On the first day of a new Congress the House passed legislation to re-open the government. But, as Linda Kenyon reports the bill has no chance of passing the senate.  Steve Kastenbaum tells us the markets took a big dip after Apple expressed concerns about its forecast.  And Jim Roope offers a preview of this Sunday's Golden Globes Awards.

The annual list of bannished words is out and we ask First Light listeners to offer their nominations for words that might be bannished.

President Trumps meets with Congressional leaders in an effort to end the government shutdown. Linda Kenyon reports no progress was made.  If you are driving out west, Jim Roope has some news for you. Several states have toughened their DUI rules. Kevin Carr reviews the new Netflix phenomenon starring Sandra Bullock, Birdbox. And how will President Trump weather the new congress? First Light listeners opine.

A bipartisan meeting at the White House on Wednesday.  Bob Costantini reports top leaders from both parties will try to negotiate an end to the government shutdown with President Trump.  A 7 year-old  is  killed by a by a drive by shooter in Houston Texas. Clayton Neville tells us about the search the killer.

Critic Kevin Carr has the latest in home video.

And as the government shutdown continues listeners offer their opinions.

Happy New Year! First Light welcomes 2019 with a report from Steve Kastenbaum on all the festivities in New York City as hundreds of thousands watched the ball drop. Entertainment Critic Kevin Carr gives us his worst movies of 2018, and we go in depth with Westwood One News White House Correspondent Bob Costantini and Capitol Hill Correspondent Linda Kenyon on the highlights and lowlights of the year.

All children in US Border Patrol custody have received medical screenings and apprehended children will now be assessed more thoroughly, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced Wednesday.  Jerry Bodlander reports the DHS Secretary will visit the border today.  The Big Apple gets ready. Steve Kastenbaum reports on preparations for the New Year's Eve celebration in New York Monday night.

Kevin Carr reviews the new film about Laurel and Hardy, Stan and Ollie.

Stock markets staged a miraculous comeback Wednesday following their worst-ever Christmas Eve.  Steve Kastenbaum reports the Dow posted its biggest daily point gain ever. President Trump visits the troops.  Linda Kenyon reports the President made a surprise visit to Iraq.

Kevin Carr reviews the film about Dick Cheney, Vice.

And how’s the economy working for you? First Light listeners check in.

Millions of Americans are returning home after a Christmas trip ....and thanks to the weather, John Lorinc reports the trek back could be rough.  Wall Street reopens today following a rough day Tuesday. Steve Kastenbaum reports on what to expect.  Kevin Carr gives a thumbs down to the new Nicole Kidman film Destroyer.  How can we avoid germs this time of year? First Light listeners offer suggestions.

Alarmed investors drove the Dow more than 650 points lower in a shortened trading session on Monday. Steve Kastenbaum reports markets plunged after the Trump administration sent out confusing signals about markets and the economy.

Driving this holiday? Clayton Neville tells us gas prices are low this week.

And a review of the big stories of 2018.

The stalemate over the border wall has yet to be resolved and the government shut down could continue into the New Year. Bob Costantini reports the White House and Congress cannot find a point to agree on.  Clayton Neville reports on who is affected by the shutdown.

Bill Michaels tells the story of the inspiring voyage of Apollo 8, 50 years ago.

Kevin Carr reviews the new movie Bumblebee.

Defense Secretary James Mattis is resigning over policy differences with President Trump. Bob Costantini reports the announcement is contributing to a very unsettled situation in the White House.  Heading towards a government shutdown. Linda checks in with all the maneuvering on Capitol Hill.