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The Senate is set to vote today on two health policy plans — one from Democrats and one from Republicans — aimed at reducing costs for individuals purchasing health insurance on Healthcare.gov. Meanwhile, some House Republicans want to force a vote to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire in less than three weeks. They warn that Republican leaders risk losing voters and the majority if they let the subsidies expire without a replacement.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point yesterday in a 9-3 vote. The Fed made its decision in an effort to support the weakening job market. Stubborn inflation and delayed economic data complicated the decision-making process. The rate cut came as a relief to investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped nearly 500 points.
President Trump said yesterday that U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Attorney General Pam Bondi released a video showing what appear to be U.S. forces and the Coast Guard rappelling from a helicopter onto the tanker. Congress is demanding answers about U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats, particularly in regards to a Sept. 2 incident where the military killed two men who survived initial strikes. Adm. Alvin Holsey, who oversaw the strikes, is stepping down this week.
As 2025 winds down, it's time to crank up the jams and celebrate the year's top music. NPR's Music team got the party started by tackling the biggest question: What were the best albums of the year? While one album snagged the coveted spot of NPR Music's No. 1 album of 2025, the team didn't stop there. They were tasked with crafting a personal list of their top 10 albums of the year, and singling out one album they'd recommend to anyone. Get ready to dive into the team's elite, no-skips, best-of-the-best 12-pack of albums they would recommend.
Plus, check out NPR Music's favorite songs of 2025, and listen to a playlist on the streaming platform of your choice. Get more coverage on the best music of 2025 here.
Black bears have historically been West Texas' largest predator. But overhunting and habitat loss have led to their decline over the decades. Now, black bear sightings have increased in the state, and researchers believe their populations are growing elsewhere as well. While West Texas is celebrating the bears' return, their presence has posed challenges and concerns as they venture into neighborhoods, enter yards and threaten livestock and pets. Here's how some states are coping: