Shea Stephens

President Lai Ching-te vows to defend against what he calls China's expansionist ambitions.

China's military drills were held amid anger over U.S.

plans to sell a massive arms package to Taiwan.

This is NPR News.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shea Stephens.

President Trump says he's dropping his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, at least for now.

More from NPR's Giles Snyder.

The Justice Department says it is still working to review files involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

That's after missing a December 19th deadline set by law.

NPR's Stephen Fowler has this update.

The first order of business for New York City in 2026 will be swearing in a new mayor.

As Bruce Kahnweiser reports, Democratic Socialists or Mamdani

will be sworn in at one minute after midnight.

It's already 2026 in some parts of the world where celebrations are in full swing.

From Europe to Sydney, crowds are ringing in the new year with fireworks and music.

In Hong Kong, this year's celebrations are a bit muted in wake of a recent deadly apartment fire.

Graphic light displays on tall buildings will replace the city's fireworks.

This is NPR.

China's People's Liberation Army says it has successfully completed two days of military exercises in waters off Taiwan.

That concludes a set of high-powered maneuvers aimed at asserting