Politics

Retired coal miners could face the loss of health benefits if Congress doesn't implement a fix by Friday.

Retired Coal Miners At Risk Of Losing Promised Health Coverage And Pensions

6:14pm December 08, 2016

by Kara Lofton

A fund guaranteeing health coverage and pensions to retired mine workers is about to run dry. Congress has been reluctant to pick up the tab. Democrats from coal country say it's time to act.

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Former Mich. Governor Outlines How To Convince Companies To Stay

6:14pm December 08, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, about how she convinced companies to stay in the state during the economic recession by offering a package of tax incentives and other perks.

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Trump's Campaign Rhetoric Signals Possible Shift On Civil Rights

4:40pm December 08, 2016

by Carrie Johnson

From LGBT issues to police shootings, civil rights has been the story of the Obama Justice Department. NPR takes a look at what Donald Trump's civil rights team might make a priority.

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Former U.S. Senator And Space Pioneer John Glenn Dies At 95

4:40pm December 08, 2016

John Glenn, former astronaut and U.S. senator, has died. He was 95 years old.

Trump Blasts Union Leader Who Criticized Carrier Deal

4:40pm December 08, 2016

by Annie Ropeik

Donald Trump used his Twitter account to lash out at Chuck Jones, the union official in Indiana who said Trump lied about the Carrier deal. Jones thinks Trump took credit for saving some jobs that were never at risk.

Minority Leader Harry Reid Delivers Farewell Address To Senate

4:40pm December 08, 2016

by Susan Davis

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid gives a farewell address to the Senate on Thursday. NPR looks back on the pugilist from Searchlight, Nev., and the legacy he leaves behind. In particular, his decision to change the rules of the Senate, which will now make it easier to confirm President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees.

One month after winning a seat in Minnesota's legislature, Ilhan Omar says she was assailed in a cab ride to her hotel from the White House.

History-Making Somali-American Legislator Reports 'Hateful' Taunts In D.C.

4:32pm December 08, 2016

by Bill Chappell

Ilhan Omar says she was "subjected to the most hateful, derogatory, Islamophobic, sexist taunts and threats I have ever experienced" in a cab during her visit to the nation's capital.

Don't Stop Arguing, Complaining And Fighting For 'Identity Politics'

3:33pm December 08, 2016

by Tasneem Raja

No one seems to have a satisfying definition of "identity politics," but clearly we've been paying too much attention to race, gender and sexual orientation, right? Not so fast.

President-elect Donald Trump tours the Carrier Corp. in Indianapolis on Dec. 1. The president of the union representing Carrier workers has challenged Trump's claims about how many of the plant's jobs will remain in the U.S.

Trump Takes Aim At Union Official Over Carrier Job Count

3:23pm December 08, 2016

by Scott Horsley

An Indiana union official says Donald Trump overstated the number of jobs he saved at a Carrier plant. He soon found himself on the receiving end of Trump's Twitter feed and harassing phone calls.

Bots-B-Gone? Congress Bans Ticket-Scalpers' Tool Blamed For Quick Sell-Outs

1:27pm December 08, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The ban applies to ticket sales for any public event that can be attended by 200 or more people.