Politics

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad Visits Moscow In First Trip Since War Began

6:31pm October 21, 2015

by Corey Flintoff

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has visited Moscow in his first trip outside his country since the war began there nearly five years ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that Russia's military intervention in Syria will lead to a political solution, which will keep Assad in power.

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Obama Shares Plans To Tackle Heroin Epidemic In West Virginia

6:31pm October 21, 2015

by Don Gonyea

President Obama traveled to West Virginia to talk about prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction Wednesday.

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Vice President Biden (right) announces in the Rose Garden of the White House on Wednesday that he will not seek the presidency.

What Is Joe Biden Thinking?

6:16pm October 21, 2015

by Ron Elving

His political instincts, his ability to make a critical decision, told him not to run. And he listened.

Many Alabama Lawmakers Use Personal Email To Conduct Official Business

4:54pm October 21, 2015

by Gigi Douban

Turns out Hillary Clinton isn't the only government official with an email issue. Many state lawmakers use personal accounts to do official business, including those in Alabama.

A protester in West Virginia holds a sign ahead of President Obama's speech on drug abuse that reads, "Don't blame me. I voted for the American."

Welcome To West Virginia, Obama — In 2 Pictures

4:23pm October 21, 2015

by Domenico Montanaro

President Obama is slated to speak in West Virginia Wednesday afternoon, but protesters were lining up hours beforehand — and their welcome wasn't exactly hospitable.

Rep. Dent: Paul Ryan Must Explain 'Mathematical Reality' Of Speaker Race

4:18pm October 21, 2015

Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan has announced he is open to serving as speaker of the house. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Rep. Charlie Dent, a Pennsylvania Republican, about the future of the House.

Clinton (purple line) is regaining some lost round lately, while Biden's (green) fortunes are fading the teeniest bit.

Why Biden Didn't Run, By The Numbers

3:40pm October 21, 2015

by Danielle Kurtzleben

There are plenty of ways to explain why Biden isn't running. Polling, endorsements and fundraising are three good ones.

"Our officers are losing all day long on arrest reports and at lockups dropping off prisoners," said Ronal Serpas, co-chair of the new group, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration.

More Than 100 Police Chiefs And Prosecutors Unite To Cut Prison Population

2:19pm October 21, 2015

by Carrie Johnson

"Our experience has been ... that you really can reduce crime and incarceration at the same time," says Ronal Serpas of the new group, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration.

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Politics & Government

Paul Ryan Sort Of Joins The House Speaker Race

2:09pm October 21, 2015

by Ailsa Chang

After a week and a half of mounting pressure, Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan announced he is open to serving as Speaker of the House after all — but with conditions: his fractured Republican caucus must unite behind him before he enters the race. Attention will now focus on a group of several dozen conservatives who will need to decide this week whether to back Ryan.

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Only in the U.S. is nearly 400 days out considered potentially too late to run.

Canada Reminds Us That American Elections Are Much Longer

1:37pm October 21, 2015

by Danielle Kurtzleben

U.S. election campaigns are insanely long when you compare them to other countries'.