Politics

Obama's Wide-Ranging, Year-End News Conference

7:07pm December 19, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The president discussed issues ranging from normalization of relations with Cuba to Sony Pictures' decision to cancel release of the film 'The Interview' after a North Korean hack attack.

Actor James Franco (left), seen here with The Interview co-star Seth Rogen, was called "James Flacco" by President Obama Friday. Afterward, the jokes poured in.

Politics & Government

Obama Says 'James Flacco.' The Internet Says, Thank You

5:49pm December 19, 2014

by Bill Chappell

It was an honest mistake. But when President Obama said "James Flacco" when referring to James Franco — on a Friday before the holidays, no less — the slip was eagerly received online.

Workers with the Pebble Mine project test-drill in July 2007 in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska near the village of Iliamma.

Advocacy Groups Tell Lawmakers To Back Off

4:00pm December 19, 2014

by Peter Overby

Three groups from across ideological lines say a congressional investigation into ties between the EPA and the Natural Resources Defense Council seems intended to intimidate.

NPR's series looks at the human toll of mandatory minimum prison sentences. The White House and the Justice Department have taken the unprecedented step of asking for candidates who might win early release from prison through presidential pardons or commu

From Judges To Inmates, Finding The Human Casualties Of Mandatory Sentencing

2:34pm December 19, 2014

by Carrie Johnson

Amid the backdrop of debate inside Washington and across the country, an NPR series will focus on the human toll of the tough mandatory minimum prison terms for drug crimes.

3 Business Best-Sellers Show Inequality Is Now The Hot Topic

2:30pm December 19, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Many business books try to help you get rich quick. But three of 2014's biggest sellers focused on unfairness and inequality. Economists say expect more: Books on inequality are riding a huge wave.

Education Dept. Issues Framework For New College Rating System

11:59am December 19, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The draft plan indicates that such factors as access, affordability and student outcomes will be key to the system first announced by President Obama in 2013.

Cuban-American Congressional Leaders Vow To Fight Obama's Proposals

8:22am December 19, 2014

by Greg Allen

A day after the president's announcement that he wants to normalize relations with Cuba, Cuban-American congressional leaders came together in Miami to condemn it as appeasement of a Communist regime.

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A review panel says changes are needed at the Secret Service — along with a better fence at the White House. Here, members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division stand in front of the White House.

In List Of Changes For Secret Service, A New Fence Comes First

7:46pm December 18, 2014

by Bill Chappell

An independent review panel calls for changes ranging from a better fence at the White House to a new approach to training and leadership within the Secret Service.

Most Pages In New U.S.-Cuba Chapter Still Have To Be Written

6:32pm December 18, 2014

by Scott Horsley

President Obama is re-opening diplomatic ties to Cuba, and easing restrictions on travel and commerce. A day after that historic announcement, we look at what it actually means for would be travelers and exporters.

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Obama Announces Diplomatic Thaw With Cuba

5:22pm December 18, 2014

In re-opening ties with Cuba, the president follows through on strategy he outlined during his first White House campaign. He believes engagement with Cuba is a more powerful tool than isolation.

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