National

With Clock Ticking, 'Fiscal Cliff ' Looms Ever-Closer

2:23pm December 27, 2012

Just five days remain for the government to reach an agreement to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Many analysts now say the deadline is unlikely to be met. NPR's Ron Elving explains the looming deadline and the possible ramifications of going over the fiscal cliff.

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National

As Families Change Shape, Societies May, Too

2:16pm December 27, 2012

The family has long been the central unit of many societies. But now, people around the world are marrying less and having fewer children. By 2050, seniors may outnumber children worldwide. Geographer Joel Kotkin shares a new report outlining the economic, political and cultural implications of the changes underway in the traditional family unit.

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National

Holiday Travelers Stranded By Severe Weather

5:13am December 27, 2012

by Claudio Sanchez

A major storm system is causing havoc for travelers trying to get home from their holiday destinations. Powerful winds and blizzard conditions have hit parts of the U.S.

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A hilltop view of the 18-foot fence along the U.S.-Mexico border west of Nogales, Ariz.

Is The Border Secure Enough To Tackle The Immigration System?

8:10pm December 26, 2012

by Ted Robbins

"Secure the borders first" has been the cry from Republicans in Congress before they'd agree to comprehensive immigration reform. That stance seems to be changing, as some experts say demanding border security first is backward.

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John Steinbach shows a day laborer in the parking lot of Ricos Tacos Moya a photo he took of him for an ID.

National

Debating The Impact Of An Immigration Crackdown

7:24pm December 26, 2012

by Jennifer Ludden

In 2007, Prince William County, Va., voted to step up police checks aimed at driving out illegal immigrants. The move sparked local outcry and national attention, but five years on, supporters and opponents differ on whether the policy has been a success.

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National

Legalized Pot Creates Quandary For Adults In Wash.

7:24pm December 26, 2012

by Martin Kaste

Now that marijuana is legal in Washington state, parents and drug counselors face the quandary of what to tell kids about the drug. Counselors, especially, say their job is harder now because of the example of adults who are openly and legally indulging in a substance that, just a few weeks ago, could still be dismissed as illegal.

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Adolphe Bizwinayo left Rwanda as a refugee and says his new city, Dayton, Ohio, helped him transition to American life with initiatives like the Dayton World Soccer Games.

National

Immigrants Welcomed: A City Sees Economic Promise

11:40am December 26, 2012

by Emily McCord

While some cities push measures that drive immigrants away, some cities are doing exactly the opposite. Dayton, Ohio, adopted a plan to rebuild its battered economy by attracting immigrants — an approach that's influencing the way other cities deal with immigration.

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U.S. Military Builds Up Its Presence In Africa

7:22am December 26, 2012

by Tom Bowman

The U.S. military plans to send an Army brigade to Africa next year. Some 4,000 soldiers would deploy — in small units and at different times — to help train and advise African troops. It's part of an Obama administration plan to address the growing challenge posed by terrorism in Africa.

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Patrick Carroll (left) and David Chaves head white collar crime and securities fraud units at the FBI's New York office. Their team pursued insider trading with some of the same tactics used on organized crime and drug cartels.

National

Wall Street Wiretaps: Investigators Use Insiders' Own Words To Convict Them

6:07am December 26, 2012

by Ailsa Chang

It was a busy year for federal authorities pursuing insider trading cases, such as the one against hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam. Investigators say that success comes largely from their decision to attack insider trading the way they take down the Mafia and drug cartels — with wiretaps, informants and cooperators.

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National

Instead Of Celebration, Christmas A Time For Solace In Newtown

4:22pm December 25, 2012

by Mark Herz

In Newtown, Conn., Christmas is very different this year, a little more than a week after the shooting at an elementary school. Eight families that attend St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church lost children to the tragedy. Parishioners came to Christmas masses there seeking solace, and priests gave a message of hope and comfort.

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