Politics & Government

U.S. Boosts Security At Facilities Ahead Of 'Torture Report' Release

8:53am December 09, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The White House says the report "could lead to a greater risk" to U.S. facilities and individuals around the world, but that the president supported the Senate's release scheduled for Tuesday.

Protesters of varied stripes and political affiliations gathered outside the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative where negotiators from 12 nations were meeting to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Some Liberals And Tea Partiers Unite To Oppose Trade Deals

6:15pm December 08, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

President Obama is pushing for massive trade deals with Asian and European nations. Critics say the trade negotiations, which are conducted in private, aren't facing enough scrutiny.

Democratic Mayors Back Obama's Immigration Plan, Citing Economic Benefits

2:50pm December 08, 2014

by Richard Gonzales

Some 20 U.S. mayors meeting in New York hope to persuade some 4 million undocumented residents to come forward and apply for deferred action.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaves a closed-door policy meeting at the Capitol on Dec. 2. McConnell says he wants to make the Senate work the way it used to, but not all Republicans are on board.

Their Senate, Their Rules: GOP May Allow Blocking Of Nominees Again

1:28pm December 08, 2014

by Ailsa Chang

A year after Democratic senators invoked a "nuclear option" to stop GOP filibusters of confirmation votes, Republicans are debating whether to switch back. Some say they're sick of the fighting.

Queue Listen Now

Landrieu's Loss Flips Lingering Holdout Of Democrats' 'Solid South'

7:44am December 08, 2014

In her runoff against Republican Bill Cassidy, incumbent Sen. Mary Landrieu, D.-La., didn't just lose — she was walloped. The win gave the GOP complete dominance of the Deep South in the Senate.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Mary Landrieu Loses Senate Seat In La. Runoff

6:16pm December 07, 2014

Democrat Mary Landrieu was the lone Democrat from the deep south in the Senate. NPR's Arun Rath talks with Emory University professor Andra Gillespie about the changing political landscape of the South.

Queue Listen Now

2014: The Year When The Job Market Finally Turned The Corner

4:23pm December 05, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Seven years after the Great Recession began, the U.S. job market finally is growing at a robust pace. In November, employers added 321,000 workers, raised wages and extended the average workweek.

Obama Points To Ashton Carter For Defense Secretary

1:07pm December 05, 2014

by Tom Bowman

For the fourth time in six years, Obama introduced the man he wants to be secretary of defense. Ashton Carter, a Pentagon veteran, is Obama's nominee to replace Chuck Hagel.

Queue Listen Now

President Obama announced Friday that Ashton Carter is his nominee to succeed Chuck Hagel as defense secretary.

Politics & Government

Obama Taps Ashton Carter As Defense Secretary Nominee

11:21am December 05, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

Carter, a former No. 2 at the Pentagon, would succeed Chuck Hagel. If confirmed, he will be President Obama's fourth defense secretary.

New Jersey Legislature Clears Gov. Chris Christie In Bridge Scheme

8:33am December 05, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

The report, however, found that two former aides acted with "perceived impunity" when they ordered the shutdown of some lanes of the George Washington Bridge last year.