Jack Spear

New Senate leader John Thune kicked off a new session today promising to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader his priority would be to ensure the Senate stays the Senate. Thune and Senate Republicans are taking over a little more than two weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration.

Defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton will pay the federal government nearly $16 million to settle fraud allegations. The company allegedly used illegally obtained information to secure Defense Department contracts. Texas Public Radio's Paul Flavismore.

Defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton will pay the federal government nearly $16 million to settle fraud allegations. The company allegedly used illegally obtained information to secure Defense Department contracts. Texas Public Radio's Paul Flavismore.

President Biden has blocked Nippon Steel's nearly $15 billion acquisition of stored U.S. steel. Biden in a statement saying, quote, we need major U.S. companies representing the major share of U.S. steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America's national interests. NPR's Scott Horsley has more.

President Biden has blocked Nippon Steel's nearly $15 billion acquisition of stored U.S. steel. Biden in a statement saying, quote, we need major U.S. companies representing the major share of U.S. steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America's national interests. NPR's Scott Horsley has more.

market. Biden's decision comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. spent months reviewing potential security risks but could not reach consensus on the deal. Stocks gained ground on Wall Street today. The Dow was up more than 300 points. You're listening to NPR.

market. Biden's decision comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. spent months reviewing potential security risks but could not reach consensus on the deal. Stocks gained ground on Wall Street today. The Dow was up more than 300 points. You're listening to NPR.

Authorities in Australia said they believe a 28-year-old missing surfer may have been the victim of a shark attack and are continuing their search in waters near where he disappeared. The man was last seen at a popular beach in South Australia where another man was killed by a white shark in 2023.

Authorities in Australia said they believe a 28-year-old missing surfer may have been the victim of a shark attack and are continuing their search in waters near where he disappeared. The man was last seen at a popular beach in South Australia where another man was killed by a white shark in 2023.

A witness on a jet ski reported seeing the apparent shark attack near Granite Beach and retrieved the man's surfboard, however, there's no sign of him. The creator of the popular children's show Thomas the Tank Engine in Friends has died. As NPR's Netta Ulby reports, Britt Alcroft was 81.

A witness on a jet ski reported seeing the apparent shark attack near Granite Beach and retrieved the man's surfboard, however, there's no sign of him. The creator of the popular children's show Thomas the Tank Engine in Friends has died. As NPR's Netta Ulby reports, Britt Alcroft was 81.

Fertile futures prices moved higher, closing up ahead of what is expected to be colder weather in both Europe and parts of the U.S. Oil rose 83 cents a barrel to 73.96 a barrel in New York. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.

Fertile futures prices moved higher, closing up ahead of what is expected to be colder weather in both Europe and parts of the U.S. Oil rose 83 cents a barrel to 73.96 a barrel in New York. I'm Jack Spear, NPR News in Washington.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. The newly Republican-controlled Senate has elected its first new party leader in nearly 20 years. NPR's Claudio Grisales reports South Dakota GOP Senator John Thune was overwhelmingly supported by his colleagues.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. The newly Republican-controlled Senate has elected its first new party leader in nearly 20 years. NPR's Claudio Grisales reports South Dakota GOP Senator John Thune was overwhelmingly supported by his colleagues.

New York Judge Juan Merchan said today he'll sentence President-elect Donald Trump January 10th, just days before his inauguration. Earlier this year, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in order to pay hush money to an adult film star. Trump's lawyers had argued the case should be thrown out.

New York Judge Juan Merchan said today he'll sentence President-elect Donald Trump January 10th, just days before his inauguration. Earlier this year, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in order to pay hush money to an adult film star. Trump's lawyers had argued the case should be thrown out.

Prosecutors suggested Merchan delay Trump's sentencing until after he leaves office. Family and friends are mourning an 18-year-old college student killed in the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. Brooke Thornton of member station WRKF has more from Baton Rouge.

Prosecutors suggested Merchan delay Trump's sentencing until after he leaves office. Family and friends are mourning an 18-year-old college student killed in the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. Brooke Thornton of member station WRKF has more from Baton Rouge.

Authorities are learning more about the highly decorated soldier who shot himself in the head inside a fireworks and fuel-laden Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel. 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger was apparently trying to send a message. Las Vegas Assistant Sheriff Dori Korn pointing to writings left behind by the suspect.