U.S.

A protester demonstrates against the Venezuelan government outside the Organization of American States during a special meeting in April. The Trump administration has imposed economic sanctions on members of the country's Supreme Court.

National

U.S. Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Supreme Court

8:32pm May 18, 2017

by Richard Gonzales

By freezing the justices' assets, "the [U.S.] is supporting the Venezuelan people in their efforts to protect ... democratic governance in their country," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Sen. Clarie McCaskill, D-Mo., speaks to the media after the closed briefing on Capitol Hill with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on Thursday.

Deputy Attorney General Knew Comey Was Out Before Writing Critical Memo, Senators Say

7:14pm May 18, 2017

by Scott Detrow

After a closed meeting with Rod Rosenstein, senators say the deputy attorney general "answered a lot of questions but declined to answer a lot, as well" about the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, questions Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin at his confirmation hearing in January. On Thursday, Brown asked Mnuchin for a list of Trump business associates.

Senator Wants A List of Trump Business Associates; Mnuchin Wants A Note

7:07pm May 18, 2017

Ohio Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown wants Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to spell out all of the Trump family business ties. But so far, that list has not been provided. The two tangled over it.

Energy Companies Urge Trump To Remain In Paris Climate Agreement

6:32pm May 18, 2017

by Samantha Raphelson

Shell CEO Ben van Beurden says he wants the U.S. to remain in the 2015 Paris climate accord. Energy companies like Exxon Mobil and BP have also urged President Trump to continue supporting the deal.

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President Trump delivers remarks during a joint news conference with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos at the White House on Thursday.

President Trump Denies Asking Comey To Scuttle Flynn Investigation

5:58pm May 18, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

The president also reiterated that he feels like the appointment of a special counsel to oversee the investigation into Russia and his campaign's possible ties is a "witch hunt."

In 2012, King Animal was Soundgarden's first studio album in 15 years. Lead singer Chris Cornell died Wednesday night in Detroit. A representative said the 52-year-old's death was "sudden and unexpected."

Death Of Chris Cornell, Powerhouse Voice Of Soundgarden, Ruled A Suicide

5:41pm May 18, 2017

by Doreen McCallister

A medical examiner has determined the cause of Cornell's death Wednesday night to be suicide by hanging. The powerhouse frontman helped forge not just a distinctive sound, but an entire genre.

Women Opt To Skip Pelvic Exams When Told They Have Little Benefit

4:50pm May 18, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

OB-GYNs and primary doctors disagree on whether women need a pelvic exam every year. When women were told a medical society recommended against it, they were much less likely to have the exam.

Ongoing Controversy Threatens To Damage Trump's Credibility

4:48pm May 18, 2017

by Mara Liasson

Credibility is the ability to confidently convey critical information. It's an essential quality for all presidents in difficult times, and the self-inflicted crisis of the last few weeks — the shifting narratives to explain the news — have severely damaged this White House's credibility. NPR looks at what's happened and why it matters.

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Trump Embarks On First International Trip Amid Continuing Controversy

4:48pm May 18, 2017

by Tamara Keith

President Trump leaves for his first international trip on Friday as the White House continues to manage several recent controversies. NPR explores what's at stake for the president on this trip.

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National

Tulsa Police Officer Acquitted In Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Black Man

4:48pm May 18, 2017

by Matt Trotter

A white Oklahoma police officer was acquitted in the killing of an unarmed African-American, sparking protests. Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby was on trial for fatally shooting 40-year-old Terence Crutcher in September.