Who Should Warn the Public of Nuclear War?
America's emergency alert system expects local authorities to warn the public in case of a ballistic missile attack. Some wish the feds would cut out the middle man.
federal government
D.C. Appeals Court Rules For Teen Seeking Abortion While In U.S. Illegally
The larger appeals court reversed a decision by a three-judge panel that in effect put off the girl's abortion. She is in federal custody, and authorities refuse to release her for the procedure.
How Offering Driver's Licenses To Immigrants Here Illegally Makes Roads Safer
A 2013 California law that granted driver's licenses to immigrants in the country illegally reduced hit-and-run accidents by 7 to 10 percent in 2015, meaning roughly 4,000 fewer hit-and-runs.
How Can You Bring Innovation To Government Services? Follow Users
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Jennifer Pahlka, founder and executive director of Code for America, about what it takes to bring innovation to government.
Website Goes Down At Office Of Government Ethics Amid Political Storm
The director of the Office of Government Ethics has been outspoken in calling for President-elect Donald Trump to divest from his businesses. Now, congressional Republicans want him to testify.
Trump Wants A Federal Hiring Freeze, But It May Not Save Money
President-elect Trump has said a top priority is to freeze hiring for the federal government. But even those who support reducing the federal workforce say that a freeze can have unintended effects.
Obama Urges A Boost In IT Spending To Secure Federal Computers
Protecting decades-old systems from hackers is like "trying to put air bags into an old car," the government's chief information officer says. The administration proposes $3.1 billion in upgrades.
Texas Pulls Out Of Federal Refugee Resettlement Program
Gov. Greg Abbott's announcement means that aid agencies will have to deal directly with the federal government. State services and benefits for refugees in Texas are expected to end in January.
Native Hawaiians Now Have A Pathway To Form A Government
The Interior Department says Native Hawaiians can now choose whether to form a unified government, which could eventually enter into formal government-to-government relations with the U.S.
Threatened By Rising Seas, Alaska Village Decides To Relocate
Rising sea levels have eroded Shishmaref for many years. Now, the Inupiat Eskimo village has voted to move. One resident told NPR that it's a matter of protecting their unique community.