My colleague Steven Kurutz recently uncovered a fascinating trend: more and more people are backing their cars into parking spaces. “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it,” he observed. Years ago, everyone seemed to park nose-first, but now, you’ll spot a noticeable percentage of vehicles facing out in any busy lot. This seemingly small habit stems from a clear philosophy: backing in makes it easier to exit. As Steven put it, “You’re going to back up coming or going,” and these “backer-inners” prefer to tackle the more challenging maneuver first.
This idea of doing the hard work now for future ease is a cornerstone of self-improvement. Online communities often discuss performing “favors” for one’s future self, viewing them as a cherished friend to make current efforts feel more meaningful. The “backer-inners” embody this, opting for a slightly trickier parking job upfront to give their future selves a quicker, smoother departure.
It’s easy to dread uncomfortable tasks that promise later rewards, like saving for retirement or exercising. Sometimes the future payoff feels worth it, other times not so much. I witness this struggle between my present and future self almost every evening. Before bed, despite my desire to relax, I clean the kitchen and tidy the house. I load the dishwasher, wipe down counters, and arrange the sofa pillows. Why? Because I know my future self detests waking up to a chaotic mess.
Yet, my future self also despises being exhausted, a fate I frequently inflict upon her through “revenge bedtime procrastination.” I’ll stay up late reading or binge-watching documentaries, relishing in “me time” where I answer to no one. It’s like the old Jerry Seinfeld bit: “Night Guy wants to stay up late. ‘What about getting up after five hours of sleep?’ Oh, that’s Morning Guy’s problem.'” Night Guy is my present self, ignoring the clock to finish a chapter. Morning Guy is my future self, facing a groggy start.
This conscious effort to care for a near-future self—like backing into a parking space or tidying up before bed—offers almost immediate benefits for a small, present sacrifice. But envisioning our distant future selves and making significant, long-term investments can be much harder. We tend to prioritize immediate gratification, often choosing to spend a bonus now rather than stashing it in a high-yield savings account. We know our future self is waiting, but the present often wins.
Steven, despite his research, hasn’t become a “backer-inner.” Instead, he’s evolved into a “puller-througher,” finding two empty spots and driving through the first to face out. He found a shortcut to the future reward without the initial hassle. Is it cheating? Probably not. It makes you wonder, where else could we find these win-win scenarios, tackling more significant challenges for our future selves without too much discomfort right now?
TRUMP’S TARIFFS
The Supreme Court recently ruled that President Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner.
This long-anticipated decision was a significant setback for Trump, who sharply criticized the justices, calling them “fools and lap dogs.” He has vowed to reinstate his signature tariffs through alternative legal avenues.
Over the past year, the federal government has collected more than $200 billion in tariff revenue. The administration had previously indicated that a loss in this case could necessitate the unraveling of trade deals and the payment of substantial refunds to importers.
The opinion: In a 6-3 decision penned by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court stated that Trump could not use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which does not explicitly mention tariffs, to justify unilateral duties without congressional approval. The full opinion is available for review.
Trump reacts: In a swiftly arranged news conference, the president expressed shame regarding “certain members of the court” and labeled the dissenting justices as “very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution.” Prior to this ruling, Trump had experienced an exceptionally favorable streak before the Supreme Court, which had provisionally endorsed many of his second-term policies.
Not so fast: The ruling eliminated Trump’s primary tool for imposing tariffs, but he is already searching for ways to work around the court. Recently, he ordered an across-the-board 10 percent tariff using the Trade Act of 1974.
So, refunds? Anticipating the ruling, companies have hired lawyers, filed suits, and submitted claims in hopes of securing refunds on tariffs they had paid. It remains unclear whether the government will need to provide compensation.
Public opinion: Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they disapprove of how Trump is handling tariffs, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
Ask The Morning: What do you want to know about the ruling and its economic and political impact? Send us your questions, and we’ll answer some in an upcoming newsletter.
THE LATEST NEWS
Iran
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Trump told reporters that he was considering a limited military strike on Iran to pressure it into making a deal over its nuclear program.
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During negotiations this week, the U.S. did not ask Iran to stop enriching uranium, Iran’s foreign minister said, contradicting Washington’s public position.
Politics
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An ICE officer shot and killed an American citizen in Texas last March, but the agency’s involvement in the shooting was not revealed until this week.
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Federal judges appointed a veteran defense lawyer to be the U.S. attorney for eastern Virginia. Two hours later, the Trump administration fired him.
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The E.P.A. is allowing coal-burning power plants to release more heavy metals like mercury, a potent neurotoxin.
