Jack Spear

U.S. financial markets closed mostly higher, with the broad market notching another record high today in hopes of falling interest rates. The S&P 500 gained 32 points. You're listening to NPR. Members of the powerful Sackler family who own Oxycontin maker Purdue Pharma and the company itself are agreeing to pay out $7.4 billion to settle lawsuits over the toll of the powerful opioid painkiller.

The deal is an improvement over a previous proposal that was rejected last year by the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court shot down the earlier proposal largely because it protected members of the wealthy family from civil lawsuits over the drug. even though they were not in bankruptcy. The latest deal comes on top of about $50 billion in opioid settlements announced in recent years.

The deal is an improvement over a previous proposal that was rejected last year by the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court shot down the earlier proposal largely because it protected members of the wealthy family from civil lawsuits over the drug. even though they were not in bankruptcy. The latest deal comes on top of about $50 billion in opioid settlements announced in recent years.

A new study shows adults who are diagnosed with ADHD live shorter lives than people without such a diagnosis. More from NPR's Maria Godoy.

A new study shows adults who are diagnosed with ADHD live shorter lives than people without such a diagnosis. More from NPR's Maria Godoy.

Cradle features prices move lower today, oil down 82 cents a barrel to settle at 74.62 a barrel in New York. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.

Cradle features prices move lower today, oil down 82 cents a barrel to settle at 74.62 a barrel in New York. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. A federal judge in Seattle is temporarily blocking President Donald Trump's executive order doing away with birthright citizenship. The U.S. District Court judge ruling on the case brought by multiple states that such an order conflicts with the 14th Amendment. Rob Bontas, the Attorney General of California, praised the judge's decision.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. A federal judge in Seattle is temporarily blocking President Donald Trump's executive order doing away with birthright citizenship. The U.S. District Court judge ruling on the case brought by multiple states that such an order conflicts with the 14th Amendment. Rob Bontas, the Attorney General of California, praised the judge's decision.

Bonta estimates Trump's order could affect upwards of 25,000 children a year born in California. Trump has sought to end the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship regardless of the parents' immigration status. In addition to the constitutional argument, states also say previous case law.

Bonta estimates Trump's order could affect upwards of 25,000 children a year born in California. Trump has sought to end the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship regardless of the parents' immigration status. In addition to the constitutional argument, states also say previous case law.

Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to pay out $7.4 billion for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Caroline Lewis with WNYC New York has details of the landmark deal.

Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to pay out $7.4 billion for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Caroline Lewis with WNYC New York has details of the landmark deal.

Americans who have applied for gender-neutral passports may have to reapply. Trump administration has frozen all such applications, as we hear from NPR's Michelle Kellerman.

Americans who have applied for gender-neutral passports may have to reapply. Trump administration has frozen all such applications, as we hear from NPR's Michelle Kellerman.

U.S. financial markets closed mostly higher, with the broad market notching another new record high today in hopes of falling interest rates. The S&P 500 rose 32 points. The Dow closed up 408 points. This is NPR. Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg is apparently stepping into the breach amid threats by President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris climate deal.

U.S. financial markets closed mostly higher, with the broad market notching another new record high today in hopes of falling interest rates. The S&P 500 rose 32 points. The Dow closed up 408 points. This is NPR. Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg is apparently stepping into the breach amid threats by President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris climate deal.

Bloomberg, who also serves as a U.N. special envoy on climate change, said through his philanthropic arm he'll pay the U.S. contribution to the U.N. 's leading climate body. Bloomberg's pledge would cover about 20 percent of the agency's annual $96.5 million budget. After several fire-related delays, the Motion Picture Academy's Oscar nominations have been announced today.

Bloomberg, who also serves as a U.N. special envoy on climate change, said through his philanthropic arm he'll pay the U.S. contribution to the U.N. 's leading climate body. Bloomberg's pledge would cover about 20 percent of the agency's annual $96.5 million budget. After several fire-related delays, the Motion Picture Academy's Oscar nominations have been announced today.

NPR's Bob Mondello reports the unorthodox musical Amelia Perez leads the Best Picture parade.