H-1B visas face uncertainty during Trump’s 2nd term. And the perfect mashed potatoes

On December 26, 2024By Littum

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Today’s top stories

Scientific research in the United States relies heavily on foreign-born scientists, who include more than half a million working under temporary visas. During President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in the White House, these visas became more difficult to obtain—and are likely to face renewed scrutiny in his second term.

Former President Donald Trump leaves the courtroom after being found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30 in New York City.

The H-1B visa, the most common for working scientists, has been called a secret weapon because it allows universities and tech companies to hire top talent from around the worldNPR’s Jon Hamilton reports First up. Three months into Trump’s first term, he unveiled a plan to limit work visas, specifically the H-1B. In 2020, he temporarily suspended new H-1B visas. The Biden administration reversed these changes. Some tech companies like Box do it that way these visas are good for the economy.

Ukraine’s army has been struggling to slow Russia’s eastward advance. As Ukraine suffers from a labor shortage, the country is increasingly dependent on unmanned aerial attack drones. NPR’s Brian Mann visited a secret drone command post near the front lines in Pokrovsk.

At the command post, Mann watched teams coordinate attacks, which he described as terrifying to watch, across a vast battlefield. In addition, he visited a workshop where technicians built drones, the size of a small lawnmower, and repaired some using 3D printers. The use of these drones can have a significant impact. The Institute for the Study of War did an analysis and found that Russia is losing a large number of soldiers. In a two-week period earlier this month, Russia lost 3,000 soldiers in the Pokrovsk area.

Scientists add thousands of new species to the scientific record every year. This year’s additions include clouded tiger cats, a frog and an orchid.

It took over a decade for a group of scientists to prove that the clouded tiger cats were a new speciessays NPR’s Jonathan Lambert. The cats had slightly different spots and seemed to move differently than other species. Biologist Hugh Gabriel discovered a new species of frog in Madagascar that spends its entire life in trees in the rainforest and has a lifestyle unique to frogs. Lambert says there is one risk of losing these species as soon as scientists find them due to climate change and deforestation.

Today’s listen

Hitomi Demers, Marissa Díaz, Emily Jordan and Elisa Antrom

Singles are making the old tradition of holiday cards their own. When you get a holiday card in the mailbox, it usually features a family or a couple. But more singles are creating creative card designs that feature just them to celebrate the holiday. NPR’s Claire Murashima received her first card from a single friend and was intrigued to hear from other singles who are taking up the tradition. Thousands of people have sent emails and are sharing their stories. Listen to them explain why they participate in this tradition and look some of the holiday cards they have sent to friends and family.

Deep dive

Avocados grow on trees in an orchard in the municipality of Ario de Rosales, Michoacan state, Mexico, on September 21, 2023. Tariffs on Mexican imports would have a major effect on avocados in the U.S. — Avocados grow on trees in an orchard in the municipality of Ario de Rosales, Michoacan State, Mexico, on September 21, 2023. Tariffs on Mexican imports would have a major effect on avocados in the US

President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico could affect how much you pay for avocados at the store. About 90% of the avocados consumed in the United States are imported, with the majority coming from Mexico. Trump said he plans to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, but it is unclear if they will be implemented or if they will serve as a negotiating tactic. Here’s what you need to know about avocadostariffs and why so many avocados are grown in Mexico.

The price of avocados may not increase by a full 25%but it can be pretty close because there are few options for where to get them, food economist David Ortega told NPR.
Mexico emerged as the largest foreign supplier of fruits and vegetables to the United States because of its proximity to the United States
Mexico’s weather allows for year-round production of avocados and producers have access to cheap labor.
In addition to the threat of tariffsthe avocado industry faces challenges such as climate change and the fact that avocados require large amounts of water to grow.

3 things you need to know before you go

Walmart delivery drivers were pressured into using illegally opened payment accounts, a federal lawsuit alleges.

Federal lawsuit alleges Walmart and payment platform Branch Messenger cost delivery drivers over $10 million in fees by setting up deposit accounts for them without consent and require their use to get paid.
The Container Store, a 46-year-old retail chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday. That’s what the company said will have no impact on customers.
Is mashed potatoes on your holiday menu? If so, has Dan Souza of America’s Test Kitchen a recipe and cooking tips that will get you ready to whip them together perfectly.

This newsletter is edited by Obed Manuel.