in March 2025, nominated her for a permanent position, but she failed to secure Senate confirmation; the DOJ then used legal maneuvers to place her back in the role before the court ruling. [1]
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s response – Bondi criticized the court’s decision, stating it made it untenable for Habba to run the office and that judges should not countermand the President’s choice of attorneys; she said the department would seek further review. [5]
Impact on New Jersey prosecutions – The legal dispute over Habba’s status caused delays and disruptions in federal cases across New Jersey, with judges pausing trials aimed at prosecuting violent criminals. [1]
Who Said What
Alina Habba – In her resignation statement, she said the decision would not weaken the Justice Department or her, and that she would stay on as senior advisor to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys. [3]
Attorney General Pam Bondi – She criticized the appeals court ruling, saying it made it untenable for Habba to run the office and that judges should not countermand the President’s choice of attorneys, and that the department would seek further review. [5]
Some Context
U.S. Attorney – The chief federal prosecutor for a judicial district, responsible for overseeing federal criminal and civil cases.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit – The federal appellate court that reviews decisions from district courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands.
Attorney General – The head of the U.S. Department of Justice, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Senate confirmation – The process by which the U.S. Senate approves presidential appointments to key federal positions.
DOJ – The U.S. Department of Justice, the federal agency that enforces federal laws and oversees U.S. Attorneys.
The Antidote — Russell's pick Karen Russell's The Antidote is the novel of the year, set in Nebraska and framed by two weather catastrophes: the Black Sunday dust storm on April 14, 1935, and the Republican River flood a month later; the central character is a 'Prairie Witch' who heals customers by holding 'whatever they can't stand to know'; Russell's writing invites readers to view history more fully and emphasizes immigration, land grabs, and aspiration. [1]
Buckeye — Ohio historical epic Buckeye is a historical novel set in Ohio from pre-World War II to the end of the 20th century; it follows two married couples whose lives intersect through events and coincidences; its opening scene shows Margaret Salt entering a hardware store and demanding the radio, signaling wartime upheaval; the author uses this to illustrate how contingency shapes lives across wartime and postwar periods. [1]
Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny — Desai's new novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny follows Sonia, a Vermont college student homesick for India and dealing with depression, and Sunny, who has left India for New York and fears his mother; the multi-stranded plot moves from Delhi and New York to Italy, Goa, and Mexico, weaving exile, displacement, and a tangled love story into a broad meditation on identity; Desai's work is described as a novel of ideas wrapped in a sprawling narrative. [1]
Heart the Lover — narrative structure Heart the Lover, by Lily King, is described as both a prequel and a sequel to Writers & Lovers, featuring a triangular love story in a 1980s college English class; the main character, Jordan, a working-class student with literary ambitions, becomes involved with two male students in sequence; the structure is praised for its ingenuity and emotional charge; the Ferrante quote about 'velocity with which life is consumed' is cited to underscore the book's momentum. [1]
Gertrude Stein — An Afterlife Francesca Wade's Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife explores Stein's childhood and Paris years, followed by an analysis of her relationship with Alice B. Toklas and the later circle of admirers who helped solidify Stein's posthumous reputation; the book reconsiders Stein's place in 20th-century literary history and revises common narratives. [1]
Mother Mary Comes to Me — Roy's memoir Arundhati Roy's Mother Mary Comes to Me traces the mother–daughter bond and Roy's complex relationship with her mother, a beloved teacher who founded a school in India; the book details a mix of affection and conflict across Roy's life and career, with lyrical storytelling that holds contradictions. [1]
Bread of Angels — expansion of Just Kids Patti Smith's Bread of Angels expands on Just Kids by exploring paternity, sexuality, and a fourteen-year marriage to Fred "Sonic" Smith; it also covers her decision to step back from performing and settle in Michigan, and the creation of 'Because the Night' with Bruce Springsteen; the memoir reflects on illumination versus ambition in Smith's life. [1]
