National

News Brief: McConnell On 2018, Lawsuit Against Trump Dismissed

4:55am December 22, 2017

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell talked with NPR about his legislative agenda for 2018. Also, Jonathan O'Connell of The Washington Post discusses a dismissed lawsuit against President Trump.

Idaho Gets A 'Dark Sky Reserve'

4:55am December 22, 2017

Just over 14,000 square miles of central Idaho have been designated a "Dark Sky Reserve" for committing to preserving a pristine night sky by limiting light pollution.

Puerto Rico's Governor On Recovery Efforts And GOP Tax Plan

4:55am December 22, 2017

It's been a little over three months since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. NPR's David Greene gets an update on recovery efforts from the governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello.

The Trump International Hotel in Washington in December 2016. On Thursday, a judge dismissed a lawsuit that maintained President Trump has benefited from foreign patrons at his hotels in violation of the Constitution.

Trump Wins First Round in Legal Battle Over Emoluments

11:21pm December 21, 2017

by Peter Overby

Judge George Daniels said it's up to Congress, not citizens, to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause. "Congress is not a potted plant," he said.

Elizabeth Hadley and Lisa Barbin light candles at the 28th annual Interfaith Homeless Memorial Service to remember homeless people who died in Boston in 2017.

National

Cities Across The U.S. Honor 'Homeless Persons' Memorial Day'

8:08pm December 21, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

On Thursday — the longest night of the year — organizations across the country gathered to remember the often-overlooked deaths of people who had no place to go.

Economists Skeptical That GOP Tax Bill Will Boost Economy

7:38pm December 21, 2017

The Republican tax bill is expected to be signed into law just after the new year and with that, President Trump's gamble that the huge cuts in the bill will drive huge economic growth. NPR's Michel Martin talks to economist Alan Blinder about why most experts are skeptical that will happen.

Queue Listen Now

Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Postponing Tough Legislation Decisions

7:38pm December 21, 2017

by Kelsey Snell

Congress has passed a spending bill to temporarily avert a government shutdown on Friday, pushing off hard decisions on immigration, defense spending and health care until next year.

Queue Listen Now

Boxes move along a conveyor belt at an Amazon fulfillment center in California. As more consumers shop online, law enforcement says they're receiving more reports of package theft, especially during the holidays.

'Porch Pirates' Steal Holiday Packages Off Doorsteps

7:22pm December 21, 2017

by Samantha Raphelson

As more people shop online, law enforcement say they're receiving more reports of package theft. A survey found nearly 20 percent of homeowners reported a package stolen in the past year.

Restaurant workers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport went on strike on Thursday. Employees of food service operator HMSHost have been working under an expired contact since August.

National

Restaurant Workers Strike At Chicago's O'Hare Airport

6:32pm December 21, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Employees whose contract expired in August picketed on a busy holiday travel day. They demanded better wages and health care from food service operator HMSHost, which reported no disruption.

DREAM Act Co-Sponsor Will Risk Government Shutdown For DACA Fix

6:22pm December 21, 2017

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks to Democratic Congressman Pete Aguilar of California. He's the Whip for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Assistant Whip for the House Democratic Caucus. He's an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017. He talks about whether he is willing to risk a governmental shutdown if DACA is not extended by the end of the year.

Queue Listen Now