Politics

President Biden addresses a joint session of Congress on April 28, 2021, as Vice President Harris (left) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applaud.

What you need to know ahead of Biden's first State of the Union address

2:08pm February 28, 2022

by Alana Wise

Top issues to expect in President Biden's address are his response to concerns about rising inflation and fatigue about the pandemic as well as steps taken to threaten Russia's financial stability.

The U.S. government says in its affidavit that this photo shows Guy Reffitt rinsing his eyes outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, wearing a blue jacket over a tactical vest and a helmet with a camera.

Politics & Government

1st trial of a U.S. Capitol riot defendant opens Monday in D.C.

12:11pm February 28, 2022

by Ryan Lucas

The trial, at a courthouse just down the street from the site of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, is a milestone in the Capitol riot investigation.

The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court to hear a case that could limit the EPA's power to fight climate change

11:39am February 28, 2022

The outcome of the case could also hamstring the authority of all agencies, from the EPA to the Securities and Exchange Commission to Federal Reserve Board.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Sen. Sullivan supports sending more military aid to Ukraine

5:14pm February 27, 2022

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Montgomery, Ala., mayor on leading the city through the voting rights battle

5:14pm February 27, 2022

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Steven Reed, the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Ala.

Politics & Government

Co-chair of Senate Ukraine Caucus calls for stricter sanctions against Russia

8:24am February 27, 2022

by Sarah McCammon

Sarah McCammon asks Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., about the crisis in Ukraine and the American government's response.

Politics & Government

Politics chat: Congress unifies in denouncing Russia; Supreme Court nominee chosen

8:01am February 27, 2022

by Mara Liasson

America's political leaders have been denouncing Russia for its attack on Ukraine, with the occasional notable exception of former President Donald Trump.

U.S. and European allies move to cut Russian banks off from SWIFT

8:01am February 27, 2022

by Jackie Northam

U.S. and European authorities tightened sanctions on Russia by moving to cut off certain Russian banks from SWIFT, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.

Destiny Laurence receives a call at the Harris County Election Office in downtown Houston. In January alone, Washington and the 14 other workers in the call center received 8,000 calls from people asking for help navigating the voting process.

Politics & Government

Texas election workers provide practical and emotional support to confused voters

7:00am February 27, 2022

Tuesday is the first statewide election in Texas since it enacted a sweeping new voting law. Some elections officials say the law has left voters unsure how and if they will be able to participate.

Queue Listen Now

Alabama leaders say their maps don't disfavor Black voters, but activists disagree

8:54pm February 26, 2022

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with lawmakers and an activist in Montgomery, Ala., to learn more about the battle over voting rights and gerrymandering in the state.

Queue Listen Now