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Today’s prime tales

Former President Donald Trump will not be on Maine’s major poll after the state’s secretary of state dominated he is not certified based mostly on his makes an attempt to overturn the outcomes of the 2020 presidential election. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, launched a 34-page ruling yesterday night concluding that Trump’s primary election petition is “invalid.” Trump’s marketing campaign stated it could rapidly file an objection to the “atrocious” determination.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a marketing campaign rally, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Durham, N.H.

Reba Saldanha/AP

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Reba Saldanha/AP

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a marketing campaign rally, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Durham, N.H.

Reba Saldanha/AP

Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing Israel’s increasing offensive into central and southern Gaza. Here’s what it is advisable to know 83 days into the struggle:

• The struggle has already killed over 20,000 Palestinians and pushed round 85% of the inhabitants of two.3 million from their houses, based on Gaza’s well being ministry. 
• Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas wherever it’s in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault that killed about 1,200 folks. Hamas militants proceed to carry over 100 hostages in Gaza.
• NPR’s Carrie Kahn says on Up First the struggle isn’t slowing down. Yesterday, no less than 20 Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential constructing in Rafah, based on Palestinian officers. NPR producer Anas Baba stories from Al-Kuwaiti hospital close to the strike web site that almost all of the injured are youngsters and infants. He describes seeing one pregnant woman begging the physician to examine on her child inside her stomach.
• Judith Weinstein, an American-Canadian-Israeli girl, who was believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas, was killed through the Oct. 7 assaults on Israel, her household stated in statements yesterday.
• Benny Gantz, a former army chief and present member of Israel’s struggle Cabinet, warned yesterday that his nation may enhance army exercise in opposition to the Hezbollah militant group, which has been firing into Israel from Lebanon’s southern border.
• NPR’s Carrie Kahn, Daniel Estrin, Jason DeRose, Nina Kravinsky and Scott Neuman are reporting from the area.

In current weeks, a Polish blockade has brought about a 20-mile-long queue of vans. Polish truckers declare Ukrainian truckers have an unfair benefit as a result of they’re briefly exempt from European Union permits. The protest is souring a as soon as neighborly and supportive relationship between the 2 nations. NPR’s Elissa Nadworny reports from the Poland-Ukraine border that drivers have been ready in line for weeks. She interviewed a person concerned in managing the Polish blockade, and he stated the protest is a battle for his or her existence.

Deep dive

A Polestar electrical automotive prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023 in Corte Madera, California.

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A Polestar electrical automotive prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023 in Corte Madera, California.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Good information for these planning on shopping for an electrical car in 2024 — a hefty federal tax credit score for EVs will probably be simpler to entry subsequent 12 months. The dangerous information? Fewer automobiles will seemingly qualify for the total $7,500. Here’s what you need to know:

• Buyers will not have to attend till the next tax 12 months to assert and pocket the credit score. You can get it as a rebate as quickly as you buy the car.
•  Cars should meet battery dimension and car weight necessities. They have to be assembled in North America and fall underneath a value cap, relying on the dimensions of the automotive. 
• Leased automobiles are eligible for a model of the tax credit score that’s a lot simpler to qualify for. There’s additionally a credit score for getting a used EV and a industrial credit score for getting an EV when you run a enterprise.

Weekend picks

Check out what NPR is watching, studying and listening to this weekend:

Movies: Adam Driver stars in Ferrari, a film a few speed-obsessed man and the challenges he and others endure. On Pop Culture Happy Hour, Chris Klimek, host of the Smithsonian Magazine podcast, “There’s More To That,” discusses how the movie compares to director Michael Mann’s earlier works.

TV: In the ’80s and ’90s, children liked watching Commander Mark on PBS, the place he used his pen to show them how to attract. Now, 40 years later, “The Secret Cities of Mark Kistler” documentary explores the artist’s journey behind reveals like The Secret City, Draw Squad and Imagination Station.

Books: Lisa McManus and Hannah Crowley, govt editors at America’s Test Kitchen Reviews, discuss their ebook, Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner’s Manual, and share important instruments and suggestions that each chef ought to have.

Music: Have you ever listened to NPR and puzzled who chooses these songs you hear between tales and interviews? Meet All Things Considered administrators and take a look at their 2023 playlist.

3 issues to know earlier than you go

An individual passes discarded Christmas bushes alongside a sidewalk on January 14, 2014 in New York City.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

An individual passes discarded Christmas bushes alongside a sidewalk on January 14, 2014 in New York City.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

1. The Christmas Tree Association says we promote 25 to 30 million dwell Christmas bushes within the U.S. annually. If your tree continues to be up, listed here are some tips for when it is time to take it down, give it a second life or flip it into spruce beer.

2. Civil rights chief Bishop William Barber, 60, says he was kicked out of a North Carolina movie show whereas attempting to observe The Color Purple for making an attempt to make use of the particular chair he introduced into the disabled part. Now, civil rights teams are calling on AMC Theaters to enhance accessibility for patrons with disabilities in response to this incident.

3. Ever thought concerning the individuals who convey you Morning Edition daily even on holidays? Listen to hear a few of their favourite tales of 2023.

Treye Green edited this text.