Dark Renaissance — Marlowe's rival era Stephen Greenblatt's Dark Renaissance examines Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare's contemporary and rival, tracing his role in the development of blank verse and his rumored espionage; the book also covers Marlowe's murder at age 29 and places him within the political and artistic context of the English Renaissance. [1]
Last Seen — slavery ads as windows Judith Giesberg's Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery analyzes the Information Wanted ads hosted on informationwanted.org and offers close readings of ten notices to illuminate the lived experience of slavery; she notes the low probability of reunion, with an estimated 2% success rate, and frames the ads as portals into memory and daily life under slavery. [1]
A Marriage at Sea — four months adrift Sophie Elmhirst's A Marriage at Sea recounts Maurice and Maralyn Bailey's four months adrift after their wooden sloop was sunk by a whale in 1972; the narrative relies on Maralyn's diary to reconstruct the voyage and blends adventure with a meditation on partnership and resilience under extreme conditions. [1]
Who Said What
Karen Russell, author: “The central character here is a so-called 'Prairie Witch' who heals her customers by holding 'whatever they can't stand to know.'” [1]
Elena Ferrante, author: “velocity with which life [is] consumed.” [1]
Wyndham Lewis, critic: “a cold, black suet-pudding ... the same heavy, sticky, opaque mass all through.” [1]
Virginia Woolf, author: “For we think back through our mothers if we are women.” [1]
Patti Smith, musician/author: “the desire for illumination eclipsed that of ambition.” [1]
Judith Giesberg, historian: “the 'success rate of these advertisements may have been as low as 2%.'” [1]
Some Context
Prairie Witch — A central figure in Karen Russell’s The Antidote, described as a healer who confronts clients with what they cannot bear to know, used as a lens to examine historical memory.
Black Sunday — The dust storm on April 14, 1935, a defining event of the Dust Bowl in the U.S. Midwest that features in The Antidote.
Republican River flood — A major flood occurring about a month after the Black Sunday storm, also central to The Antidote’s framing.
Information Wanted (informationwanted.org) — An online database of newspaper ads placed by enslaved people seeking family, central to Judith Giesberg’s Last Seen.
Maurice and Maralyn Bailey — The British couple whose four-month voyage after a whale collision provides the core narrative of Sophie Elmhirst’s A Marriage at Sea.
NPR's 2025 Books We Love – NPR’s staff highlight eight standout fiction titles from the year as part of its broader Books We Love guide, noting a mix of romance, fantasy, and sci-fi among more than 200 titles featured. [1]
Atmosphere centers NASA shuttle drama – Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere chronicles a 1980s NASA space shuttle catastrophe from Mission Control, with a flashback to the years leading up to the mission to reveal the astronauts’ paths. [1]
The Dream Hotel critiques surveillance – Laila Lalami’s novel imagines a world where an AI pre-crime algorithm flags risks, prompting detention at an airport and a critique of surveillance capitalism. [1]
The Everlasting explores time loops – Alix E. Harrow’s book follows a repeating story between a scholar and a mythical knight, framed as a meditation on mythmaking and nationalism, with a central love story. [1]
Great Big Beautiful Life blends romance and family – Emily Henry’s novel centers a journalist competing for a biography contract while navigating personal and professional tensions on a Georgia coast island. [1]
The South examines family and crisis – Tash Aw’s coming-of-age novel set in late-1990s Malaysia during the Asian financial crisis follows a teenager and his divided family. [1]
Who Said What
Jenna Molster (Rights and Permissions manager) on Atmosphere: described the book as one of Reid’s best, noting its complex, high-stakes portrayal of NASA’s shuttle program and its focus on sexism, LGBTQ relationships, and found family. [1]
Emily Kwong (host, Short Wave) on The Dream Hotel: praised Lalami’s incisive world-building of pre-crime surveillance and its parallels to contemporary society, calling the novel instructive for navigating mass surveillance. [1]
Kalyani Saxena (Asia editor, WBUR) on The Everlasting: highlighted the book’s sharp examination of storytelling, nationalism, and a doomed-to-repeat love story. [1]
Rachel Baye (NPR Politics Podcast editor) on Great Big Beautiful Life: framed as a romance novel with family secrets and betrayal, set against seaside competition and professional stakes. [1]
Melissa Gray (Senior Producer, Weekend Edition) on King of Ashes: described it as a Southern crime drama about family loyalty and a crematorium business amid gang conflict. [1]
Vincent Ni (Asia editor, International Desk) on The South: noted the Malaysian family drama’s generational tensions and class issues during the late-1990s financial crisis. [1]
Some Context
AI “pre-crime” algorithm: a fictional system predicting potential criminal futures, used here to explore privacy, bias, and civil liberties in a surveillance-heavy society.
