TALK TO ME, TEXT ITCoffee in hand, we start with a quick Friday pulse check and a question many government workers and contractors are asking: will Christmas Eve and the day after be official days off, and what does that mean if you’re not a direct federal employee? That everyday uncertainty sets a grounded tone as we move into tougher terrain: a newly appointed city official stepping down after antisemitic posts resurface, and what real accountability looks like when social media receipts don’t disappear.From there, we pivot to a bit of cultural nostalgia with real-world bite: re-pricing Kevin McCallister’s famous $19.83 grocery run from Home Alone using current Chicago-area numbers. The updated total—hovering in the mid-$50s with a coupon—offers a tangible snapshot of inflation, shrinkflation, and the trade-offs families make at the register. It’s a moment that turns a movie gag into a practical conversation about everyday costs, brand swaps, and the budget math we all do in our heads before checkout.We close by bringing the focus back to community and choice. After headlines and price tags, what can we control? We ask about seasonal volunteering—small acts, local drives, and ways to show up that don’t require perfect schedules or deep pockets. That simple prompt threads the episode together: public trust, household budgets, and the meaning we create when we put our time where our values are.If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves Home Alone trivia and real talk about costs, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Tell us: do you volunteer during the holidays, and what’s your go-to way to give back?Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to [email protected] and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog