How To Turn A Red State Blue: California Edition
Democrats who want to change the dynamics in Texas are turning to California for inspiration. Here's a look at how things went so wrong for the Republicans in the Golden State.
Politics
Big Growth Could Shake Up Texas' Old Political Equation
The state is growing fast, and most of that growth is in the Hispanic population. If Democrats could capture a large share of Hispanic votes — as they have elsewhere — they would be a lot more competitive in Texas. But the state's GOP leader says he's not worried.
Gay Marriage Now A State-By-State Battle
After this week's Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage, supporters and opponents are turning their attention to individual states, where several legislatures are expected to take up the issue.
Agencies Continue To Identify Fallout From Sequestration
The last of the mandated federal budget cuts begin in July. Federal agencies have had to work around furloughs and other issues. For more on the effects of sequestration, David Greene talks to NPR's Brian Naylor, Tamara Keith, Pam Fessler and Larry Abramson.
Obama: Time For A Mutually Beneficial Alliance With Africa
While in Senegal on Thursday, President Obama toured the House of Slaves on Goree Island, a site which memorializes the final passage of African slaves to the Americas. At the presidential palace in Dakar, Obama said it's time for the U.S. to benefit from a partnership, and not simply give in the relationship with Africa.
A Look Ahead And A Farewell To The Political Junkie
In the final edition of the Political Junkie, NPR's Ken Rudin looks ahead to 2014 and 2016 elections with democratic pollster Anna Greenberg and Republican strategist Vin Weber.
Coal Industry Concerned By Obama's Climate Change Plans
President Obama on Tuesday announced a wide-ranging plan to address climate change. Rather than taking it to Congress, Obama is implementing the plan on his own. The president wants the Environmental Protection Agency to restrict carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The biggest source of those emissions is coal-fired facilities.
What Changes After Supreme Court Ruling On Voting Rights Act
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, stating that the legislation was based on now outdated data. The ruling removes the coverage formula that required federal oversight for voting processes in nine states.
Religious Conservatives Focus On Midterm Elections
Ralph Reed's Faith and Freedom Coalition kicked off its third annual conference Thursday in Washington, D.C. The conclave's stated aim is to grow the conservative vote for next year's midterm election. It's also a forum for a constellation of conservative stars, some of them eying the White House.
IRS Systematically Targeted 'Progressive' Groups Too
It wasn't just Tea Party groups that had a "be on the lookout" list at the IRS. A "broad spectrum" of groups were also targeted for increased scrutiny on other lists, which the agency has stopped using under its new acting leader Danny Werfel.