Panem and Hunger Games universe: a fictional dystopia where annual games determine political power and social order, referenced to situate Sunrise on the Reaping-like narratives in past débats (not in the main list but part of the broader franchise context).
Asian financial crisis (1997): a real historical event affecting many Southeast Asian economies, providing the backdrop for The South’s family and societal tensions.
Time loop narrative: a storytelling device in The Everlasting where events repeat, challenging notions of fate and agency within mythic histories.
Crematorium as a plot element: a family business focus in King of Ashes illustrating how a grim livelihood intersects with crime and loyalty narratives.
Attorney General orders arrest: On Monday, Honduras Attorney General Johel Zelaya instructed authorities to enforce a 2023 arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, and requested Interpol to carry out the order. [1]
Hernández pardoned and released: Trump granted a pardon to Hernández last week, leading to his release from a U.S. federal prison where he had been sentenced to 45 years for drug trafficking. [1]
2023 arrest warrant details: The warrant, signed by a Supreme Court magistrate, targets alleged fraud and money‑laundering charges and specifies execution if Hernández is freed by U.S. authorities. [1]
Pandora case backdrop: The arrest relates to the Pandora case, in which prosecutors allege that Honduran officials funneled public funds through NGOs to political parties, including Hernández’s 2013 campaign. [1]
Political reactions: Hernández’s lawyer, Renato Stabile, called the move a political tactic by the ruling LIBRE party to intimidate the former president, while Hernández’s wife said he was in an undisclosed safe location after release. [1]
Election context: The arrest request comes amid Honduras’s pending presidential election, where Trump’s endorsement of Nasry Asfura could influence Hernández’s potential return to power. [1]
Who Said What
Johel Zelaya (Attorney General) said he ordered the arrest and requested Interpol after Trump announced the pardon.
Renato Stabile (Hernández’s lawyer) described the arrest as a “political move” by the LIBRE party and claimed the charges were baseless.
Hernández’s wife stated that her husband was in an undisclosed location for his safety following his release.
Donald Trump said Hondurans had requested the pardon and that he believed Hernández had been unfairly treated by prosecutors.
Some Context
Interpol – The International Criminal Police Organization that facilitates cooperation among law‑enforcement agencies worldwide.
LIBRE party – Honduras’s social‑democratic political party that currently holds the presidency.
Pandora case – Alleged scheme in which public funds were allegedly diverted through NGOs to political parties, including Hernández’s 2013 campaign.
Supreme Court magistrate – The judge who signed the 2023 arrest warrant for Hernández.
Nasry Asfura – Former mayor of Tegucigalpa and Trump‑endorsed candidate running for president in Honduras’s upcoming election.
