Former DOJ official discusses Trump administration's responses to court orders
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Elliot Williams, legal analyst and former Justice Department deputy assistant attorney general, about the Trump administration's response to court orders.
EPA Wants To Limit Greenhouse Gases From New Coal Power Plants
Under the proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency, new plants that run on coal would be permitted to emit only about half as much carbon dioxide as the average coal plant puts into the air today. Emissions from the electricity industry are already declining as utilities turn to natural gas and wind farms.
Why Companies And CEOs Rarely Admit To Wrongdoing
JPMorgan Chase revealed last year that some traders in London concealed losing $6 billion. The company has agreed to pay $900 million in fines, but federal regulators also forced the bank to admit to wrongdoing. One analyst says admitting mistakes tarnishes your reputation.
Part-Time Judge Picks Laughs Over The Law
Vince Sicari presided as a part-time judge in South Hackensack, N.J., until his moonlighting as standup comic and TV actor took center stage. Because some of his characters were racist and homophobic, the state ethics committee ruled that he had to choose. He appealed. New Jersey's Supreme Court also said choose, and Sicari resigned from the bench.
Putin Defends Italy's Former Prime Minister Berlusconi
Former Italian Prime Minister Sylvio Berlusconi was convicted of paying for sex with a minor. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Berlusconi was a victim of discrimination. He said Berlusconi was put on trial for living with women, and that prosecutors "wouldn't touch him if he were gay."
Holder Makes Moral Argument Against Mandatory Sentences
Attorney General Eric Holder says the criminal justice system is broken. He spoke out on federal mandatory sentencing requirements in a speech to the Congressional Black Caucus on Thursday.
Sudan Leader's Visa Request Puts U.S. In Diplomatic Bind
The president of Sudan wants to travel to New York next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly. But the U.S. doesn't want to grant that visa because he is accused of genocide. Renee Montagne talks to Colum Lynch, a reporter for The Washington Post and Foreign Policy magazine, about why this diplomatic issue.
Iran's New President Mounts A Charm Offensive
Hassan Rouhani ran on a promise of getting his country out from under the weight of sanctions, embargoes and other financial weapons from the West that have crippled that country's economy. Since taking office, he has been striking a more conciliatory note than his predecessor, especially toward the U.S. For more, Renee Montagne talks with Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
After Shooting Tragedies, States React With Legislation
Mass shootings provoke sorrow and outrage, but what actually changes? Not much in Congress regarding gun safety laws, but it's been a busy year for firearm and mental health legislation in states.