Alina Seluk

The National Retail Federation forecasts that sales will top $1 trillion for the first time spent on gifts, food and decorations.

That would be growth of about 4% compared to last year, which is similar to what we saw last holiday season.

Other forecasts are less exuberant.

Deloitte, for example, predicts growth of about 3%.

Still, this promises a shopping season that's far from the flop many feared earlier in the year when President Trump began to launch tariffs on almost all imports.

In part, that's because tariffs rolled out in fits and starts with delays, giving retailers time to stock up.

without setting skyrocketing prices.

Also worth noting that much of the spending is being propped up by wealthier shoppers.

Alina Seluk, NPR News.

November saw the long government shutdown, which dampened how consumers feel about the economy.

It disrupted access to food aid, air travel, and paychecks for many federal workers.

Researchers say the sentiment did lift slightly when the shutdown ended, but overall, people continue to feel down about the cost of living.

Inflation had ticked up 3% in September compared to last year, and we don't have any updated data since then because of the shutdown.

Similarly, the latest data on the jobs market is from September, showing a mixed picture.

Hiring picked up after a lackluster summer, but unemployment also inched higher to 4.4%.

It's the highest level in four years.

Alina Seluk, NPR News, Washington.

As tractors and other agricultural equipment have computerized, Deere has limited access to its software. Farmers often must use authorized dealers, and they've long complained that it can be difficult or nearly impossible for them to diagnose and fix problems themselves or through independent mechanics.

As tractors and other agricultural equipment have computerized, Deere has limited access to its software. Farmers often must use authorized dealers, and they've long complained that it can be difficult or nearly impossible for them to diagnose and fix problems themselves or through independent mechanics.

The Federal Trade Commission now accuses Deere of illegally withholding its technology and boosting its profit at the expense of farmers' time and money. The company did not immediately comment. And it's unclear what will happen to the lawsuit under President Trump. His pick to chair the FTC was one of the two Republican commissioners who voted against suing John Deere.