Paramount makes all-cash bid Paramount Global has offered an all-cash bid valued at $108 billion to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, Warner Bros. Studios, and CNN; the move aims to surpass Netflix's earlier $83 billion deal for Warner assets, and if Netflix's deal proceeds, CNN and other cable channels would be spun off. [1]
Ellison-led Paramount Global Ellison-led Paramount Global is controlled by Larry Ellison and his son David, who took over Paramount this summer; the group includes CBS, Paramount Studios, and the Paramount+ streaming service; they launched the bid to compete with Netflix. [1]
Warner's Zaslav pressured to sell Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav faced Paramount's unsolicited bid earlier this year and ultimately put the company on the block. [1]
Paramount accuses Warner of stalling Paramount executives on an investor conference call said Warner Bros. Discovery never engaged meaningfully with its six proposals. [1]
Sarandos anticipates counterbid Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told investors he expected a counterbid and was unfazed, saying, "We're super confident we're going to get it across the line and finish." [1]
Trump ties and regulatory notes Paramount's ties to President Trump—Larry Ellison as donor and adviser, David Ellison's CBS hires to appear less adversarial to Trump, and Bari Weiss leading CBS News—could influence regulatory scrutiny; Trump criticized 60 Minutes coverage and posted about Paramount on Truth Social. [1]
Who Said What
Ted Sarandos, Netflix: “We’re super confident we’re going to get it across the line and finish.” [1]
Donald Trump, Truth Social: “My real problem with the show, however, wasn't the low IQ traitor, it was that the new ownership of 60 Minutes, Paramount, would allow a show like this to air.” [1]
Donald Trump, Truth Social: “THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME!” [1]
Some Context
Paramount Global: The media company at the center of the bid, owning CBS, Paramount Studios, Paramount+, and related assets; led by David Ellison with backing from Larry Ellison.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD): The target company, created from the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery; owns HBO, Warner Bros. Studios, CNN, among others.
Bari Weiss and Free Press: Weiss, founder of Free Press, took over CBS News as editor in chief, representing a shift in CBS News leadership.
Truth Social: Social media platform founded by former President Donald Trump, used here to reference Trump’s public statements about media coverage.
Lawsuit filed by twelve agents Twelve FBI agents who were fired this year for kneeling during the June 2020 George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C., filed a federal lawsuit in Washington on Monday alleging unlawful retaliation; the suit cites First Amendment rights to free association and Fifth Amendment right to due process and seeks reinstatement and back pay [1][2].
Patel accused of retaliation The filing states that after FBI Director Kash Patel joined the Bureau this year, he began targeting the agents involved in the kneeling incident for retaliation; several plaintiffs were removed from supervisory roles and an internal investigation was launched; the firing occurred in September, bypassing standard misconduct procedures [1].
Firing occurred under expedited procedures The dismissal happened while the internal probe was still pending, shortcutting typical procedures for FBI misconduct investigations and prompting questions about the process, according to court papers [1].
Kneeling described as de-escalation Court papers state the kneeling occurred as a de-escalation tactic against volatile crowds near the National Archives building during protests over George Floyd's death; the agents say they lacked riot gear and training for crowd control and argued the action was not a political statement [1].
Operational disruptions cited The firing disrupted important work, including evidence collection in Utah related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination and efforts connected with public-safety initiatives, with plaintiffs arguing the firings hindered investigations [1][4].
Legal claims and response The suit alleges First Amendment free association and Fifth Amendment due process violations; the plaintiffs seek reinstatement and back pay; the FBI declined to comment on pending litigation; a 2024 DOJ inspector general review found no misconduct in the episode [1][3].
Who Said What
Mary Dohrmann, Washington Litigation Group: “Mindful of the potentially catastrophic consequences, Plaintiffs knew that a split-second misjudgment by any of them could ignite an already-charged national climate and trigger further violence and unrest.” [1]
Some Context
Kash Patel – FBI Director The lawsuit centers on actions attributed to Patel after he became FBI Director this year; he is portrayed as directing the retaliation against the kneeling agents.
DOJ Office of Inspector General (DOJ OIG) The DOJ OIG conducted a review of the incident in 2024 and concluded there was no misconduct, a finding cited in the case background. [3]
First Amendment – free association One of the constitutional claims argues that the agents’ right to freely associate with groups or causes was violated by their firing.
Fifth Amendment – due process The suit also asserts a due-process violation, alleging the agents were not given proper process before termination.
Charlie Kirk The lawsuit notes that the firings occurred amid broader political developments, including events surrounding conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah; that context is referenced through linked reporting. [4]
Reintroduction goal and outcomes In Yellowstone National Park, park rangers released grey wolves to restore the ecosystem and curb elk herbivory that had damaged plant communities; the narrative framed this as a success, but the article cautions that outcomes may not be fully attributable to wolves alone; the discussion is presented as part of a broader ecological assessment and is tied to NPR's Short Wave [1].
