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Today’s top stories
Supreme Court takes up FTC removal case
The Supreme Court will hear arguments today in a case that could reshape the independence of federal agencies and broaden presidential removal power. The dispute centers on whether President Trump can remove Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission, after the White House notified her in March that she was being removed for not aligning with the administration’s priorities.
A lower court sided with Slaughter, citing the 1935 decision Humphrey’s Executor, which limits the president’s ability to remove commissioners except for cause specified by law. The Trump administration contends that precedent was wrong from the start. Slaughter and her supporters warn that overturning those protections could destabilize independent agencies that Congress has created over the last nine decades.
Senate to vote on extending ACA tax credits
Senators are scheduled to vote Thursday on a Democratic plan to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. Those expanded tax credits are due to expire at month’s end. Democrats say the extension would prevent sudden insurance cost hikes; Republicans are split, with some backing extensions and others pushing for income caps or eligibility reforms.
The measure is not expected to clear the 60-vote threshold to advance. House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to introduce a separate health-care bill this week and promise a vote this month, but he is not negotiating with Democrats. The White House has not publicly endorsed a bipartisan deal. Lawmakers from both parties say swift negotiation is needed to avoid steep premium increases next month.
Zelenskyy meets European leaders in London
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in London to meet leaders from Britain, France and Germany as European capitals seek a role in talks with the U.S. over an American-backed proposal to end Russia’s war. Kyiv has asked for changes, arguing parts of the plan favor Moscow.
European leaders hope to show continued strong support for Ukraine amid concern over shifts in U.S. foreign policy. A recent U.S. national security document that criticized immigration in Europe and signaled openness to far-right parties drew praise from the Kremlin and prompted unease among European allies.
Cost of living: why computers are getting cheaper
NPR’s Cost of Living series looks at what’s driving price changes. While many everyday items have grown more expensive, personal computers have become more affordable. For example, an entry-level MacBook Pro is about $200 cheaper than a comparable model five years ago.
Why the drop? Advances in semiconductor technology—long described by Moore’s Law—have steadily increased computing power while lowering cost. Chips added to many device types have driven widespread price declines: a 55-inch OLED TV that cost over $10,000 in 2013 can now be found for under $1,000. Experts caution, however, that Moore’s Law is slowing as transistor sizes approach physical limits, which could temper future cost reductions.
Today’s listen
The Throughline podcast explores chocolate’s long history, from its origins in the pre‑Columbus Americas to modern cultural and medical stories. If you’re warming up with a holiday movie and a cup of cocoa, this episode traces how chocolate became a global staple and cultural touchstone.
3 things to know before you go
1. A NASA-led study suggests reflected light from the growing number of satellites could compromise over 95% of images taken by some space telescopes within the next decade.
2. Rafael Ithier, founder of the salsa ensemble El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died at 99. He spent more than six decades building the group into a leading force in Latin music.
3. In the film Rosemead, Lucy Liu portrays an ailing mother who takes extreme steps to protect her troubled teen. Liu discussed cultural taboos around mental health in immigrant families with Morning Edition.
This edition was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.