U.S.

Donald Trump Attempts To Clarify Comments On Federal Debt Payments

6:36pm May 09, 2016

by Scott Horsley

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump held no public events Monday, but he nonetheless called into several cable television shows in an effort to clarify statements from last week about how he might negotiate federal deficit payments. His earlier remarks had plenty of economists in an uproar.

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Cattle rancher Mike John runs a cow-calf operation in Huntsville, Mo., and says he hopes the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal will open up new markets for his beef.

Why Many Midwestern Farmers Are Pro-TPP

6:15pm May 09, 2016

by Kristofor Husted

A coalition of more than 200 agriculture groups wrote an open letter urging Congress to approve the trade deal, saying it'll help U.S. farmers stay competitive in an increasingly crowded world market.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has spent about $117 million on Medicare Advantage audits that have recouped just $14 million related to overcharging.

GAO Audit: Feds Failed To Rein In Medicare Advantage Overbilling

5:19pm May 09, 2016

by Fred Schulte

Privately run Medicare Advantage plans have overcharged the federal government by billions of dollars, yet Medicare hasn't been effective in recouping the excessive payments, an audit found.

U.S. Intelligence Officials Carry On Tradition Of Briefing Presidential Candidates

5:18pm May 09, 2016

by Mary Louise Kelly

As the presidential front-runners move closer to the July conventions, they will assume the many trappings of a president, including their very own top-secret briefings. President Truman started the tradition of providing classified briefings to presidential candidates back in 1952. NPR explores how the process will unfold this summer, how much is shared with potential nominees, and the risk of a candidate leaking intelligence secrets.

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National

North Carolina Sues Federal Government Over Transgender Bathroom Law

5:02pm May 09, 2016

by Jeff Tiberii

The state of North Carolina sued the federal government Monday. North Carolina's governor says the Obama administration is bypassing Congress to rewrite state law. It's over the state's controversial bill that limits protections for LGBT people.

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Justice Department Files Complaint Against North Carolina Over Bathroom Law

5:02pm May 09, 2016

by Carrie Johnson

Attorney General Loretta Lynch filed a federal complaint against North Carolina Monday after the state sued the federal government in the fight over its controversial transgender bathroom law.

Veteran GOP Congressman John Duncan, Jr., Endorses Donald Trump

5:02pm May 09, 2016

NPR's Robert Siegel interviews Republican Rep. John Duncan, Jr., of Tennessee about his support for Donald Trump.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew Visits Puerto Rico Amid Debt Crisis

5:02pm May 09, 2016

by Greg Allen

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew is in Puerto Rico to highlight the need for Congressional action to help the island restructure its $70 billion debt. Lew is getting a first-hand look at some of the problems the government is facing, including underfunded schools and hospitals plus an emerging Zika crisis.

National

Miami Police Veteran Ready To Lead Ferguson, Mo., Police Department

5:02pm May 09, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Delrish Moss, the new chief of the Ferguson, Mo., police department, about the challenges ahead of him.

National

Justice Department Suit Threatens North Carolina Title IX Funding

5:02pm May 09, 2016

The Justice Department suit against North Carolina over its discrimination law comes with a threat: the loss of more than $4.5 billion in federal funding for education. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Matt Ellinwood, director of the education and law project at the North Carolina Justice Center, about what would happen if that money went away.