Democrats will soon take control of the U.S. House and are vowing to put climate change on the agenda. Some are calling for a "green new deal," while others support a growing push for a tax on carbon.
The partial government shutdown appears likely to continue into the New Year. While the effects so far have been muted, the impact will increase the longer the shutdown drags on.
Federal government employees are still being paid for work they did before the shutdown, but the checks will soon end. Among those affected are many who struggle to make ends meet even in good times.
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Jason Johnson, politics editor at The Root, and Susan Shelley of the Orange County Register about the political fight over the border and President Trump's visit to Iraq.
The EPA says it will keep limits on toxic mercury emissions from coal plants but now deems them not cost-effective. Environmental groups worry the move could hinder future regulations.
Some state governments and tourism boards have been using their own funds to keep the parks open. Elsewhere, open but unstaffed parks have become something of a free-for-all.