Politics: Issues

GOP Candidates Shift Focus To National Security As First Voting Nears

6:30pm January 04, 2016

by Mara Liasson

The calendar has finally turned to 2016, and the Republican presidential candidates are ramping up their campaigning. The theme this week is national security, an issue that unites the GOP establishment and the conservative grassroots.

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Activists held an open carry rally at the Texas state capitol on Jan. 1, 2016 in Austin, Texas.

National

Texas Businesses Adapt To Open-Carry Law

7:14pm January 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

A new law in Texas allows the open carry of handguns. Some business owners, like restaurateur Jack Perkins, are apprehensive.

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In Defense Of Food Stamps: Why The White House Sings SNAP's Praises

8:38pm December 29, 2015

by Vanessa Rancano

Republicans in Congress want to cut SNAP funding by 20 percent and transform the program. But proponents, including economists in the White House, say it keeps millions of families out of poverty.

Demonstrators block Public Square in Cleveland during a protest over the police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in November 2014.

No Charges For Police Officer Who Killed Tamir Rice: Some Must-Read Reactions

6:24pm December 28, 2015

by Leah Donnella

A grand jury declined to indict Timothy Loehmann, who fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice in November 2014. Tamir had been in a park in Cleveland, playing with a borrowed air gun.

Politics & Government

Cruz-Rubio Immigration Battle Dates Back To 2013 Bill

9:23pm December 17, 2015

by Tamara Keith

During the GOP presidential debate Tuesday night, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio spat about immigration, an argument that dates back to a 2013 debate when the two men were freshman senators.

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Yes, this is a story about the budget â read on.

Winners And Losers Tucked Inside The Spending And Taxing Bills

5:59pm December 17, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Conservatives don't like the price tag and liberals don't like the priorities. Still, Congress is making quick progress on a massive legislative push affecting government spending and business taxes.

Federal Reserve Bank Chair Janet Yellen holds a news conference after the central bank announced its first rate increase in more than 9 years.

Federal Reserve Announces Hike In Short-Term Interest Rates

5:54pm December 16, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

After holding rates near zero for seven years, the Fed approved a small increase Wednesday. While that step seems minor, the impact could be huge in 2016 as borrowing costs head up.

An American soldier carrying equipment walks past an American flag at Incirlik Air Base in Adana, Turkey, as U.S. Air Force war planes are used against ISIS.

How ISIS, Paris And San Bernardino Have Changed The Republican Race

8:33pm December 15, 2015

by Don Gonyea

National security and terrorism have been a top issue for Republicans, but they have gained even more importance after the Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., attacks.

The immigration policy overhaul group founded by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is considered the most well-funded immigration reform group in the country.

Politics & Government

How Billionaire Techies Hope To Reshape The Immigration Debate

10:29pm December 09, 2015

by Asma Khalid

As the debate has shifted away from comprehensive immigration overhaul and toward the idea of mass deportations, a group created by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is trying to refocus the conversation.

Politicians React To San Bernardino Shooting

6:47pm December 03, 2015

by Sarah McCammon

The chances for political action after the latest mass shooting are low. But the reaction was swift, with many on the left criticizing conservatives for turning solely to thoughts and prayers.

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