The U.S. broke from previous practice and allowed the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution condemning Israeli settlements. It's a heated political point drawing criticism by Israel of the Obama administration, which sees settlements as a hindrance to peace efforts.
In the waning days of the Obama administration, two European banks, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, agreed to multi-billion dollar settlements with U.S. authorities for selling toxic mortgages prior to the financial crisis. The combined payouts will be approximately $12.5 billion. A third bank, Barclays, balked at a deal and is being sued by the Justice Department.
The U.S.-backed resolution fell two votes short of adoption Friday. It would have been the Security Council's most recent attempt to stabilize the restive country.
As President-elect Donald Trump tweets about expanding nuclear security and the cost of combat aircraft, some wonder whether his hardball posts are just "Art of the Deal" tactics to help the Pentagon.
In a wide-ranging interview, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly asks CIA director John Brennan about the incoming Trump administration, Russian interference in the U.S. election and the future of Syria.
Made with breadcrumbs, milk, onion and spices, bread sauce is a key part of traditional English Christmas dinners. It's a culinary relic of medieval times when bread-soaked sauces were all the rage.