Questioning simple causality of wolves The piece notes that changes in Yellowstone’s ecosystem may not be solely due to wolves, urging a more nuanced view of ecological interactions; it points to other environmental dynamics that influence vegetation recovery and wildlife populations as wolves return; the narrative invites listeners to consider multiple factors in ecosystem recovery rather than a single actor [1].
Broader factors beyond wolves The article suggests multiple drivers behind ecological shifts, including factors beyond predator restoration, requiring careful analysis before attributing changes directly to wolves; it emphasizes the ongoing, nuanced nature of the discussion rather than a settled consensus; the content frames the Yellowstone case as a potential guide or caution for future reintroductions [1].
Implications for other reintroductions The Yellowstone story may influence wolf reintroduction efforts elsewhere by shaping management goals and public expectations; it underscores how the framing of the narrative can affect policy, funding, and the perceived success of reintroduction programs [1].
Publication and format context The piece is part of NPR's Short Wave, described as an encore discussion accompanying the online article published around Dec 7, 2025; it uses expert perspectives to explore the ecosystem changes and the complexity of attributing them to wolves; the program frames the topic as a case study about narrative influence on conservation decisions [1].
Who Said What
No direct quotes were included in the article.
Some Context
Grey wolves (Canis lupus): The predator species reintroduced to Yellowstone to help regulate the elk population and influence the ecosystem dynamics discussed in the piece [1].
Trophic cascade: A ecological concept describing how predators influence ecosystem structure by affecting prey populations and subsequent vegetation and species interactions [1].
Elk: The primary herbivore in Yellowstone whose populations and grazing pressure were central to the wolves’ perceived ecological impact [1].
Short Wave: NPR’s podcast series that frames and discusses science-oriented stories in a concise format, including the Yellowstone wolf narrative [1].
Yellowstone National Park: The U.S. national park at the center of the study of wolves, elk, and ecosystem changes discussed in the article [1].
150 participants at the 15th Portland Krampuslauf On December 5, 2025, about 150 Krampuses and fans gathered in Portland, Oregon, for the fifteenth annual Krampuslauf parade, the night before a Krampus-themed photo shoot at Fressen Bakery; attendees wore horns and antlers, and some handed out candy rather than scaring children. [1]
Fressen Bakery hosted Krampus photo shoot Fressen Artisan Bakery in Portland hosted a Krampus photo shoot with an Alpine forest backdrop; families with kids and dogs lined up for portraits; the bakery served pfeffernüsse and stollen as part of the event; the photo shoot occurred the night before the parade. [1]
Historical roots described by folklorist Folklorist Sarah Clegg explains that medieval Europe featured chaotic year-end processions with antlers and door-to-door demands for treats, and by the late 1800s Krampus became a widely recognized figure aided by merchandise and Krampus postcards produced in places like Salzburg. [1]
U.S. pop-culture revival of Krampus Clegg notes that Krampus now appears in books, a horror film, and regional events—from San Antonio to Des Moines—reflecting renewed interest in the creature in the United States. [1]
Parade founder Arun Ragan began the event Arun Joseph Ragan started the Portland Krampuslauf more than 15 years ago and continues to organize the parade, guiding the Krampus song and the procession as part of the winter-season tradition. [1]
Seasonal mood and sunset The event unfolds as daylight shortens in December, with the NPR piece noting sunset around 4:30 pm and a framing of embracing the darkness rather than avoiding it. [1]
Who Said What
Edgar Loesch, Fressen Artisan Bakery owner: “You go to bed, and then suddenly at some point you hear like somebody shuffling outside a bedroom door, scratching on the door.” [1]
Sarah Clegg, folklorist: “They are putting on antlers, going door to door, demanding treats. I mean, they're demanding money and alcohol,” [1]
Sarah Clegg, folklorist: “There's sexy Krampus cards. There's adult lady Krampus with a very big whip … and sort of debonair, handsome topless Krampus,” [1]
Sarah Clegg, folklorist: “In medieval Europe, the end of the year was a chaotic, spooky season — it even included something like an early version of trick-or-treating.” [1]
Arun Joseph Ragan, Krampuslauf organizer: “To make peace with winter, and with the spirit of winter, by inviting it to your party — so it does not sneak up behind you because you have failed to acknowledge it.” [1]
Some Context
Krampus: A horned, demon-like figure from Alpine folklore who acts as a dark counterpart to Santa Claus, traditionally punishing misbehaving children.
