RFK Jr. tapped to run HHS. And, the bond market’s impact on Trump’s economic plans President-elect Donald Trump taps RFK Jr. to run the Department of Health and Human Services. Here’s why experts are worried. And, how the U.S. bond market could upend Trump’s economic plans. Read more on NPR

How to approach the holidays with people you deeply disagree with Code Switch weighs in on how to prepare for difficult political conversations and when to draw the line and uninvite yourself from that family potluck. Read more on NPR

Police welcome Trump’s return to the White House Police officers backed Trump’s reelection, but police reform advocates wonder what that will mean for police accountability Read more on NPR

The treaty between Russia and North Korea signals a new era on 2 continents The recently signed mutual defense treaty could be used to justify thewidening of the war in Ukraine, as the U.S. says North Korean and Russian troops are already battling Ukrainian forces. Read more on NPR

Outspent 4-to-1, Republicans still made gains in state legislative elections Despite outspending Republicans, Democrats didn’t achieve some ambitious goals in state legislative races. The GOP continues to control more legislatures, though Democrats notched some victories. Read more on NPR

One thing Trump and Obama have in common: a fondness for ‘czars’ Trump is the latest president to appoint a czar to deal with a particular issue — in this case, the border. But what does that mean? A look at the controversial history of government czars. Read more on NPR

Sen. Chris Murphy: Democrats need to listen to working and poor people Steve Inskeep speaks with Senator Chris Murphy about how the democratic party rebuilds after its election loss. Read more on NPR

At Tiananmen Square, tight security with metal detectors reflects a changing China There’s a police check to exit the subway, another to get in line, a third while standing in line, and metal detectors and X-ray machines before you finally reach the Beijing landmark. Read more on NPR

Don’t give your family food poisoning this holiday season. Follow this illustrated guide Protect your loved ones from foodborne illnesses with this refresher course on food safety. Experts offer guidance on how long to leave food out, when to toss leftovers and more.  Read more on NPR

What’s behind defense secretary pick Hegseth’s war on ‘woke’ The selection of Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Trump Defense Department has renewed scrutiny of his political and religious views and his aggressive criticism of the military he would be leading. Read more on NPR