Politics & Government

President Bill Clinton's final State of the Union set a record at one hour and 29 minutes. Clinton dwelt primarily on improvements made in the economy during his administration.

Politics & Government

Victory Lap? Final State Of The Union Speeches Reflect And Look Ahead

4:23pm January 11, 2016

by Ron Elving

Eighth-year reports, like the one President Obama will deliver this week, have carried a special portent and the opportunity for a president to address his own record and the direction of the country.

Obama's Final State Of The union

5:57am January 11, 2016

What to expect when President Obama delivers his final State of the Union on Tuesday, from NPR's Ron Elving.

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President Obama is seen on a television inside the U.S. Capitol delivering his last State of the Union address in 2015.

Politics & Government

5 Things To Watch For In Obama's Final State Of The Union

5:27pm January 10, 2016

by Mara Liasson

It's the last big speech many Americans will watch President Obama deliver, and he wants to leave a good impression.

Republicans Want To Change The Conversation About Poverty

3:28pm January 10, 2016

Sen. Tim Scott hosted a forum on poverty for presidential candidates on Saturday. He talks about why he wants to change the way the Republican Party talks about the issue.

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Owner of No Grease Barber Shop in Charlotte, N.C., Damian Johnson, finishes up a haircut on Sam Chaney. Sam has been a client for over 10 years.

Economy And Immigration: What's Dividing Republicans

10:45am January 10, 2016

Amidst major economic development and an immigration influx, a trip to Charlotte, N.C., reveals trends within the Republican Party that are taking place across cities facing similar issues.

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Seeking To Expand Voter Reach, GOP Leaders Hold Poverty Forum

8:03am January 10, 2016

by Sarah McCammon

House Speaker Paul Ryan and Sen. Tim Scott hosted a forum in South Carolina Saturday on how Republicans plan to combat poverty. About half of the GOP presidential candidates shared their ideas.

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Barbershop: Guns, Obama and 'Making A Murderer'

5:39pm January 09, 2016

This week: President Obama's tearful moment on gun policy this week. Also how the Netflix series Making a Murderer is shaking up the way people think about criminal justice.

As His Final State Of Union Nears, Looking At Obama's Legacy

1:25pm January 09, 2016

President Obama will give his State of the Union address on Tuesday. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with NPR's Scott Horsley, Michele Kelemen and Chris Joyce about Obama's legacy.

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William Gordon, left, helps Steve Wrona as he looks at guns while visiting the K&W Gunworks store in Delray Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, the day President Obama announced executive action on guns.

Research Suggests Gun Background Checks Work, But They're Not Everything

10:05am January 09, 2016

by Danielle Kurtzleben

Recent studies have found that background checks can help curb gun violence. In recent shootings, though, evidence is tougher to see.

Mayor Joe Riley of Charleston, S.C. is the longest-serving mayor in the country.

America's Longest-Serving Mayor Steps Down

9:11am January 09, 2016

by Debbie Elliott

Joe Riley has been mayor of Charleston, S.C. for 40 years. His tenure has seen the transformation of downtown Charleston, and recently, the alleged racially-motivated murders at Emmanuel AME Church.

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