National

National

2 Towns Claim Title Of 'Christmas Tree Capital Of The World'

6:07pm December 23, 2018

by Lucy Perkins

The town of Indiana, Penn., says it's the "Christmas Tree Capital Of The World." But Estacada, Ore., also lays claim to this prestigious holiday title. Thus begins a holiday-spirited battle.

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Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced his resignation on Thursday, following a decision by President Trump to withdraw American troops from Syria. He'll be replaced by Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan starting in January.

Trump Says Jim Mattis Will Leave By Jan. 1, Announces Acting Defense Secretary

4:26pm December 23, 2018

by Francesca Paris

Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan will assume Mattis' duties starting in the new year. Trump had previously said Mattis would step down at the end of February.

Mary Thode, of Chittenden, Vt., hand decorates hundreds of cookies every year for Christmas.

National

When 'Cookiers' Take Holiday Cookie Decorating To A Whole New Level

8:15am December 23, 2018

by Nina Keck

Many people enjoy baking holiday cookies, but cookie making and decorating have become a big business for companies and for private individuals who see it as a delicious art form.

Youth pastor Kyle Smith of First Assembly of God Paradise reads from the Bible on his phone because his copy of the book burned in the Camp Fire. His congregation is one of several now worshiping with congregations in Chico.

'Blessings Come In' As Churches Take In Refugee Congregations After The Camp Fire

8:01am December 23, 2018

by Rachael Myrow

Chico, Calif., has had to make room for thousands of refugees and several displaced congregations after California's deadliest and most destructive fire destroyed the town of Paradise in Butte County.

National

Vermont Mother Works To Get A Waiting Period For Gun Purchases After Son's Suicide

8:01am December 23, 2018

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Alyssa Black of Essex, Vt. Her son Andrew bought a gun and killed himself hours later. Black wants her state to adopt a waiting period for gun sales.

National

These 2 Girl Scouts Meet Again

8:01am December 23, 2018

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro reconnects with two people from our Missed Connection series, Laurie Luna and Linda Walker, to see how they are doing after they were reunited.

National

What 'Unaccompanied Alien Children' Means

8:01am December 23, 2018

by John Burnett

The term is how the government describes some immigrant children, but it isn't always the best way to describe the children or the circumstances of their migration.

NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports that on the surface, things appear to be normal after President Trump decided to pull U.S. troops. But underneath, there is fear and anger about what be next.

National

2 Towns Claim Title Of 'Christmas Tree Capital Of The World'

Trump Says Jim Mattis Will Leave By Jan. 1, Announces Acting Defense Secretary

When 'Cookiers' Take Holiday Cookie Decorating To A Whole New Level

'Blessings Come In' As Churches Take In Refugee Congregations After The Camp Fire

Vermont Mother Works To Get A Waiting Period For Gun Purchases After Son's Suicide

These 2 Girl Scouts Meet Again

What 'Unaccompanied Alien Children' Means

A Mexican Girl Attached Her Christmas List To A Balloon. An Ariz. Man Found It

Retired Gen. Jack Keane On What Could Be Next When Mattis Steps Down

Allies In Syria Concerned Over ISIS Or Turkey Invasion After U.S. Troops Leave