The plot is thickening around EV incentives federally and in California, the nation's largest auto market by a mile.

Why it matters: President-elect Trump's expected move against tax credits could slow sales of EVs — tech that Biden officials have made a priority.

The big picture: Here are two new (well, one new-ish) developments...

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will try to revive state rebates for EVs that lapsed in 2023 if the $7,500 IRA credits vanish, he said Monday.
• A major auto industry trade group, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, urged Trump to keep the subsidies in a recent letter.
• Reuters first reported on the letter, which provides a broad list of policy goals, late last week.

What we're watching: Whether the powerful auto lobby can influence Trump's posture, and lawmakers' too.

• Killing or lowering the credits' value would require Congress to act, though Trump's Treasury officials could pull bureaucratic levers to make it harder to access.

State of play: Trump's exact plans are unclear, and he's also likely to revisit EPA auto emissions rules.

• Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, in a statement, said Trump's mandate includes "stopping attacks on gas-powered cars."

What we don't know: The size of the rebates Newsom would seek, which his office said would come from California's cap-and-trade program revenue.

• He'd have to work with the state legislature as it deals with fiscal pressures.

The intrigue: Newsom's plan could exclude Tesla, the top EV seller, and others under a potential "market cap," the governor's office tells Axios and others.

• But they emphasized it would be subject to negotiations with state lawmakers.
• Tesla CEO Elon Musk called this "insane" on his X platform, noting Tesla makes cars in California.

Our thought bubble: We could see an even more fragmented EV market if federal subsidies die.

• Other blue states could also look for ways to expand incentives as California, where EVs are over 25% of new car sales, looks to keep boosting the market.
• Another deep thought: Newsom's move has Trump 1.0 vibes, when California and other liberal states looked to counteract Trump's moves on immigration, climate and more.

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If 2025 goals include a kitchen renovation, a good rule of thumb is to budget 15% of the value of the home, designers tell Axios.

Why it matters: Kitchen upgrades tend to have a high return on investment and can help sell your home down the line.

• For a home valued at $350,000, for example, budget about $52,500. A major midrange kitchen can recoup about half that at resale, per Angi's national cost vs. value report.
• San Francisco has some of the highest average prices for a kitchen remodel.

Zoom in: If you're on a tighter budget "paint is your best friend," kitchen designer Heidi Huddleston says. A fresh cabinet color can transform the space.

• For a high-impact DIY upgrade, "changing the hardware is like switching the jewelry on an outfit," she says. Consider swapping cabinet knobs for matte black handles or satin brass pulls for a more stylish look.

What's next: Clean lines, simple cabinet fronts and natural wood tones are up-and-coming kitchen design trends, Huddleston says.

What we're watching: After a sluggish year, kitchen and bath pros are optimistic they'll see an uptick in home upgrades in 2025, per the latest from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

"Jaja's African Hair Braiding" made its West Coast premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in early November to rave reviews.

State of play: The show, currently on tour, tells the story of a beloved Harlem salon where West African immigrant braiders work their magic to perfect all kinds of hairstyles for their clients.

• A workplace comedy, it follows the many different women, each with their own dreams and desires, who tirelessly serve even as the political climate poses a risk to their safety.
• It was written by Ghanaian American playwright Jocelyn Bioh, who called it a love letter to Black hair, beauty and immigrants.

Fun fact: "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" was nominated for five Tony Awards in 2023, including Best Play and Best Direction of a Play.

The show runs through Dec. 15 and comes to the Bay after a twice-extended run on Broadway.

• Tickets start at $63.