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As we speak’s high tales
President Trump introduced yesterday that the U.S. Navy will spend billions of taxpayer {dollars} per ship to construct a brand new class of warships named after him. The press occasion, the place he spoke concerning the plan, got here just a few days after a Trump-led board voted to place his identify on the Kennedy Middle.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio listens to President Trump announce the U.S. Navy’s new Golden Fleet initiative, unveiling a brand new class of warships, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Seashore, Florida, on Dec. 22, 2025.
Andrew Canallero-Reynolds/AFP through Getty Photographs
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Andrew Canallero-Reynolds/AFP through Getty Photographs
- 🎧 The president mentioned that his administration would begin by constructing two of those new battleships, which he says may have nuclear missile functionality, NPR’s Quil Lawrence tells Up First. He mentioned manufacturing would ramp as much as produce extra of those ships. The president did not present a selected timeframe for any of the manufacturing. Throughout yesterday’s press occasion, Trump mentioned how U.S. forces are chasing after a 3rd huge oil tanker. The administration’s actions towards oil tankers stay uncharted territory, and the president wasn’t centered on these particulars throughout his speech, Lawrence mentioned.
A federal choose has dominated that the deportations of over 100 Venezuelans to El Salvador have been unlawful. U.S. District Choose James Boasberg dominated that the federal government violated due course of and decided that the boys are entitled to a listening to. Earlier this 12 months, the U.S. deported quite a few males to a jail in El Salvador after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Boasberg’s ruling comes as the brand new head of CBS Information, Bari Weiss, stopped the community from broadcasting interviews with former detainees on 60 Minutes over the weekend.
- 🎧 Boasberg ordered the administration to return the boys to the U.S. or present due course of hearings overseas, although it’s unclear how the federal government would facilitate that, NPR’s Ximena Bustillo says. Whereas the federal government will possible attraction the choice, legal professionals for the Venezuelans argue the ruling makes it clear that the federal government can’t ship folks off to a brutal overseas jail with out due course of. The boys are again in Venezuela after 4 months within the Salvadoran jail. They’ve reported to NPR and different shops concerning the poor vitamin, unsanitary circumstances and sexual abuse they skilled whereas imprisoned.
Greater than a dozen workers members are leaving Heritage Basis, the influential conservative assume tank behind Mission 2025. The previous workers are becoming a member of a bunch that former Vice President Mike Pence based. This marks a division inside the Republican Social gathering as it really works to find out who ought to symbolize the political motion and what it ought to stand for.
- 🎧 Pence’s Advancing American Freedom has been a comparatively small group, however it’s working to increase into a bigger management function, says NPR’s Sarah McCammon. The group’s president, Tim Chapman, says it’s working to outline the way forward for conservatism and hopes to bolster help for conventional ideas, reminiscent of free commerce and a much less isolationist overseas coverage. In the meantime, Heritage Basis stays a big and influential group.
Life recommendation
Socializing might make you are feeling awkward, however avoiding awkwardness can hinder your skill to have enjoyable and make connections this vacation season. Psychologists Ali Mattu and Fallon Goodman shared suggestions with Life Package on how you can degree up your small discuss recreation and apply social braveness. So, earlier than you bail in your group potluck or workplace celebration, take a look at this comedian showcasing their recommendation.
- 💬 Begin constructing a each day routine of low-stakes socializing, like speaking to a cashier, classmate or coworker.
- 💬 Strive setting small objectives like speaking to at least one individual or asking two questions. It’s also possible to create an escape plan and provides your self an exit technique to go away if you actually need to.
- 💬 Put your cellphone away. our screens could be a security habits that retains us from connecting with others.
For extra on how you can work along with your social anxiousness, hearken to this episode of NPR’s Life Package. Subscribe to the Life Package publication for professional recommendation on love, cash, relationships and extra.
Image present
Rafael López / Roaring Brook Press
After his mother died, Kevin Maillard questioned, “Where did she go?” He wrote about his confusion in his new children’ e-book, And They Stroll On, which Rafael López illustrates. The e-book follows just a little boy whose grandmother has died. The kid then wonders the place somebody goes after they stroll on. Maybe they’re within the backyard watering herbs or heading to the market to purchase melons. The story begins with muted illustrations in impartial colours. Then, because the little boy begins to recollect his grandmother, the colours turn into brighter and extra vivid. See how the e-book’s illustrations use coloration to inform a narrative. It’s also possible to hearken to Maillard and López talk about the inventive choices they made or learn the transcript right here.
3 issues to know earlier than you go
Dr. Tyler Jorgensen units “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on a document participant at Dell Seton Medical Middle in Austin Texas. He makes use of vinyl information as a type of music remedy for palliative care sufferers.
Lorianne Willett/KUT Information
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Lorianne Willett/KUT Information
- The ATX-VINyL program brings music to the bedsides of sufferers dealing with difficult diagnoses and coverings. The Texas physician who conceived this system says listening to vinyl music helps raise heavy moments for households.
- Kansas lawmakers permitted a significant tax incentives package deal yesterday, serving to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs construct a brand new $3 billion domed stadium within the state and transfer the workforce from Missouri. (through KCUR)
- Trump just lately embraced kei vehicles, tiny autos standard in Asia that stay uncommon within the U.S. Kei automobile fans are delighted by the endorsement, however they doubt that a lot will change, because the autos fail to satisfy particular U.S. security necessities.
This text was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.