Krampuslauf: A street procession or parade where participants dress as Krampus and move through a town, often coinciding with the Christmas season.
Pfeffernüsse: German spice cookies commonly enjoyed during Christmas markets and holiday gatherings.
Stollen: A fruit bread with marzipan, traditionally associated with Christmas in Germany.
Saturnalia: An ancient pre-Christian Roman festival in late December that influenced winter celebrations and festive customs later incorporated into Christmas traditions.
Trump hosts Kennedy Center Honors On Sunday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump hosted the ceremony, becoming the first sitting president to do so after naming himself chair of the center's board, and he said he was closely involved with selecting the honorees. [1]
Honorees include KISS and others Honorees for 2025 included the rock band KISS along with Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, and Michael Crawford; Ace Frehley, the band's former guitarist, had died earlier in October. [1]
Tributes largely non-political Presenters focused on personal remembrances; Kurt Russell recalled Stallone's work on Tango and Cash; Kelsey Grammer praised Trump's investment in revitalizing the Kennedy Center; Vince Gill performed "Troubadour" for Strait with Brooks & Dunn and Miranda Lambert; Elle King performed "I Will Survive" for Gaynor. [1]
Trump remarks from stage From the stage, Trump called the event "the greatest evening at the Kennedy Center" and joked about renaming the building; He asserted involvement in selecting honorees and closed by urging attendees to go home safely. [1]
Investigation and response In November, Senate Democrats opened an investigation into Trump's handling of the Kennedy Center, citing alleged cronyism and corruption; Kennedy Center ambassador Richard Grenell said the accusations were false. [1]
Broadcast date announced CBS is set to broadcast the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 23. [1]
Who Said What
Donald Trump, President: “This is the greatest evening at the Kennedy Center.” [1]
Paul Stanley, KISS: “We can mourn him, and celebrate what we accomplished.” [1]
Kelsey Grammer, Actor: “The word is, it was pretty much falling down.” [1]
Richard Grenell, Kennedy Center ambassador: “Accusations false.” [1]
Some Context
Kennedy Center Honors: A U.S. national performing arts awards event recognizing lifetime contributions to American culture, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Ace Frehley: Former lead guitarist of KISS who died in October 2025, referenced in the coverage of the honorees.
Richard Grenell: Former U.S. ambassador to Germany; named Kennedy Center ambassador, a role noted in coverage of the event.
KISS: American rock band formed in New York City in 1973, known for theatrical makeup and stage shows; a major honoree at the ceremony.
Cronyism and corruption: Terms referenced in the November Senate Democrats’ investigation into the Kennedy Center’s governance and handling.
Nominations announced by Wayans and Marshall Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall presented the nominees for the 83rd Golden Globes this morning; you can watch the announcement above and read the full list below; the nominations cover both film and television categories; the ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 11, with Nikki Glaser hosting. [1]
Ceremony date and host The Golden Globes ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 11, and Nikki Glaser will host. [1]
Best motion picture – drama nominees Frankenstein (Netflix) is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, along with Hamnet (Focus Features); It Was Just an Accident (Neon), The Secret Agent (Neon), Sentimental Value (Neon), and Sinners (Warner Bros.) complete the category. [1]
Best motion picture – musical or comedy nominees Blue Moon (Sony Pictures Classics) is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy; Bugonia (Focus Features) and Marty Supreme (A24) are also nominees; No Other Choice (Neon), Nouvelle Vague (Netflix), and One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.) round out the category. [1]
Best motion picture – animated nominees Arco (Neon) is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Animated; Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle (Aniplex, Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment) and Elio (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) are also nominees; KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix), Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (GKIDS), and Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) complete the category. [1]
Best non-English language nominees It Was Just an Accident (Neon) represents France; No Other Choice (Neon) represents South Korea; The Secret Agent (Neon) represents Brazil; Sentimental Value (Neon) represents Norway; Sirāt (Neon) represents Spain; The Voice of Hind Rajab (Willa) represents Tunisia. [1]
Who Said What
No quotes reported in the source.
