Governing

State Of The Obama Economy: Far Better, But Still With Many Troubles

6:48pm January 11, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

The economy has improved dramatically in the Obama era. But problems still abound because of the soaring national debt, a deformed tax code, shrunken paychecks and a growing skills gap.

More than 300,000 California teachers are represented by unions like the California Teachers Association, seen here protesting proposed budget cuts in 2011. Nine percent of those California teachers have not joined the union, but under state law, any unio

Is It Fair To Have To Pay Fees To A Union You Don't Agree With?

5:45pm January 11, 2016

by Nina Totenberg

At the Supreme Court on Monday, union opponents are seeking to reverse a 1977 decision that allows public employee unions to collect fees from those who don't join the union but are protected by it.

Queue Listen Now

President Bill Clinton's final State of the Union set a record at one hour and 29 minutes. Clinton dwelt primarily on improvements made in the economy during his administration.

Politics & Government

Victory Lap? Final State Of The Union Speeches Reflect And Look Ahead

4:23pm January 11, 2016

by Ron Elving

Eighth-year reports, like the one President Obama will deliver this week, have carried a special portent and the opportunity for a president to address his own record and the direction of the country.

National

Oregon Occupiers Bolster Cause Of Other Anti-Government Militants

1:16pm January 09, 2016

by Kirk Siegler

There's growing concern among former federal land managers that the government's inaction against one Nevada rancher is helping the cause of armed anti-government militants elsewhere in the West.

Queue Listen Now

A sign promotes a real estate project last month in Kunming, China. Construction of residential and commercial properties has outpaced demand in China, a factor that some analysts cite in forecasting another global economic downturn.

China's Woes Are Growing, Along With A Debate: Is It 2008 Again?

6:10pm January 07, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

China's economy and stock market are taking hits. Billionaire George Soros says it's setting the stage for another global meltdown. But others argue China's troubles will not trigger a crisis.

Eat This, Not That: The U.S. government's latest Dietary Guidelines call on Americans to eat more vegetables and fruits, more seafood and whole grains, and to cool it on foods high in sugar, refined grains, sodium and saturated fats.

New Dietary Guidelines Crack Down On Sugar. But Red Meat Gets A Pass

4:49pm January 07, 2016

An advisory panel had recommended telling Americans to cut back on red and processed meats. But that controversial advice is missing from the update to the government's official nutrition guidelines.

Queue Listen Now

A woman fills her car with gas in Woodbridge, Va., on Tuesday. Supplies of crude oil and refined gasoline have driven prices at the pump down, and they're expected to go even lower.

If You Like Cheap Gasoline, January May Be Your Lucky Month

6:21pm January 06, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

Prices already are averaging less than $2 a gallon nationwide, and a new report shows gasoline inventories are surging. Experts say that sets the stage for more price drops in coming days.

Prices, as seen at a gas station in Woodbridge, Va., on Tuesday, are 21 cents a gallon cheaper than this time last year. The drop violates the historic rule that tension such as that currently between key producers Saudi Arabia and Iran causes the cost of

Troubles Are Up In The Middle East, But Oil Prices Are Down. Huh?

7:27pm January 05, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

In the past, when political tensions increased, oil prices went up too amid supply risks. But now OPEC's power is down and U.S. oil supplies are much greater, helping hold prices steady.

National

As 2016 Elections Loom, So Does A Possible End To DACA

2:20am January 04, 2016

by Hansi Lo Wang

The next president could end Obama's executive action on immigration — and many GOP candidates have vowed to do it. For almost 700,000 immigrants in the U.S. illegally, the clock may be ticking.

Queue Listen Now

Puerto Rico Says It Will Miss $37 Million In Bond Payments This Week

10:18pm December 30, 2015

by Jim Zarroli

The island's government warns that time is running out for Congress to address its fiscal problems. Puerto Rico has been reeling from the effects of declining population and a long recession.