Politics & Government

Republican Ben Carson speaks during the Republican presidential debate Wednesday night.

FACT CHECK: Simpler Isn't Always Better When It Comes To Taxes

5:19pm October 29, 2015

by Scott Horsley

Republican presidential candidates pushed for what they see as a "simpler" tax code with flat taxes and fewer pages, but experts say there are big drawbacks to some of these plans.

The Unintended Consequences Of China's Birth Policy In 'One-Child'

4:40pm October 29, 2015

NPR's Robert Siegel talks about the 35-year one-child policy's effects on Chinese society with Mei Fong, author of the book One Child: The Story Of China's Most Radical Experiment.

Iran Joins International Talks On Syrian Conflict In Vienna

4:40pm October 29, 2015

by Peter Kenyon

For the first time, Iran joins the U.S. and more than a dozen other world and regional powers to discuss ending the civil war in Syria. Iran is the Syrian regime's major backer.

Pennsylvania Schools Short On Funds As Budget Stalemate Continues

4:40pm October 29, 2015

by Solvejg Wastvedt

The governor and legislators can't agree how to fix the deficit or how much money schools should get. Meanwhile, districts are taking out loans and racking up interest costs to keep the lights on.

GOP Candidates Clash With Each Other And Moderators In Third Debate

3:19pm October 29, 2015

by Mara Liasson

Republican presidential candidates gathered for their third debate on Wednesday night in Boulder, Colo. This one focused on economic issues, with Donald Trump and Ben Carson at center stage.

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Trans-Pacific Partnership Provision On Trade Disputes Draws Criticism

1:35pm October 29, 2015

by Yuki Noguchi

The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement the Obama administration is trying to sell to Congress includes a seemingly obscure and controversial provision. It's called the Investor-State Dispute Settlement, or ISDS among wonks. NPR explains why that provision is drawing criticism.

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Stalled Legal Process Threatens Obama's Executive Actions On Immigration

12:53pm October 29, 2015

by Richard Gonzales

Nearly a year ago, the Obama administration expanded protections to certain immigrants and their parents living here illegally. States, led by Texas, sued and won an initial victory to block implementation. The case is now stalled in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and some advocates suspect the court's delay is deliberate.

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Newly elected House Speaker Paul Ryan speaks Thursday in the House Chamber.

Pledging To 'Wipe The Slate Clean,' Wisconsin's Paul Ryan Elected House Speaker

11:44am October 29, 2015

by Amita Kelly

Saying he's "not interested in laying blame," Ryan called on the committees to take the lead in drafting all major legislation, and for a return to regular order.

Outgoing Speaker John Boehner gives his farewell speech in the House chamber Thursday.

House Speaker John Boehner Says Goodbye

11:11am October 29, 2015

by Amita Kelly

Announcing his intent to resign on the House floor Thursday, Boehner said he leaves "with no regrets, no burdens."

Marco Rubio (center) was able to stand out even while being targeted by Jeb Bush (left), someone once described as a mentor. Donald Trump looks on.

Rubio, Cruz, Christie Improve Their Standing In Third GOP Debate

10:46am October 29, 2015

by Ron Elving

The night's peak energy point came when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz told a CNBC moderator: "The questions that have been asked so far in this debate illustrate why the American people don't trust the media."