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Cuba has been strangled by the U.S. naval blockade. The country is quickly running out of fuel, pushing its government to the brink of collapse, a Times analysis of shipping data and satellite images found.
Other Big Stories
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A promising blood test aimed at detecting cancer failed to reduce late-stage diagnoses in a major clinical trial.
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The U.S. economy grew more slowly in the final quarter of the year, held back by the prolonged government shutdown.
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Forecasters say another winter storm is headed toward the Northeast this weekend, though it’s still unclear how much snow will fall.
THE WEEK IN CULTURE
Dance and Stage
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Our dance critic, herself a former figure skater, examined the artistry behind Alysa Liu’s gold-medal-winning performance. “She moves like water on a frozen surface,” she writes.
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After Trump remade the Kennedy Center in his image, eminent composers and Grammy winners canceled their shows. This ice skating group couldn’t afford to do the same.
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During a performance of “Richard III” in Berlin, a sword slipped out the cursed king’s hand and struck an audience member in the head.
Film and TV
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Baz Luhrmann discovered unseen footage of Elvis Presley in an underground salt mine in Kansas. This is how he turned it into an IMAX documentary of the King.
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An affectionate slow dance? References to pornography? The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will test what constitutes harassment on the set of a movie about a violent sexual relationship.
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Tyra Banks seemed almost omnipotent on her long-running reality series “America’s Next Top Model.” In a new documentary, she is merely a subject.
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The BAFTAs, Britain’s answer to the Oscars, are this weekend, and “One Battle After Another” leads all nominees. Ahead of the show, The Times spoke with its host, the comedian Alan Cumming.
Music
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What can musical variations teach us about creativity? A musicologist has answers.
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With piles of McDonald’s takeout, a diaper and a golden toilet that doubles as a throne, a Grand Guignol-style opera in Germany takes aim at Trump.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
By Melissa Clark
Chile Oil Wontons
Whether you’re in the midst of celebrating the Lunar New Year, or you just have dumplings on your mind, this weekend is a perfect time to make Sue Li’s spicy, pork-filled chile oil wontons. It does take a bit of time to fold them all, but using store-bought wonton skins streamlines things. And Sue’s there to hold your hand in a helpful accompanying video. Be sure to save any extra chile oil; it’s fantastic on eggs, tofu, chicken and noodles. (And for even more dumplings, check out New York Times Cooking’s Dumpling Week recipes.)
REAL ESTATE
The Hunt: A photographer looked for a quiet retreat in the Berkshires with low taxes, but close to family. What did she choose? Play our game.
What you get for under $1 million, compound edition: A former spiritual retreat in West Virginia; four cabins in the Ozarks; a converted detention facility in Tennessee.
T MAGAZINE
Click to read the latest issue of T, The New York Times Style Magazine.
LIVING
Land of volcanoes: Visit Guadeloupe and you may find yourself canceling plans so you can explore just one more hidden cove, rainforest or hot spring.
The Pour: Not long ago, it seemed as if American wines were gaining a foothold in Europe. After Trump’s tariffs, though, many are gone.
Spare ribs and a T-shirt: A New York restaurant’s Lunar New Year merchandise has become a coveted collector’s item.
ADVICE FROM WIRECUTTER
How to age well at home
Aging in place, or growing old in your own home rather than a nursing home, offers a lot of benefits. You’re in the comfort of familiar surroundings, and you retain independence. But it also involves risks — many of which can be reduced or eliminated by re-evaluating the things in your home and how you use them. For example, installing handrails on both sides of stairs is a relatively simple but highly effective fall deterrent. Experts say it’s best to take a proactive approach, slowly making adaptations as soon as you’re in your “forever home.” This room-by-room tour is a great place to start.
WINTER OLYMPICS
Men’s freestyle skiing: Alex Ferreira won gold in the halfpipe, completing his Olympic collection — he had won silver in the 2018 Games and bronze in 2022.
Men’s hockey: The U.S. easily defeated Slovakia, 6-2, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Canada in Sunday’s gold medal game.
Women’s curling: American hopes of a first gold medal in women’s curling were dashed by a Swiss team that simply did not miss. The U.S. and Canada will compete for bronze today.
Figure skating: Alysa Liu broke a 20-year medal drought for U.S. women. We broke down her jumps to see how she pulled ahead of the competition.
NOW TIME TO PLAY
Here is today’s Spelling Bee. Yesterday’s pangram was ladybug.
Take the news quiz to see how well you followed this week’s headlines.
And here are today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle, Crossplay, Connections and Strands.
Thanks for spending part of your weekend with The Times. — Melissa
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