Morning news brief
Russia launches Christmas Day attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Honda and Nissan are in merger talks, and Nigeria's president defends economic reforms despite worsening crisis.
How Elon Musk helped to hold up a federal stop-gap funding plan
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with GOP strategist Tricia McLaughlin about how incoming presidential advisor Elon Musk helped hold up a federal spending deal, showcasing his growing political influence.
Couple remembers how they got engaged when Chistmas and Hanukkah fell on the same day
Hanukkah and Christmas begin on the same day in 2024, a rare occurrence. The last time it happened was a very special date for spouses Rob and Erica Walker.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield discusses U.S. diplomacy and her foreign service career
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to the U.N., about her career in foreign service and American diplomacy.
A loverboy and a Palestinian: Saint Levant's new album is about loss and growth
Saint Levant has been selling out U.S. and European venues with his album "Deira," an ode to his heritage and the Gaza hotel his father built, which was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in the war.
Morning news brief
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok arguments against app ban, NPR visits a Syrian refugee camp cut off from outside for nearly a decade, dozens of men found guilty in France rape trial.
How the GOP went from promoting free trade to backing Trump's proposed tariffs
As he prepares to take office again, President-elect Trump has threatened a wide range of tariffs. It's an about-face in the Republican Party, which once was known for boosting free trade.
Why are monarch butterflies hanging out in the southern U.S.?
Researchers are seeking help from the public in finding monarch butterflies that are overwintering in Southern states instead of migrating. It's not clear why so many stay behind.
Montana Supreme Court backs youth plaintiffs in groundbreaking climate trial
Montana's supreme court finds that the state's failure to address climate change violates kids' right to a clean and healthful environment.