Some Context
HFPA (Hollywood Foreign Press Association): The organization that selects and presents the Golden Globes, a major U.S. awards event covering film and television across multiple categories.
Neon: An independent film distributor responsible for several Neon-titled nominations in the list, including It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and others.
GKIDS: A distributor known for releasing animated and adult-animated titles; involved in the Little Amélie or the Character of Rain nomination.
Aniplex: A Japanese entertainment company that co-produced Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle, reflected in the animated film nomination.
Apple Original Films: The film distribution arm of Apple, noted here in relation to F1’s nomination in the box-office/cinematic achievement category.
Aging alters alcohol metabolism As people reach middle age, liver enzymes that break down alcohol become less efficient. Muscle mass often declines, reducing body water that helps dilute alcohol. Consequently, alcohol remains in the bloodstream longer and its effects may be stronger. [1]
Perimenopause can intensify effects For many women, hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can worsen mood swings and sleep disruption when drinking. Alcohol is a depressant and can amplify baseline anxiety and irritability. These effects may be more noticeable when other menopausal symptoms are present. [1]
Risks rise with age Clinicians say the risks of drinking rise with age, including higher cancer risk, liver disease, and worsened blood pressure, as well as memory problems and falls. They emphasize proactive conversations about reducing intake for people in their 50s and 60s. Such conversations can influence health outcomes in later decades. [1]
Alcohol is a carcinogen John Thrul notes that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. Each drink increases cancer risk across multiple cancer types. The healthiest option remains abstaining, but reducing intake can still offer benefits. [1]
Practical holiday guidance During holiday gatherings, try alternating drinks with mocktails or non-alcoholic options. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can help hydration and metabolism. Even small reductions in intake can yield noticeable health benefits. [1]
Open clinician conversations matter Clinicians report that proactive conversations about alcohol use in people in their 50s and 60s can significantly influence health and wellbeing in their 80s and 90s. These talks encourage mindful consumption and may lead to longer-term health benefits. [1]
Who Said What
Dr. Monica Christmas, University of Chicago Medicine: “You are not alone... I am in that age range too and absolutely, [drinks] need to be spread out or it's all going to go straight to my head and I will need to sleep half the day away the next day.” [1]
Johannes Thrul, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: “Every drink you have essentially increases your cancer risk for multiple types of cancer.” [1]
Johannes Thrul, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: “What this means is that the same drink that previously maybe felt just fine now leads to a higher blood alcohol level.” [1]
Dr. Ken Koncilja, Cleveland Clinic: “These conversations about alcohol use — being proactive in people in their 50s and 60s — has a huge impact on their health and wellbeing when they're in their 80s and 90s.” [1]
Dr. Monica Christmas, University of Chicago Medicine: “Alcohol already is known to be a depressant.” [1]
Some Context
Group 1 carcinogen: A category used by health authorities for substances with sufficient evidence of causing cancer; alcohol is listed here, comparable in risk category to tobacco and asbestos. [Explanation]
Perimenopause: The transitional phase before menopause characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood, sleep, and other symptoms. [Explanation]
Blood alcohol level: A measure of the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream, used to gauge intoxication and impairment. [Explanation]
Mocktails: Non-alcoholic beverages designed to mimic cocktails, often used to reduce alcohol intake while maintaining social rituals. [Explanation]
Geriatrician: A physician who specializes in medical care for older adults, focusing on multiple chronic conditions, functional ability, and quality of life. [Explanation]