Politics and views in the United States.

California Democrats push through new congressional maps, as the party bleeds registered voters. President Trump is handed victories in court, as business owners and low-income households brace for impacts from his policies.

TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to 2025 Talks, where we're following our democracy and historic times.

We can make a difference, making sure that we save the democracy, not only for the next generations who will sit in this seat, but it's about our grandchildren and the legacy that we will leave behind.

State Assemblyman Mike Gibson says California Democrats approve new congressional districts to defend democracy and balance those Republicans passed in Texas.

The redrawn California maps now go to voters for approval.

Democrats nationally have hemorrhaged voters over the last five years, according to The New York Times.

An analysis found Democrats lost 2.1 million voters across the 30 states that track registration by party, while Republicans added 2.4 million.

New York saw more than half a million voters leave the Democrats, while Republicans held steady.

On MSNBC, Congressman Joe Morelli says reversing the Trump-Ferris party in the state is a matter of person-to-person organizing.

We've become convinced that the things we care about is what everyone cares about.

And sometimes that's not the case.

So we really have to do a much better job in a very granular way, in a literally door by doorway.

Calling the fine excessive, a divided New York City appeals court has struck down the half billion dollar judgment against President Donald Trump for inflating the values of his real estate holdings.

The decision is being appealed.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has granted the second Trump administration its 18th emergency stay.

The court is allowing it to move ahead with gutting DEI grants at the National Institute of Health.

With inflation stiffening and employment softening, the Federal Reserve is getting ready for a crucial interest rate meeting next month.

Trump and White House officials are continuing a highly unusual pressure campaign on the chair and central bankers.

And across the country, local businesses are beginning to feel pressure from Trump's tariffs, and one Virginia business is shutting its doors.

Tracy Fisher opened educational supply store Chalk and More six years ago, but says the 15 to 20 percent price increases caused by the new import taxes are too much for her customers.

"Where we are with education and jobs and our teachers in general, it's really unfortunate because we have to then push that upcharge to our product."

According to CNBC, parents are paying as much as 20 to 30 percent more for school supplies than before the pandemic.

State officials and health care providers in North Dakota are preparing for new Medicaid work requirements.

Many adult recipients will have to prove they're working, going to school, or volunteering to stay eligible.

Sarah Aker with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services says they're worried about qualified people getting lost in the red tape.

"We anticipate doing a lot of education over the next year about this.

They should expect to get more mail from us informing them of these changes.

We'll also be doing a lot of updates to our website."

Republicans who support the requirement say it will promote self-sufficiency.

The American Association of People with Disabilities says, however, that many Medicaid recipients don't have the computer, smartphone, or reliable transportation they need to navigate the system.

I'm Zamone Perez for Pacifica Network and Public News Service.

Find our trust indicators at publicnewsservice.org.